I always wish for the same thing: to be surrounded by my grown kids and grandson, my family. That hasn't happened for many years because they all live in distant states and we can't afford to bring them together. Sometimes we go for three or four years before we can see our one grandchild, who's now 12. The holidays are kind of depressing because of so much emphasis on buying stuff; it's a lot of stress on people. I wish people would value more just being satisfied with being together with family members. Every Christmas, I just try to keep in mind who's birthday it is.
What I would really REALLY love thisChristmas is an Amazon gift card. I have a stack of eBooks on my Amazon wishlist that I never seem to get around to ordering, opting instead to check out free library eBooks. If you happen to speak to Santa, put in a good word for me!!
Nice Thoughts, but your 401k and any kind of pension will be dissolved by health insurance. All that money you saved will be gone! Just to keep you alive. You will be supporting people that you don't even know. So long capitalism hello communism!
Guest, you have the right idea. Markup can be over 100%, but your example was flawed. I'm just posting to clarify for other readers, not just 'picking'.
An item costing a retailer $5 with 200% markup would retail for 5 + 5*2 = $15.
To charge $10 for that item, the markup would be 100% ... 5 + 5*1 = $10.
There are so man amazing online resources to help you learn any subject. A few that come to mind are iTunes U, Khan Academy, You Tube, MIT Open Courseware. It's not the lack of resources, it's the lack of motivation that usually keeps me from learning something new. So many digital distractions these days.
I think it's a good idea to invest in a few stocks and start paying attention to them. Maybe the first step is to find a few companies you like and buy a few shares of stock. Then follow those companies and their stock prices until you get a feel for how the stock market works. Plus, it's kind of cool to be able to people that you own part of a company.
Stocking your pantry comes quite early. Buying enough staples that your kitchen can function smoothly—so that you can spot a bargain at the store and pick it up, knowing that you'll have all the accouterments to turn it into a meal—I'd prioritize stocking your pantry ahead of almost everything else (emergency fund, 401(k), adding insulation to your house . . .).
Once you've got all the basics covered, you've probably got plenty to last out a minor emergency like a blizzard. If you make a point of including a few things that can be served as meals even if the power is out, you're probably all set for medium emergencies, like a hurricane or a flood.
Once you're there, I think there are a hundred things that should be a higher priority than more of the same—all the stuff I listed above.
It is, of course, an impossible balancing act, given that you don't know the future. Suppose you have your pantry stocked, six months expenses in your emergency fund, your 401(k) is on track for funding your retirement, your weatherstripping is all in place, you've boosted the insulation in your attic to some ridiculous R value, you've got a great garden, you own all the tools you need (and you've taken classes on using them) . . . and now you've got another $1000 and another 2 hours a week to spend on something else. Where does that time and money go?
Maybe stockpiling another two month's groceries is a very reasonable option. But maybe you'd be better off digging a pool for raising tilapia or buying a loom and learning to weave or taking a class on bricklaying (or brick-making).
I guess what I'm saying is that a small stockpile comes very early in setting up your household, while a large stockpile comes very late.
Of course, the key word there is "just." If you're on vacation in Paris, there are a hundred reasons to walk several blocks every day. Walk as many blocks as you like to follow the footsteps of Hemingway (or your favorite writer, artist, or philosopher). Walk as many blocks as you like to see the sights, or to take in the Paris air, or soak up the Paris milieu.
If you save money doing it. . . . Well, that just keeps you in the footsteps of Hemingway (and no doubt a hundred other starving Paris writers and artists) who had to pay very close attention to their spending.
But if you're doing it "just" to find the cheapest deals. . . . Well, then you may well not be getting as much out of your Paris vacation as you might.
Jacob, In regards to college living, I do know of several students going there now and they seem to have found housing quite easily. The rents in neighboring towns are also quite reasonable if you have transportation. The winters do get interesting with snow and ice..so some are nervous about communting far. FRC is a great little college. The horse/rodeo unit is great, the sports, the outdoor ed and it is very friendly and you can't beat the setting...and to you as well -good luck with all.
I'd love another part-time job to replace the one that I recently lost. That would be a much better present than any object that could fit under the tree!
I am unsure where you're getting the idea that stockpiling involves a huge time and energy commitment. It's as simple as keeping a "well-stocked pantry," which I noticed you advocate.
Buy what you use. Buy in quantity when on sale. Use it with the FIFO (First In, First Out) principle.
I would browse/shop grocery sales regardless of whether I stockpiled. Aside from costing me an extra 2 minutes at the supermarket to ring up 20 cans of sale veggies instead of 5 cans, it takes no additional time. Simple shelves allow FIFO without any burden of extra energy expenditure.
I really want an iPad. My best friend has one and I am jealous every time he uses it.
A tape measure and stud finder.
I always wish for the same thing: to be surrounded by my grown kids and grandson, my family. That hasn't happened for many years because they all live in distant states and we can't afford to bring them together. Sometimes we go for three or four years before we can see our one grandchild, who's now 12. The holidays are kind of depressing because of so much emphasis on buying stuff; it's a lot of stress on people. I wish people would value more just being satisfied with being together with family members. Every Christmas, I just try to keep in mind who's birthday it is.
