I make holiday presents for my kids, nieces, and sometimes nephews. It both saves $ and isn't cookie cutter junk. I also try to make most dinners. My tween daughter would prefer to buy lunch each day, but I make lunch about half the time. DH is very handy around the house, fixing stuff and maintaining things. Tried gardening but the critters got to the food first.
I think that inefficient decision making is faced by many. Your advice regarding decision making is really worth following and is surely going to help people to take efficient decisions.
I agree with buying generic. I started to buy more store brand foods when I bought my house and money was tight. For the most part, I found the store brand to be comparable to the name brand. In some cases, I still liked the name brand more while with others, I actually enjoyed the store brand more.
I also agree with waffle makers, quesadilla makers, etc. too. They are totally overrated. You use them a few times a year and the rest of the time they just take up space.
In response to V's comment: Gold and silver are considered "speculative investments." I would not recommend investing in any speculative investment unless you really know what you're doing (know about that specific market). And as a soon-to-be-college graduate, real estate is most likely going to be too expensive. If I were Mike, I'd look into mutual funds and ETFs. They offer higher interest rates than the first couple options and typically carry moderate risk. At the end of the day, be sure to do your research. Know what you are investing in!
My latte factor was eating out instead of taking lunch to work. I only went out probably twice a week, but that adds up to $80-100 a month. I've been trying to do a better job of planning my grocery shopping (to include lunch foods) as well as making a larger dinner so I have leftovers to take the next day.
We don't like the same kitchen . . . simple. I MUST have a dishwasher (I'd really like two but not enough room). I MUST have a microwave. I MUST have a trash compactor. I'd really like a recycling cabinet (again, no room). There are some products I cook with that have Brand names. For some recipes, only the brand name product will work or the food doesn't taste the same. As for your "cookware and knife," I'm not really particular with these items. If it cuts, it's an okay knife. So, we agree to disagree on what is needed in a kitchen. I do, however, agree with you on the single purpose appliances. They just take up way too much space!!!
I think there are levels. I live in NYC so the rent discussion is not taboo at all. You don't, however, ask salary. You can talk general savings or investment tips and tricks. Everyone wants to find a good deal, and typically have questions.
When you have acquaintances, it never hurts to suggest another activity or mention you are trying to save up or cut back, could you do X instead of Y. Most people understand and accommodate.
With your good friends you should feel free to talk about money. I am always surprised by a good friend who is very smart and talented, but just not money wise. Our conversations shed light on potential money mistakes or actions that will put them in a better situation down the road. Part of being friends is wanting each other to succeed, and like it or not, money and money management specifically is becoming an ever bigger part of that.
Some good points raised here. As to buying quality items, I definitely subscribe to the "buy it nice or buy it twice" theory. A good quality item can ultimately be more cost effective because you'll be able to use it for so much longer. However, as a bankruptcy lawyer, one problem I see in some cases is the family who starts a splurge and has a tough time stopping. I would recommend paying cash when you splurge. You'll get the positive rewards mentioned above while still staying in touch with the reality of just how much you're spending.
I always try to buy organic when I can, but it can be hard on a small budget because those products tend to be a bit pricier. Instead of going to Whole Foods or Publix to buy organic, I try to go to the farmers market and local grocers because the organic label doesn't come with the inflated price tag because less is spent on transportation, packaging, etc. You get to support local businesses and be healthy, it's a win win!
Great tips. Tax season is one of the most annoying and stressful times of the year and getting organized is a great way to keep your head on your shoulders through all of that.
The very best thing in hostels is people! I have friends from all over the world that I met in hostels, and often the best part of my journey was the hostel stay. Sure, some hostels aren't as nice as others, but that's why there's TripAdvisor! But people are always great! One of my best friends I met in Russia in http://en.friendsplace.ru/, another - in France in www.villagehostel.fr. My best penpal is from www.st-christophers.co.uk and another is from www.circus-berlin.de/ So..let's make friends worlwide!
This is really interesting Lars, a lot of helpful tips. Hopefully people will continue contributing even more gems in the comments - the pizza baking stone is my favourite one so far!
i have been makeing homemade dogfood for almost a year now useing meat and rice and veg i also give dry food to snack on to make sure they get all the viamins they are very healthly and they love it
Mine is going to Goodwill to look for vinyl records. We do that way too much. It's a fun hobby but I'd like to cut back on that a little, because when we go we also stop by the Mexican market next door for fancy cakes. Yep, gotta cut back on that.
After doing my own research by comparing the price of a flight on an airline's website for an identical itinerary to the price I found on companion booking.com, the difference in price was exactly $50. My conclusion: if you received the certificate for free, you're still getting some value even if it's not the advertised 2 for 1 savings. If you had paid for the certificate, well that's a different story.
Hmmmm.... seems as though the liquid to flour proportions are way off. I salvaged the dough by adding again as much flour as well as ample corn meal. Turned out okay; I was craving pizza after not having any for at least a year, so anything would have tasted okay to me. The crust did not stick to the pan, and it held together as a slice of pizza, so that was all good. But after adding all that extra flour, of course, the the other ingredients probably should have been increased also; however it was too late for that. Check any dough recipe, you just can't have that much liquid for that amount of flour.
YES, YES, YES! My daughter and I just today, stopped by a Rue 21 store because she wanted to check it out. Had to leave without even looking as the perfume scent set off my allergies and her asthma.
I recently learned to make my own chicken stock on the crockpot amd will never biy stock again. Its free! From my food scraps!
DIY peanut butter, sandwich bread, hummus, laundry detergent, deodorant, and the list goes on...
We've painted, put in a backsplash, and installed pergo flooring. Hiring someone to do those things is just too expensive.
