For God's sake, please quit telling people to get into transcribing, particularly medical transcription. I have been an MT for 25 years and haven't had a raise in 5 years. Many people in my field have lost their jobs because the work is being outsourced and off shored either to companies overseas, or the work is being done via voice recognition. Yes, you can get an editing position, but the pay is horrible. I have four friends who were working for a transcription company, their client decided to offshore, and they are unemployed now. Another company called Heartland closed up shop and moved all their transcription to India. There are highly skilled, reliable, efficient, and trained workers in this field who cannot find jobs, so please do not suggest that some hack who gets a degree in 6 weeks can make any money at this!
Wow, the prices listed are very high - go to your local Home Depot, Target (if it carries houseplants) or even 99 Cent store to find very inexpensive houseplants, including some of these. If you can find them at the 99 Cent store you may need to give them a little extra care at first, since those are usually not in the best shape. I live in Southern California and can get any of these for $5-$10 in a small-to-medium sized pot., even at the Armstrong Nursery nearby.
The Devil's Ivy is especially common, and can be even cheaper if you know someone who has one - with their permission (of course) snip off a 4-6 inch runner, making sure it has a few of the nubs near the base of at least a couple of the the leaf stems. Put the runner in a glass of water with the nubs submerged, and in a couple of weeks you'll see roots have developed from the nubs. Pot it and you have a plant for the cost of a little patience.
I use an American Express card most of the time. I'm afraid that I will lose my dollar bills. Plus, I receive rewards on my Amex card. I can check my spending habits online with Amex. Just sayin'
I scrupulously buy organic with certain produce such as apples, berries, bell peppers, potatoes, and carrots. I buy organic eggs andbananas for moral reasons and organic corn and soy to avoid GMO. But with prepared food like oats, I buy organic if it's on sale- less picky about that
I like the idea of making a resolution of doing something different for the month of January. Not only will achieving some of these January-resolutions feel good, it will motivate you to keep it going throughout the year. Good ideas here, I especially like the thought of random acts of kindness!
At first I thought that gym memberships would be cheaper with gyms offering good deals for the new year, and that gym equipment would be expensive, but after hearing these explanations it all makes sense. The smart thing to do would be to get a gym membership in December which is surely they're slowest month and they'd be offering deals.
I wanted to comment about me thinking of switching to a store brand formula but after reading comments I have to comment on my experience.
When I first tried to breast feed my daughter I thought ever was going good. She didn't nurse for long but would fall right to sleep afterwards. But after staying awake and nursing every two hours or waking every two hours and her being fussy and acting like she wasn't getting anything I began to stress out. I told the doctors I did think she was getting anything, one was very reassuring at telling me some moms can't nurse, others just wanted me to keep trying and kept sending in lactation consultants. I was humiliated when one LC came in and want to see what I looked like to help me figure out an angle. She bluntly said out loud "wow your nipples really point down," it made me feel ashamed for some reason. I have lost all dignity now so I can restate that now with no problem.
One suggested I use a pump so I agreed. The little nurse came in late one night, showed me how to turn it on and off and how to increase and decrease the suction. She did not tell me to start on the lowest level setting and I had no clue that was what I was suppose to do. I ended up with cracked and bleeding nipples making it so dreadfully painfully to nurse. I cried every time I nursed my daughter and every time she cried because she still seemed hungry. I finally broke down and asked for a bottle of formula, my little girl drank it and was finally satisfied and actually slept peacefully.
After we got home I kept trying to breast feed and pump. It just didn't seem to work. I couldn't even get a quarter of an ounce when I pumped, on lucky days I would almost get a half an ounce. We tried for a month. I cried when I told my husband I couldn't keep trying, it was too stressful trying to get her to nurse with no success. He was very supportive and reminded me of what a good mom I was being for trying. One of my doctors even said I gave it a good try.
Now she is a healthy six month old on one of the leading brands of formula. I am currently paying $23.98 per 24 oz can. The store brand mimicking this brand is only $16. So I am considering switching her.