I would love to get a subscription from Yes Magazine. It is nice to read stories that are hopeful.
What I would really REALLY love thisChristmas is an Amazon gift card. I have a stack of eBooks on my Amazon wishlist that I never seem to get around to ordering, opting instead to check out free library eBooks. If you happen to speak to Santa, put in a good word for me!!
Someone to come and clean my apartment!
The holidays are more enjoyable (for me) if my apartment is neat and tidy... and I'm not good at neat and tidy :(
Nice Thoughts, but your 401k and any kind of pension will be dissolved by health insurance. All that money you saved will be gone! Just to keep you alive. You will be supporting people that you don't even know. So long capitalism hello communism!
Guest, you have the right idea. Markup can be over 100%, but your example was flawed. I'm just posting to clarify for other readers, not just 'picking'.
An item costing a retailer $5 with 200% markup would retail for 5 + 5*2 = $15.
To charge $10 for that item, the markup would be 100% ... 5 + 5*1 = $10.
I would LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to take my kids to Disneyworld for Christmas! But I'll be happy with a Large plate of homemade cookies!!!
There are so man amazing online resources to help you learn any subject. A few that come to mind are iTunes U, Khan Academy, You Tube, MIT Open Courseware. It's not the lack of resources, it's the lack of motivation that usually keeps me from learning something new. So many digital distractions these days.
I think it's a good idea to invest in a few stocks and start paying attention to them. Maybe the first step is to find a few companies you like and buy a few shares of stock. Then follow those companies and their stock prices until you get a feel for how the stock market works. Plus, it's kind of cool to be able to people that you own part of a company.
I would love a Dyson Vacuum. Cliche, I know.
I would like to see more museum/gallery deals.
I guess I see a division.
Stocking your pantry comes quite early. Buying enough staples that your kitchen can function smoothly—so that you can spot a bargain at the store and pick it up, knowing that you'll have all the accouterments to turn it into a meal—I'd prioritize stocking your pantry ahead of almost everything else (emergency fund, 401(k), adding insulation to your house . . .).
Once you've got all the basics covered, you've probably got plenty to last out a minor emergency like a blizzard. If you make a point of including a few things that can be served as meals even if the power is out, you're probably all set for medium emergencies, like a hurricane or a flood.
Once you're there, I think there are a hundred things that should be a higher priority than more of the same—all the stuff I listed above.
It is, of course, an impossible balancing act, given that you don't know the future. Suppose you have your pantry stocked, six months expenses in your emergency fund, your 401(k) is on track for funding your retirement, your weatherstripping is all in place, you've boosted the insulation in your attic to some ridiculous R value, you've got a great garden, you own all the tools you need (and you've taken classes on using them) . . . and now you've got another $1000 and another 2 hours a week to spend on something else. Where does that time and money go?
Maybe stockpiling another two month's groceries is a very reasonable option. But maybe you'd be better off digging a pool for raising tilapia or buying a loom and learning to weave or taking a class on bricklaying (or brick-making).
I guess what I'm saying is that a small stockpile comes very early in setting up your household, while a large stockpile comes very late.
Thanks for getting me to think more about it!
Of course, the key word there is "just." If you're on vacation in Paris, there are a hundred reasons to walk several blocks every day. Walk as many blocks as you like to follow the footsteps of Hemingway (or your favorite writer, artist, or philosopher). Walk as many blocks as you like to see the sights, or to take in the Paris air, or soak up the Paris milieu.
If you save money doing it. . . . Well, that just keeps you in the footsteps of Hemingway (and no doubt a hundred other starving Paris writers and artists) who had to pay very close attention to their spending.
But if you're doing it "just" to find the cheapest deals. . . . Well, then you may well not be getting as much out of your Paris vacation as you might.
Jacob, In regards to college living, I do know of several students going there now and they seem to have found housing quite easily. The rents in neighboring towns are also quite reasonable if you have transportation. The winters do get interesting with snow and ice..so some are nervous about communting far. FRC is a great little college. The horse/rodeo unit is great, the sports, the outdoor ed and it is very friendly and you can't beat the setting...and to you as well -good luck with all.
I would love to take my daughter to Seattle to visit the King Tut exhibit.
Perhaps they could revamp their search engine to make it a lot more user-friendly! LOL!
Gift cards, gift cards, gift cards!
Our 19 year-old daughter was so happy to play with the bubble-wrap that I used in her college care package! I think that one may go beyond childhood.
I would love to have a Le Creuset dutch oven.
I really want a breadmaker because my breadmaking skills are so bad
I would like to spend a beautiful day snowshoeing in Rocky Mountain National Park.
I'd love another part-time job to replace the one that I recently lost. That would be a much better present than any object that could fit under the tree!
One other comment:
I am unsure where you're getting the idea that stockpiling involves a huge time and energy commitment. It's as simple as keeping a "well-stocked pantry," which I noticed you advocate.
Buy what you use. Buy in quantity when on sale. Use it with the FIFO (First In, First Out) principle.
I would browse/shop grocery sales regardless of whether I stockpiled. Aside from costing me an extra 2 minutes at the supermarket to ring up 20 cans of sale veggies instead of 5 cans, it takes no additional time. Simple shelves allow FIFO without any burden of extra energy expenditure.