I've been thinking about a new computer, mine is getting a little sluggish. But you know, it's faster than many out there still, and mostly I use it for blogging.
I agree with you that you'll find great deals on cell phones. Having worked in the cellular industry, I know that carriers are taking drastic measures to get customers this time of year.
Haha, what a nice twist on the five stages of grief. Fortunately, I didn't have a lot of friends and family pressuring me to shop (but I know when some people get on a budget their friends freak out).
My shopping really consisted of Burger King. But I escaped and now have a healthier heart and wallet because of it!
Taking on the role of a student at your new job is a great way to become familiar with the company and your new coworkers. The most valuable employees are people who are eager to learn something new. Always ask questions, listen carefully, take notes and work as efficiently as possible. Remember to be courteous and respectful of other work space and duties.
We have a basement playroom full of toys, with 4 kids ranging from 4 to 12, 2 girls and 2 boys. We started participating in our neighborhood's annual garage sale last year, and we got rid of lots of stuff (and made some money!). I've been making mental notes to myself of what can go this year....
Deals you may be interested in may not be posted everyday but when one is its fun to watch to see if you're going to get it. Here is also an online coupons place couponmissy.com where you can get all the latest deals from top rated merchants and on the products you want.
I combine my trips as much as I can and walk to things that are close by when possible. To save on fuel I'll go to the grocery store and get gas gift cards so that I earn 2x the fuel points buying a gift card and then save more money by using the gift card instead of cash at the pump. Having a smaller vehicle--a subcompact that I keep maintained also has helped me too
I'm leery about furniture these days with the bed bug epidemic seemingly everywhere.
Nevertheless my sister lives in Phoenix AZ and there are great thrift stores there. She has gotten great pieces of furniture, lamps, chairs, tables, yard furniture, you name it.
Pictures, frames, antiques, wallets, purses and shoes; all in excellent shape. I only wish there were such choices here on Long Island, NY - the few places I've gone into seem to have a lot of junk.
I'm currently 27 and in a relatively stable career. I started working FT at 21 years old. I've definitely made some mistakes, but am currently in a good spot. Currently have about 1 years salary in the retirement with a 75/25 split on 401k/Roth. I recently switched jobs to an employer that doesn't match, but does offer stock options that could very valuable if the company ever goes public. I'm now contributing 16% of my salary split 50/50 between 401k and Roth. My wife works in the school system and has a modest pension but minimal IRA savings.
Mistakes were not partaking in matching offered by the job I had a co-op before starting my career. They would've match 60% of 8%. Next was not rolling over the automatic 401k contribution from that company as well. I was below the minimum balance in the account so they cashed out the account. After that was not contributing to my 401k my 1st year of employment because they didn't match until after that.
I started younger than most and have been able to rectify my mistakes at a young age, but if I had not made those mistakes, I could be even better off.
As a 24 year old who's been contributing to 401k for the past 3 years, it's nice that the contributions are a) automated and b) pre-tax - since the actual impact on the paycheck is much lower.
What's hard is the high-interest private student loans, having the government loans kick in, and managing credit card debt (although I don't have much of that thankfully). I'm already pretty responsible about my spending, so now it's sorting out how to best pay this all off...
Thoughts? One thing I've considered is deferring the government loans just long enough to finish paying off the credit cards (about 8 months - ick), then increasing the payments on the higher interest loan, and beginning to pay off the government ones.
Thanks so much for writing this! I received an email from them today saying that the card I had requested should be received shortly. I didn't request a card, and - as the spouse of someone who's been a victim of identity fraud - I am gravely concerned that an unsolicited card will be dropped in an unsecured mail box. If the card is activated by someone else, we will again be in the position of trying to clear our credit record. I was gravely disappointed to see that the Better Business Bureau gave them an "A" rating. I intend to let them know why I think they're wrong.
I think there's a little bit of Darth Vader in all of us – we are torn individuals, torn between the lure of more debt to get what we want and the sweet smell of freedom.
DOWN WITH DEBT! May the force be with you. Thanks for the article!
Personally, I feel people should pay cash for vehicles and skip the finance option. Many dealerships sell cars as a means to sell loans, because that's where they make their money!