I use them at the back of my utensil caddies that may not fit as tightly as I would like them in drawers. When opening and closing drawers now, there is no shifting and the drawer closes with a nice sound feeling.
I don't buy organic food for the simple reason that it costs 3X as much as regular food. I will admit that I like organic free-range (some other adjectives here) chicken. That stuff is great. But way too expensive to buy often.
As a plant afficianado, both at home and office, I appreciate this list. Thanks for the research! If I'm going to buy something green and growing, knowing that it improves my environment is an added bonus.
I do buy organic food because I generally cook from scratch, so using raw and bulk ingredients is sometimes not too much more money. I wouldn't not be buying organic frozen entrees. Those tend to be very expensive per pound.
I buy organic when it's on sale (like milk, produce, teas and other items). Or if it is of high quality. For example, I prefer organic strawberries over regular supermarket ones because the flavor and texture is so much better (no mold!).
I do buy organic food as much as possible. First off, you can really taste the difference in organic food. Did you ever buy non-organic produce that has no flavor, or is pithy? You may think you save money not buying it, but it ends up sitting there because no one wants to eat it. If you spend a little extra on organic, you know it is great for you, tastes great, and everyone will finish it off.
I think eating organic is eating as close to natural as possible. Weren't we all meant to eat that way? I don't want to eat genetically modified foods, or chemicals, day in and day out. It's just too hard on the body, and you are likely to end up with one or more of a variety of illnesses in the long run.
Sometimes, life is tough enough as it is, and I would like my family and I to get through it with as little illness as possible. Ensuring we focus on buying all our foods organic makes me know at least I've done my part.
I actually have to run past Abercrombie whenever I end up in a mall because the smell makes me nauseated. And I LOVE perfume! I have no idea how anyone shops there.
Great article, Tisha! At first I assumed this would be just one of those normal personal finance lists everyone has read a billion times, but instead it's somehow different and more fun. (And the first time I've ever heard of someone having a stationary fetish! (Usually it's shoes or something, ho-hum.))
I started borrowing all my books and DVDs from the library, making instant coffee at my work desk instead of going out, quit going out for drinks after work and nixed the office lottery pool. The lottery was only $2 a week (and they'll likely win now that I've quite), but $2 a week is about $1500 over ten years when put into an investment instead.
Thanks for your comment! I hope that no one got the idea that I was recommending taking advantage of a gym or Y -- the idea is to use free services that are offered, well, freely.
I recently joined the YWCA after several years at the YMCA so I am aware that these organizations have missions that go beyond profitability, such as community outreach. Part of my membership fee at the Y goes to help women who are recovering addicts for example. But I feel that that non-profit status doesn't mean that I shouldn't print off the guest pass that comes with the Y's monthly newsletter and invite a friend for a workout, or give to a friend for a free workout, as long as we follow the stated guidelines.
I know that this is an old thread, but in case people still view it (I did), I'd like to add to the discussion because it's relevant to winter specific workouts.
I work across the street from an outdoor skating rink. It's free to skate if you bring your own skates, and a few bucks to rent skates. I went to Play it Again Sports and bought some used ice skates and keep them at work. At lunch, I head across the street and spend 30 minutes or so on the ice. Not only is it a good work out, but it really rejuvenates me for the rest of the day because the wind on my face feels great (and not too cold since you're working out). I never get very sweaty from this, and also sometimes my co-workers join me, which is always really fun.
Of course, not everyone has an ice rink nearby their workplace, but especially in the winter, outdoor rinks pop up all over the place, so it's worth checking out.
Yes, I do, & it varies, but I prefer Organic leafy greens, herbs, & apples. I also buy some organic products for my pets. I try to budget for organic on things that matter most so I can avoid pesticides, etc. & watch for quick sales of organic at my grocery on items that are nearing expiration dates for very low pricing.
