Yeah I agree. Great tips. We should be more careful when buying used items. We must always look for the quality and durability of the product. Thanks for sharing all these wonderful tips.
You can use Google Calendar to set annual reminders. Or you can do reminders based on holidays. For example I always get a report right after Christmas. My credit card use increases around Christmas time. It is therefore a good idea to look over my report to see how much debt I'm carrying and if anyone has stolen my information.
If the government mandates that credit agencies must give you three free reports a year, then it must be pretty important for you to get those reports. We frugal folks never pass up a free deal. And this is such an important part of your finances it blows my mind that so many people don't snatch up all the free reports available to them.
Quickest elimination we've ever done: bags that came with the shredder. Not only were these difficult to install but the catch bin is easily removed and dumped in an already bag-lined kitchen trashcan.
And, of course, the replacement bags cost three times that of a similar-sized ordinary waste bag. No thanks.
Miracle blankets are a better swaddler and also about $30. I would add the book Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child to the list ($11); it is an awesome book explaining the best conditions you can give your child for sleep... too many people are completely uneducated about infant sleep when this is a huge biological need for babies! I buy it for every new parent I know-the gift of sleep!
I'm the one doing the firing. It sucks and makes me sad, but I'm a business start up who is about to double in clients and finally stabilize. And two of my assistants who've been with me since the beginning are now holding back the business. I keep delaying new clients while hoping my assistants will get on board, but it's not happening. They have now become passive-aggressive in their comments and attitude. Missing deadlines that cost me money and sleepless nights. Both of their excuses = "I didn't want to tell you I would miss the deadline because I knew it would make you mad." That did it for me. Time for a full-time, committed professional. But honestly I'm dropping hints to my assistants hoping they won't be shocked when I let them go (or even better they've found new jobs). They are wonderful women who work better with start up than growing companies.
I have to second that, I used it to make visa passport size pictures for myslef and my three kids. The cheapest going rate now was 7.99 at Wal-Mart while Wal-Greens, my first choice was 10.99. 44.00!!! I damn near died and laughed the lady off. http://idphoto4you.com was a life saver and worked great for the kids, was easy to use and allowed you to edit the contrast and brightness. I found this thread trying to find out how to print them. Thanks Nora you are a second life and money saver.
I don't have a car - can't afford one - and while I'd like to feel good about all these things the reality is, it's really hard to be carless where I'm currently staying - the suburbs. The city is a big one but apparently they don't think extending public transportation is worthwhile; there is only 1 bus route even within walking distance and its closest stop is still a 20 minute walk away (and it only goes one way - toward the city, of course). I bought a bike but the sidewalks here are few and far between and that makes cycling - and even walking - dangerous; I have to stay away from the main roads.
I looked into alternatives - all those little buses that go back and forth - but they're only for people older than I am or disabled (meanwhile, they drive around practically empty). That pretty much leaves cabs, but they're *way* out of my budget.
I'm stuck here right now but when I leave I plan to never live in the suburbs again. I had no problem being carless in the city, but here - I can see why there are so many vehicles parked in people's driveways. And I really think that if driving is hurting the earth the suburbs will be the main cause of the problem.
Argh. 6/11/14/15/17 to a degree. Working remote makes combating these issues tough, lesson learned. I need to learn how to leverage my wins or they get swept under pretty quickly. An employee needs to show they are adding value to their workplace, don't always rely on others to take note as being humble can be your undoing.
As much as I hate the 'take credit for everything' guy/gal, I could have avoided #17 many times over by raising my hand. When you work remote, its best to highlight your wins or you eventually become invisible.
What an awful feeling, especially when I worked so hard and my results were above 4/6 of my peers . Fail. I guess the real ego smasher is going from a valued, high results, employee at other companies to just plain mediocre.
Meeting w/ manager pushed to tomorrow (Friday) , duh. .
Sam this kind of detailed personal review is exactly the reason why I prefer to read sites like Wise Bread. Thank YOU for sharing your useful experiences with your banks. Everyone I know who uses USAA loves them. I might have to check them out.
It would be wonderful if schools taught basic financial literacy. But parents can help out too. I'm beginning to bookmark helpful financial articles and organizing them into a packet to send to my kids. I've also seen parents do this with their pinterest boards. It's never too late to start.
Thanks for the info. Someone stole my identity a few years ago. Had to give myself a crash course on credit reports and all that stuff. Wish I had this info back then. But I think this article doesn't go far enough. Maybe a follow up article about specific items to check for or maybe even screenshots might help the novices. Like you said the process is intimidating for the uninitiated. A specific example might be just the thing to help people get over their fear; not that I'm volunteering my own report or anything lol.
I agree completely about moisture wicking clothing. I am a big sweaty mess at the end of every run. The chafing problem from cotton is certainly a problem with improper clothing. Once I tried moisture wicking, I knew I'd never run in cotton again (especially in the hot and humid south).
Well count me in the 5% that aren't pleased with the outcome of their disputes. Back when I disputed the process was horrible and unorganized. The credit agencies lost documents that I sent them multiple times and I just gave up after a while. The disputed late payments are still on my credit report, though they should fall off due to the 7-year rule in the next year.
We just use a little creativity for a unique way to celebrate each year. Homemade dinners and mixed drinks, camping out in the living room, love letters...it's been different each year.
Yeah I agree. Great tips. We should be more careful when buying used items. We must always look for the quality and durability of the product. Thanks for sharing all these wonderful tips.
You can use Google Calendar to set annual reminders. Or you can do reminders based on holidays. For example I always get a report right after Christmas. My credit card use increases around Christmas time. It is therefore a good idea to look over my report to see how much debt I'm carrying and if anyone has stolen my information.
