Recent comments

  • Ask the Readers: What DIY Projects Do You Do?   13 years 19 weeks ago

    I cook instead of going out to eat.

  • How to Make Your Own Soda   13 years 19 weeks ago

    Got a soda stream, i love it but the flavors are bad

  • Ask the Readers: What DIY Projects Do You Do?   13 years 19 weeks ago

    House painting, landscaping & gardening, sewing for clothing and around the house.

  • 20 Creative Uses for Peeps Beyond the Easter Basket   13 years 19 weeks ago

    All good ideas, especially the stamp one. Peep gift wrap?

    As part of our family's longstanding tradition, the peep packaging is punctured early on. They are not eaten until they become very stale since we think the best peep is one with the texture of a circus peanut. A small package once a year is enough.

  • Ask the Readers: What DIY Projects Do You Do?   13 years 19 weeks ago

    I like to do DIY art decorations for our home.

  • Feeling Stuck? 100 Ways to Change Your Life   13 years 19 weeks ago

    Thanks Nora! What a cool idea, to brainstorm everything I want to do, then look the list over and sort it for items to put into action. I love it!
    Thanks for posting,
    Harv Whitman

  • Student Loans: The Third Way to Ruin Your Finances   13 years 19 weeks ago

    If I had the benefit of hindsight, I would have either a)went to a cheaper school (strongly discouraged at the time because I went to a private high school) or b)waited until I could afford the school and then went. Even if it meant being well into my 20's before I did it. Having student loans is a horrible idea. You get tons of money before you have concept of what the amount you have to pay back really is, then you are on the hook to pay it back soon after school, whether you have a job or not. Sure, there's deferments, but you're just delaying the inevitable (and killing your credit). Then God forbid, you don't make as much money as you hoped or go a long period of time without a job. Or if you aren't skilled in managing your bills. That sounds like a bad investment to me.

  • How to Do Things That Scare You   13 years 19 weeks ago

    Starting small is a classic way of getting over a fear or getting into the swing of just about anything. It allows you to test out and activity, knowing you can back out at anytime and building your courage to move further. It's kinda like running, you have to start slow and build up your endurance but overtime you will be running miles (or doing whatever your afraid of.)

  • The 5 Best Deals in Every Thrift Store   13 years 19 weeks ago

    I love thrift shopping. My favorite items to look for at the thrift store are Tshirts. I can never have enough. I've also browsed for furniture. But one point you make that I find fantastic and otherwise had not thought of is belts! What a great idea! Most of the time my belts don't even show. I just need them to keep my pants up around my waist and why should I have to pay so much for that?! Thanks for the article.

  • Why You Pay More at the Grocery Store (and How to Stop)   13 years 19 weeks ago

    Thanks for the catch! We've fixed it.

  • Are You Happy With Your Bank?   13 years 19 weeks ago

    Hey Russel -- In spite of the survey results, I know some people who are happy with BoA. But if you're unhappy, there's no reason you shouldn't shop around for a better banking experience.

    As a few have mentioned, convenience is also a factor since it can save you money and time. If you have Chase in your area, I'd check it out. You might also check out credit unions and local banks so you can compare and choose the best bank for your needs. Best of luck in your search!

  • 11 Attractive Standing Desks You Can Actually Afford   13 years 19 weeks ago

    Love the industrial shelving option!

  • Are You Happy With Your Bank?   13 years 19 weeks ago

    Hey Mario -- Thanks for all the details you've shared. One reason I love writing for Wise Bread is that the readers here are the best!

    Your comment about every bank having pros and cons is right on. And another point you made that I like is about the convenience. Sometimes it's worth a little annoyance if a bank is convenient and you save on fees.

  • Are You Happy With Your Bank?   13 years 19 weeks ago

    It's wonderful to hear a success story from the "Move Your Money" day last year. Your credit union sounds like a keeper!

  • Are You Happy With Your Bank?   13 years 19 weeks ago

    Hi Sam -- Thank you so much for sharing all these details. I find it helpful and I know many others will, too. It's really good of you to take the time to do this. I'm super impressed with your system!

    By the way, I love the shoe analogy. And sometimes your shoes wear out and you have to toss them and get a new pair. :)

  • The 5 Best Deals in Every Thrift Store   13 years 19 weeks ago

    Thanks for your comments. So many folks don't keep their shoes long enough for any re-shaping to take place. Typically (with a little luck) I can find amazing shoe deals -- shoes that are clean, and extremely gently used. Furniture (especially non-upholstered) can easily be cleaned and refurbished. Does anyone want to share their best thrift store find in either category?

  • Breaking the Bread Code: How to Get the Freshest Loaf   13 years 19 weeks ago

    this isnt true.each company has different codes.and the only thing you;re doing is creating more waste,in turn raising the price,when a couple days makes little differrence on the freshness

  • Are You Happy With Your Bank?   13 years 19 weeks ago

    Hi SuzeMagoo -- Fabulous name! So sorry to hear about your annoying experiences. Sounds like you have a good plan to escape the situation. And I agree about AmEx. Really exceptional customer service.

  • Are You Happy With Your Bank?   13 years 19 weeks ago

    You're really on top of your banking situation. I love the way you move to new accounts when they start charging. And congrats on the no-fee interest-bearing account you'll get when you turn 55. I think when folks make it to 55 they should get lots of perks!

  • Are You Happy With Your Bank?   13 years 19 weeks ago

    Hi Matt -- I think you have very good reasons for making a change. I didn't really think about how changes in local circumstances could create a need for a change in banks. Thanks for your comment! I hope it works out well for you.

  • 11 Attractive Standing Desks You Can Actually Afford   13 years 19 weeks ago

    I have a "nonprofit" standing desk at work that is constructed entirely of the financial file boxes that we're required to keep around for 7 or so years. I have two stacked underneath my monitor and two next to each other under my keyboard and mouse. I also purchased an inexpensive anti-fatigue mat, which has really helped keep my feet, legs, and lower back happy.

  • Are You Happy With Your Bank?   13 years 19 weeks ago

    Hi Jonn -- I know a lot of people agree with you. It's nice when you get more personal service! I'm glad you liked the article. :)

  • How to Be Happy and Married: 24 Tips from a 24-Year-Old Marriage   13 years 19 weeks ago

    Thanks for your comment. And I agree that trust is a pillar of having a happy marriage. It's one of those things that goes unrecognized but is essential b/c if you don't trust someone to be truthful and have your best interests at heart, then it's difficult if not impossible to have those talks and get anything else right over the long term.

  • Ask the Readers: What DIY Projects Do You Do?   13 years 19 weeks ago

    Anything that Youtube will teach me.

    We live in a great time period. Things that you used to need an expert for, you can learn to do yourself by watching a few youtube videos.

    My latest accomplishment? Changed my own headlight bulb. You can youtube or google your year/make/model and "change headlight" and viola, a plethora of tutorials.

    Up next, replacing the kitchen sink!

  • 10 Things to Look for Every Time You Visit a Thrift Store   13 years 19 weeks ago

    Our small town has only a couple of thrift stores, but I've scored big time in them over the years. My most recent find was a very expensive, like new, name brand purse. My sis-in-law finds them frequently and resells them on eBay. I chose to keep and use my gem. :-)