For God's sake, please quit telling people to get into transcribing, particularly medical transcription. I have been an MT for 25 years and haven't had a raise in 5 years. Many people in my field have lost their jobs because the work is being outsourced and off shored either to companies overseas, or the work is being done via voice recognition. Yes, you can get an editing position, but the pay is horrible. I have four friends who were working for a transcription company, their client decided to offshore, and they are unemployed now. Another company called Heartland closed up shop and moved all their transcription to India. There are highly skilled, reliable, efficient, and trained workers in this field who cannot find jobs, so please do not suggest that some hack who gets a degree in 6 weeks can make any money at this!
Wow, the prices listed are very high - go to your local Home Depot, Target (if it carries houseplants) or even 99 Cent store to find very inexpensive houseplants, including some of these. If you can find them at the 99 Cent store you may need to give them a little extra care at first, since those are usually not in the best shape. I live in Southern California and can get any of these for $5-$10 in a small-to-medium sized pot., even at the Armstrong Nursery nearby.
The Devil's Ivy is especially common, and can be even cheaper if you know someone who has one - with their permission (of course) snip off a 4-6 inch runner, making sure it has a few of the nubs near the base of at least a couple of the the leaf stems. Put the runner in a glass of water with the nubs submerged, and in a couple of weeks you'll see roots have developed from the nubs. Pot it and you have a plant for the cost of a little patience.
Interesting...I will have to try this when I have some time to myself.
I use an American Express card most of the time. I'm afraid that I will lose my dollar bills. Plus, I receive rewards on my Amex card. I can check my spending habits online with Amex. Just sayin'
I scrupulously buy organic with certain produce such as apples, berries, bell peppers, potatoes, and carrots. I buy organic eggs andbananas for moral reasons and organic corn and soy to avoid GMO. But with prepared food like oats, I buy organic if it's on sale- less picky about that
I've never seen the benefit to organic outweigh the increased cost.
Can you recommend any Secured Credit Cards that give you airline miles as well? That's really my only reason for wanting a secured card. Thanks!
Awesome list! Thanks for including us!
I like the idea of making a resolution of doing something different for the month of January. Not only will achieving some of these January-resolutions feel good, it will motivate you to keep it going throughout the year. Good ideas here, I especially like the thought of random acts of kindness!
At first I thought that gym memberships would be cheaper with gyms offering good deals for the new year, and that gym equipment would be expensive, but after hearing these explanations it all makes sense. The smart thing to do would be to get a gym membership in December which is surely they're slowest month and they'd be offering deals.
I wanted to comment about me thinking of switching to a store brand formula but after reading comments I have to comment on my experience.
When I first tried to breast feed my daughter I thought ever was going good. She didn't nurse for long but would fall right to sleep afterwards. But after staying awake and nursing every two hours or waking every two hours and her being fussy and acting like she wasn't getting anything I began to stress out. I told the doctors I did think she was getting anything, one was very reassuring at telling me some moms can't nurse, others just wanted me to keep trying and kept sending in lactation consultants. I was humiliated when one LC came in and want to see what I looked like to help me figure out an angle. She bluntly said out loud "wow your nipples really point down," it made me feel ashamed for some reason. I have lost all dignity now so I can restate that now with no problem.
One suggested I use a pump so I agreed. The little nurse came in late one night, showed me how to turn it on and off and how to increase and decrease the suction. She did not tell me to start on the lowest level setting and I had no clue that was what I was suppose to do. I ended up with cracked and bleeding nipples making it so dreadfully painfully to nurse. I cried every time I nursed my daughter and every time she cried because she still seemed hungry. I finally broke down and asked for a bottle of formula, my little girl drank it and was finally satisfied and actually slept peacefully.
After we got home I kept trying to breast feed and pump. It just didn't seem to work. I couldn't even get a quarter of an ounce when I pumped, on lucky days I would almost get a half an ounce. We tried for a month. I cried when I told my husband I couldn't keep trying, it was too stressful trying to get her to nurse with no success. He was very supportive and reminded me of what a good mom I was being for trying. One of my doctors even said I gave it a good try.
Now she is a healthy six month old on one of the leading brands of formula. I am currently paying $23.98 per 24 oz can. The store brand mimicking this brand is only $16. So I am considering switching her.