Buy what you can afford (aka, with money that's already in your checking account). Old cars can be great cars – no need to buy new unless you're rolling in the dough. :)
Good advice here. I remember a teacher of mine in high school telling all of his students to research and get a Roth IRA. Because I started one so early in life, I'll be reaping the rewards of his advice once he's long gone.
I believe when applied externally caffeine may reduce swelling - but when taken internally it can dehydrate the body over time, increasing wrinkles and a host of other negative bodily effects.
Hi, I love mint tea it helps me to relax so I can sleep. My Mom used to put a sprig of fresh mint in with new potatoes when she boiled them. I have three different kinds of mint in my yard but I planted them in old bathtubs to keep them confined.
One of the biggest points I got from this article is that we all need to think more along the idea of recycling our old electronics. Yes it can be time consuming and yes depending on where you live it may be next to impossible to find an organization to take the old electronics but think of recycling it to someone you know who could use and appreciate it. I had an old 32 inch tv that I gave to an older couple whose previous tv gave out. The tv I gave them was larger than what they had and to them it was new and huge. Their old tv went to one of their friends who likes to tinker with stuff, so everyone was happy. We need to do more to keep things out of landfills and we need companies (cell phones especially) to take a more active part in recycling their old products.
Bountifulbaskets.org is a great way to get fresh fruits and veggies at very low prices. They are a co-op and not available everywhere. You pre-order a basket, then go pick it up on delivery day, which in my part of the USA is on Saturday AM.
Children are really strange. I have a few brothers sisters, nephews and nieces and they always have toys all over the place! The weird thing is, they don't actually seem to be playing with the toys- they just like to scatter them. I honestly believe that.
It's hard to think about the future when you're still working out the present, but the earlier you start is really much better. In a few months I'm actually planning on starting myself a retirement fund.
I've been thinking about a new computer, mine is getting a little sluggish. But you know, it's faster than many out there still, and mostly I use it for blogging.
I agree with you that you'll find great deals on cell phones. Having worked in the cellular industry, I know that carriers are taking drastic measures to get customers this time of year.
Thanks for the article!
Haha, what a nice twist on the five stages of grief. Fortunately, I didn't have a lot of friends and family pressuring me to shop (but I know when some people get on a budget their friends freak out).
My shopping really consisted of Burger King. But I escaped and now have a healthier heart and wallet because of it!
Thanks for the article!
I use Schick Hydro 5 razors and was using 1 per shave.
I now use this process and the blades last so long I cannot remember how long I use them:
Wet face
Slather mineral oil onto your face
Put shave cream on your face
Shave
Taking on the role of a student at your new job is a great way to become familiar with the company and your new coworkers. The most valuable employees are people who are eager to learn something new. Always ask questions, listen carefully, take notes and work as efficiently as possible. Remember to be courteous and respectful of other work space and duties.
We have a basement playroom full of toys, with 4 kids ranging from 4 to 12, 2 girls and 2 boys. We started participating in our neighborhood's annual garage sale last year, and we got rid of lots of stuff (and made some money!). I've been making mental notes to myself of what can go this year....
Deals you may be interested in may not be posted everyday but when one is its fun to watch to see if you're going to get it. Here is also an online coupons place couponmissy.com where you can get all the latest deals from top rated merchants and on the products you want.
I combine my trips as much as I can and walk to things that are close by when possible. To save on fuel I'll go to the grocery store and get gas gift cards so that I earn 2x the fuel points buying a gift card and then save more money by using the gift card instead of cash at the pump. Having a smaller vehicle--a subcompact that I keep maintained also has helped me too
I carpool when I can and also combine trips to drive less.
Don't forget about the Saver's Tax Credit as well... up to $1000 deduction! http://www.investopedia.com/articles/retirement/04/031704.asp
I'm leery about furniture these days with the bed bug epidemic seemingly everywhere.
Nevertheless my sister lives in Phoenix AZ and there are great thrift stores there. She has gotten great pieces of furniture, lamps, chairs, tables, yard furniture, you name it.
Pictures, frames, antiques, wallets, purses and shoes; all in excellent shape. I only wish there were such choices here on Long Island, NY - the few places I've gone into seem to have a lot of junk.