I make holiday presents for my kids, nieces, and sometimes nephews. It both saves $ and isn't cookie cutter junk. I also try to make most dinners. My tween daughter would prefer to buy lunch each day, but I make lunch about half the time. DH is very handy around the house, fixing stuff and maintaining things. Tried gardening but the critters got to the food first.
I think that inefficient decision making is faced by many. Your advice regarding decision making is really worth following and is surely going to help people to take efficient decisions.
I agree with buying generic. I started to buy more store brand foods when I bought my house and money was tight. For the most part, I found the store brand to be comparable to the name brand. In some cases, I still liked the name brand more while with others, I actually enjoyed the store brand more.
I also agree with waffle makers, quesadilla makers, etc. too. They are totally overrated. You use them a few times a year and the rest of the time they just take up space.
Good for you Joe! LPs are worth keeping. Please make sure you will them to someone worthy who won't just throw them away.
The biggest key is becoming debt free. Interest uses 10 to 25 percent of your take home pay every year. It is like getting an automatic raise.
In response to V's comment: Gold and silver are considered "speculative investments." I would not recommend investing in any speculative investment unless you really know what you're doing (know about that specific market). And as a soon-to-be-college graduate, real estate is most likely going to be too expensive. If I were Mike, I'd look into mutual funds and ETFs. They offer higher interest rates than the first couple options and typically carry moderate risk. At the end of the day, be sure to do your research. Know what you are investing in!
Is there a reason Wednesday is missing form every list I've seen?
If you keep at it, eventually you'll have butter.
My latte factor was eating out instead of taking lunch to work. I only went out probably twice a week, but that adds up to $80-100 a month. I've been trying to do a better job of planning my grocery shopping (to include lunch foods) as well as making a larger dinner so I have leftovers to take the next day.
We don't like the same kitchen . . . simple. I MUST have a dishwasher (I'd really like two but not enough room). I MUST have a microwave. I MUST have a trash compactor. I'd really like a recycling cabinet (again, no room). There are some products I cook with that have Brand names. For some recipes, only the brand name product will work or the food doesn't taste the same. As for your "cookware and knife," I'm not really particular with these items. If it cuts, it's an okay knife. So, we agree to disagree on what is needed in a kitchen. I do, however, agree with you on the single purpose appliances. They just take up way too much space!!!
I think there are levels. I live in NYC so the rent discussion is not taboo at all. You don't, however, ask salary. You can talk general savings or investment tips and tricks. Everyone wants to find a good deal, and typically have questions.
When you have acquaintances, it never hurts to suggest another activity or mention you are trying to save up or cut back, could you do X instead of Y. Most people understand and accommodate.
With your good friends you should feel free to talk about money. I am always surprised by a good friend who is very smart and talented, but just not money wise. Our conversations shed light on potential money mistakes or actions that will put them in a better situation down the road. Part of being friends is wanting each other to succeed, and like it or not, money and money management specifically is becoming an ever bigger part of that.
It didn't work on my disc
Some good points raised here. As to buying quality items, I definitely subscribe to the "buy it nice or buy it twice" theory. A good quality item can ultimately be more cost effective because you'll be able to use it for so much longer. However, as a bankruptcy lawyer, one problem I see in some cases is the family who starts a splurge and has a tough time stopping. I would recommend paying cash when you splurge. You'll get the positive rewards mentioned above while still staying in touch with the reality of just how much you're spending.
I always try to buy organic when I can, but it can be hard on a small budget because those products tend to be a bit pricier. Instead of going to Whole Foods or Publix to buy organic, I try to go to the farmers market and local grocers because the organic label doesn't come with the inflated price tag because less is spent on transportation, packaging, etc. You get to support local businesses and be healthy, it's a win win!
Great tips. Tax season is one of the most annoying and stressful times of the year and getting organized is a great way to keep your head on your shoulders through all of that.
The very best thing in hostels is people! I have friends from all over the world that I met in hostels, and often the best part of my journey was the hostel stay. Sure, some hostels aren't as nice as others, but that's why there's TripAdvisor! But people are always great! One of my best friends I met in Russia in http://en.friendsplace.ru/, another - in France in www.villagehostel.fr. My best penpal is from www.st-christophers.co.uk and another is from www.circus-berlin.de/ So..let's make friends worlwide!
This is really interesting Lars, a lot of helpful tips. Hopefully people will continue contributing even more gems in the comments - the pizza baking stone is my favourite one so far!
i have been makeing homemade dogfood for almost a year now useing meat and rice and veg i also give dry food to snack on to make sure they get all the viamins they are very healthly and they love it
Mine is going to Goodwill to look for vinyl records. We do that way too much. It's a fun hobby but I'd like to cut back on that a little, because when we go we also stop by the Mexican market next door for fancy cakes. Yep, gotta cut back on that.
After doing my own research by comparing the price of a flight on an airline's website for an identical itinerary to the price I found on companion booking.com, the difference in price was exactly $50. My conclusion: if you received the certificate for free, you're still getting some value even if it's not the advertised 2 for 1 savings. If you had paid for the certificate, well that's a different story.
Hmmmm.... seems as though the liquid to flour proportions are way off. I salvaged the dough by adding again as much flour as well as ample corn meal. Turned out okay; I was craving pizza after not having any for at least a year, so anything would have tasted okay to me. The crust did not stick to the pan, and it held together as a slice of pizza, so that was all good. But after adding all that extra flour, of course, the the other ingredients probably should have been increased also; however it was too late for that. Check any dough recipe, you just can't have that much liquid for that amount of flour.
YES, YES, YES! My daughter and I just today, stopped by a Rue 21 store because she wanted to check it out. Had to leave without even looking as the perfume scent set off my allergies and her asthma.