I use them at the back of my utensil caddies that may not fit as tightly as I would like them in drawers. When opening and closing drawers now, there is no shifting and the drawer closes with a nice sound feeling.
I don't buy organic food for the simple reason that it costs 3X as much as regular food. I will admit that I like organic free-range (some other adjectives here) chicken. That stuff is great. But way too expensive to buy often.
As a plant afficianado, both at home and office, I appreciate this list. Thanks for the research! If I'm going to buy something green and growing, knowing that it improves my environment is an added bonus.
I do buy organic food because I generally cook from scratch, so using raw and bulk ingredients is sometimes not too much more money. I wouldn't not be buying organic frozen entrees. Those tend to be very expensive per pound.
I buy organic when it's on sale (like milk, produce, teas and other items). Or if it is of high quality. For example, I prefer organic strawberries over regular supermarket ones because the flavor and texture is so much better (no mold!).
I do buy organic food as much as possible. First off, you can really taste the difference in organic food. Did you ever buy non-organic produce that has no flavor, or is pithy? You may think you save money not buying it, but it ends up sitting there because no one wants to eat it. If you spend a little extra on organic, you know it is great for you, tastes great, and everyone will finish it off.
I think eating organic is eating as close to natural as possible. Weren't we all meant to eat that way? I don't want to eat genetically modified foods, or chemicals, day in and day out. It's just too hard on the body, and you are likely to end up with one or more of a variety of illnesses in the long run.
Sometimes, life is tough enough as it is, and I would like my family and I to get through it with as little illness as possible. Ensuring we focus on buying all our foods organic makes me know at least I've done my part.
I am try and buy organic about 80% of the time. Sometimes when money is really tight, I don't but for the most part, yes.
I actually have to run past Abercrombie whenever I end up in a mall because the smell makes me nauseated. And I LOVE perfume! I have no idea how anyone shops there.
Great article, Tisha! At first I assumed this would be just one of those normal personal finance lists everyone has read a billion times, but instead it's somehow different and more fun. (And the first time I've ever heard of someone having a stationary fetish! (Usually it's shoes or something, ho-hum.))
I started borrowing all my books and DVDs from the library, making instant coffee at my work desk instead of going out, quit going out for drinks after work and nixed the office lottery pool. The lottery was only $2 a week (and they'll likely win now that I've quite), but $2 a week is about $1500 over ten years when put into an investment instead.
Start watching for holiday discounts in November; you can often get great deals for early ordering.
Thanks for your comment! I hope that no one got the idea that I was recommending taking advantage of a gym or Y -- the idea is to use free services that are offered, well, freely.
I recently joined the YWCA after several years at the YMCA so I am aware that these organizations have missions that go beyond profitability, such as community outreach. Part of my membership fee at the Y goes to help women who are recovering addicts for example. But I feel that that non-profit status doesn't mean that I shouldn't print off the guest pass that comes with the Y's monthly newsletter and invite a friend for a workout, or give to a friend for a free workout, as long as we follow the stated guidelines.
I know that this is an old thread, but in case people still view it (I did), I'd like to add to the discussion because it's relevant to winter specific workouts.
I work across the street from an outdoor skating rink. It's free to skate if you bring your own skates, and a few bucks to rent skates. I went to Play it Again Sports and bought some used ice skates and keep them at work. At lunch, I head across the street and spend 30 minutes or so on the ice. Not only is it a good work out, but it really rejuvenates me for the rest of the day because the wind on my face feels great (and not too cold since you're working out). I never get very sweaty from this, and also sometimes my co-workers join me, which is always really fun.
Of course, not everyone has an ice rink nearby their workplace, but especially in the winter, outdoor rinks pop up all over the place, so it's worth checking out.
Glad to hear your story with real-life confirmation of the value of gym membership as a gift.
Yes, I do, & it varies, but I prefer Organic leafy greens, herbs, & apples. I also buy some organic products for my pets. I try to budget for organic on things that matter most so I can avoid pesticides, etc. & watch for quick sales of organic at my grocery on items that are nearing expiration dates for very low pricing.