I'm currently 27 and in a relatively stable career. I started working FT at 21 years old. I've definitely made some mistakes, but am currently in a good spot. Currently have about 1 years salary in the retirement with a 75/25 split on 401k/Roth. I recently switched jobs to an employer that doesn't match, but does offer stock options that could very valuable if the company ever goes public. I'm now contributing 16% of my salary split 50/50 between 401k and Roth. My wife works in the school system and has a modest pension but minimal IRA savings.
Mistakes were not partaking in matching offered by the job I had a co-op before starting my career. They would've match 60% of 8%. Next was not rolling over the automatic 401k contribution from that company as well. I was below the minimum balance in the account so they cashed out the account. After that was not contributing to my 401k my 1st year of employment because they didn't match until after that.
I started younger than most and have been able to rectify my mistakes at a young age, but if I had not made those mistakes, I could be even better off.
Great post! I love the step by step instructions and anecdotes.
As a 24 year old who's been contributing to 401k for the past 3 years, it's nice that the contributions are a) automated and b) pre-tax - since the actual impact on the paycheck is much lower.
What's hard is the high-interest private student loans, having the government loans kick in, and managing credit card debt (although I don't have much of that thankfully). I'm already pretty responsible about my spending, so now it's sorting out how to best pay this all off...
Thoughts? One thing I've considered is deferring the government loans just long enough to finish paying off the credit cards (about 8 months - ick), then increasing the payments on the higher interest loan, and beginning to pay off the government ones.
Thanks so much for writing this! I received an email from them today saying that the card I had requested should be received shortly. I didn't request a card, and - as the spouse of someone who's been a victim of identity fraud - I am gravely concerned that an unsolicited card will be dropped in an unsecured mail box. If the card is activated by someone else, we will again be in the position of trying to clear our credit record. I was gravely disappointed to see that the Better Business Bureau gave them an "A" rating. I intend to let them know why I think they're wrong.
Thanks for your comment! If you have more ideas, I'm all ears!
I think there's a little bit of Darth Vader in all of us – we are torn individuals, torn between the lure of more debt to get what we want and the sweet smell of freedom.
DOWN WITH DEBT! May the force be with you. Thanks for the article!
Personally, I feel people should pay cash for vehicles and skip the finance option. Many dealerships sell cars as a means to sell loans, because that's where they make their money!
Buy what you can afford (aka, with money that's already in your checking account). Old cars can be great cars – no need to buy new unless you're rolling in the dough. :)
Good advice here. I remember a teacher of mine in high school telling all of his students to research and get a Roth IRA. Because I started one so early in life, I'll be reaping the rewards of his advice once he's long gone.
Start retirement investing early, and keep it up!
Thanks for the article!
I believe when applied externally caffeine may reduce swelling - but when taken internally it can dehydrate the body over time, increasing wrinkles and a host of other negative bodily effects.
Hi, I love mint tea it helps me to relax so I can sleep. My Mom used to put a sprig of fresh mint in with new potatoes when she boiled them. I have three different kinds of mint in my yard but I planted them in old bathtubs to keep them confined.
One of the biggest points I got from this article is that we all need to think more along the idea of recycling our old electronics. Yes it can be time consuming and yes depending on where you live it may be next to impossible to find an organization to take the old electronics but think of recycling it to someone you know who could use and appreciate it. I had an old 32 inch tv that I gave to an older couple whose previous tv gave out. The tv I gave them was larger than what they had and to them it was new and huge. Their old tv went to one of their friends who likes to tinker with stuff, so everyone was happy. We need to do more to keep things out of landfills and we need companies (cell phones especially) to take a more active part in recycling their old products.
I drink soda occasionally, but usually opt for other drinks: tea (hot or cold), coffee, water, beer or wine, fruit juice, lemonade.
My stomach thanks me! :)
Bountifulbaskets.org is a great way to get fresh fruits and veggies at very low prices. They are a co-op and not available everywhere. You pre-order a basket, then go pick it up on delivery day, which in my part of the USA is on Saturday AM.
Children are really strange. I have a few brothers sisters, nephews and nieces and they always have toys all over the place! The weird thing is, they don't actually seem to be playing with the toys- they just like to scatter them. I honestly believe that.
It's hard to think about the future when you're still working out the present, but the earlier you start is really much better. In a few months I'm actually planning on starting myself a retirement fund.