If the government mandates that credit agencies must give you three free reports a year, then it must be pretty important for you to get those reports. We frugal folks never pass up a free deal. And this is such an important part of your finances it blows my mind that so many people don't snatch up all the free reports available to them.
I don't have a green thumb either :) ...but because of your wonderful tips, now I'm planning to have some plants in my home. Thanks for the tips :)
Slow cookers literally fed me through college. I highly recommend them. And they last forever if you take good care of them.
These are all great gifts. But don't be afraid to also give something just for the mommy. We still appreciate a little attention!
You tube had videos on how to make your own essential oils - all recipes are very simple.
Quickest elimination we've ever done: bags that came with the shredder. Not only were these difficult to install but the catch bin is easily removed and dumped in an already bag-lined kitchen trashcan.
And, of course, the replacement bags cost three times that of a similar-sized ordinary waste bag. No thanks.
Miracle blankets are a better swaddler and also about $30. I would add the book Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child to the list ($11); it is an awesome book explaining the best conditions you can give your child for sleep... too many people are completely uneducated about infant sleep when this is a huge biological need for babies! I buy it for every new parent I know-the gift of sleep!
I'm the one doing the firing. It sucks and makes me sad, but I'm a business start up who is about to double in clients and finally stabilize. And two of my assistants who've been with me since the beginning are now holding back the business. I keep delaying new clients while hoping my assistants will get on board, but it's not happening. They have now become passive-aggressive in their comments and attitude. Missing deadlines that cost me money and sleepless nights. Both of their excuses = "I didn't want to tell you I would miss the deadline because I knew it would make you mad." That did it for me. Time for a full-time, committed professional. But honestly I'm dropping hints to my assistants hoping they won't be shocked when I let them go (or even better they've found new jobs). They are wonderful women who work better with start up than growing companies.
Which side of the banana are they talking about? The inside or the outside.?
Hi! I think I will stick with the dogs. The alternatives are smaller and harder to play around. IMHO
I have to second that, I used it to make visa passport size pictures for myslef and my three kids. The cheapest going rate now was 7.99 at Wal-Mart while Wal-Greens, my first choice was 10.99. 44.00!!! I damn near died and laughed the lady off. http://idphoto4you.com was a life saver and worked great for the kids, was easy to use and allowed you to edit the contrast and brightness. I found this thread trying to find out how to print them. Thanks Nora you are a second life and money saver.
Refuse tires if more than 6 months past manuf. date - reason being that most tire manuf. will not warranty tire more than 5 years old. JR
I don't have a car - can't afford one - and while I'd like to feel good about all these things the reality is, it's really hard to be carless where I'm currently staying - the suburbs. The city is a big one but apparently they don't think extending public transportation is worthwhile; there is only 1 bus route even within walking distance and its closest stop is still a 20 minute walk away (and it only goes one way - toward the city, of course). I bought a bike but the sidewalks here are few and far between and that makes cycling - and even walking - dangerous; I have to stay away from the main roads.
I looked into alternatives - all those little buses that go back and forth - but they're only for people older than I am or disabled (meanwhile, they drive around practically empty). That pretty much leaves cabs, but they're *way* out of my budget.
I'm stuck here right now but when I leave I plan to never live in the suburbs again. I had no problem being carless in the city, but here - I can see why there are so many vehicles parked in people's driveways. And I really think that if driving is hurting the earth the suburbs will be the main cause of the problem.
Experiencing this at the moment. Thanks for sharing, I found it uplifting.
Argh. 6/11/14/15/17 to a degree. Working remote makes combating these issues tough, lesson learned. I need to learn how to leverage my wins or they get swept under pretty quickly. An employee needs to show they are adding value to their workplace, don't always rely on others to take note as being humble can be your undoing.
As much as I hate the 'take credit for everything' guy/gal, I could have avoided #17 many times over by raising my hand. When you work remote, its best to highlight your wins or you eventually become invisible.
What an awful feeling, especially when I worked so hard and my results were above 4/6 of my peers . Fail. I guess the real ego smasher is going from a valued, high results, employee at other companies to just plain mediocre.
Meeting w/ manager pushed to tomorrow (Friday) , duh. .
Sam this kind of detailed personal review is exactly the reason why I prefer to read sites like Wise Bread. Thank YOU for sharing your useful experiences with your banks. Everyone I know who uses USAA loves them. I might have to check them out.
Chase is ok. They are kind of pushy with their addon services but other than that they are better than Bank of America.
peanut butter! hello!
It would be wonderful if schools taught basic financial literacy. But parents can help out too. I'm beginning to bookmark helpful financial articles and organizing them into a packet to send to my kids. I've also seen parents do this with their pinterest boards. It's never too late to start.
Thanks for the info. Someone stole my identity a few years ago. Had to give myself a crash course on credit reports and all that stuff. Wish I had this info back then. But I think this article doesn't go far enough. Maybe a follow up article about specific items to check for or maybe even screenshots might help the novices. Like you said the process is intimidating for the uninitiated. A specific example might be just the thing to help people get over their fear; not that I'm volunteering my own report or anything lol.
I agree completely about moisture wicking clothing. I am a big sweaty mess at the end of every run. The chafing problem from cotton is certainly a problem with improper clothing. Once I tried moisture wicking, I knew I'd never run in cotton again (especially in the hot and humid south).
Well count me in the 5% that aren't pleased with the outcome of their disputes. Back when I disputed the process was horrible and unorganized. The credit agencies lost documents that I sent them multiple times and I just gave up after a while. The disputed late payments are still on my credit report, though they should fall off due to the 7-year rule in the next year.
We just use a little creativity for a unique way to celebrate each year. Homemade dinners and mixed drinks, camping out in the living room, love letters...it's been different each year.