Spa day...I know this is not frugal or original - but my wife loves a day at the spa. Lunch, reading a magazine, no kids, getting her "treatments", etc. I make sure get gets to do that at least once a year, frugal or not.
Thank you for this article. It was inspiring and a necessary pick me up for what's been a bad day. It's been a year since you wrote this, but you should know your writing is helping many others out there.
People often frame this question as invest OR payoff mortgage. However it is possible to both invest AND pay off the mortgage at the same time. There is a method where you can actually pay off the mortgage provider now, but defer payment for many months in advance. This means that you still have the money to invest (with a chance of beating your mortgage rate). Also as the mortgage payment can be deferred (and paid later) you have a chance to beat inflation.
The question does not have to be either paydown OR invest - you can do both at the same time. Note: you can overpay the mortgage today even if you dont have the money immeadiately available, but you know you will have it a few months time.
It's hard to know exactly what the best final investment outcome will be, so doing both kind of hedges your bets.
I was in a blind study twice. The first time was for anxiety. It was okay no side effects did get paid well. Study lasted several weeks and we got paid weekly. We took medication and talked to psychiatrists. The second time it was for depression and also took medication. I know that I had the real deal when I was given a pill and it was way to strong and my heart started pounding in my chest and couldn't keep my legs still it was a few hours before my body finally calmed down. At one point my husband was going to take me to the emergency room. They were very apologetic the next day and said I was given the wrong dosage. No more trials for me!
When my friend hit a hard spot (a very hard spot which also challenged her in her profession), I suggested we do a garage sale. I brought all kinds of kids stuff (expensive toys packed away) and other good stuff just lying around my house to mix with hers. There were other contributions from two friens. She made 4 figures out of this garage sale and I am still smiling. What I got was an emptied basement from 16 years of packing good stuff away which I would have never used or sold myself. She got the money but the sale also provided us with great memories. We both won.
There are other ways to help. When another friend's house was headed to foreclosure, she would not take a gift of money. Instead her husband became a handy person, paid by the hour. He did a ton of work around my house I needed. Their house was saved. My house was so improved. Another win/win.
There are creative ways to help out which are win/ wins for all involved.
Circumstances definitely matter. I think at certain points in our lives we have responsibilities... maybe to take care of or be there for others. The point of dreaming is to set the desire in your mind and not to just dismiss it. I am a divorced dad, not 51 years old. My kids were grown up and on their own path in 2008 and I had a dream to travel. A few years prior, I was quite successful, but pretty much lost everything in the economic crash. Instead of stressing over bills I couldn't pay, I sold all my worldly possessions and bought a one way ticket to Asia where I lived for a year throughout 2009. I was broke, but got by on the proceeds of my worldly belongings. Had I not had that, I would have volunteered or got a job in order to pursue my dream.
As it turned out, through my travels I found a life that I was totally passionate about and am currently living it. I don't have many of the things I used to find so important, but I do love my life.
If you are prepared to look, you will find someone... actually many people who have far more difficult circumstances that yourself, but somehow manage to find a way to follow their hearts. Don't ever give up dreaming and when the time is right don't forget to take action.
Is tofu the same thing as tempeh? Excellent point by one of the commenters about many of the options listed here not being complete protein. Some pairings: peanut butter and whole wheat (must be whole wheat); milk and whole wheat cereal; rice and beans; corn and beans; whole wheat pasta and beans. Tofu/tempeh and quinoa are among the only plant sources of protein that are complete. It is also important to realize that even though you've paired these food items to make a complete protein, the food items in question may still be fairly low in some of the essential amino acids. Last but not least, related to iron ... non-heme iron found in vegetable sources is generally not readily absorbed by the body. Absorption ranges as low as 2 percent for a non-heme source. Heme sources of iron are much more readily absorbed and range up to 35 percent. Pairing a non-heme source with even a tiny amount of a heme source can dramatically boost iron absorption from even the non-heme source. Yea, nutrition is kind of complicated.
Disciplined credit users can easily fleece the card issuers. Perks like rewards, low introductory rates, grace periods and others favor using a credit card over cash.
The card issuers actually lose money to acquire many customers who use the perks in the manner intended. They more than make it back from those with good intentions, who then fall into the traps this article describes so well.
I haven't lent money personally to friends or family but have seen it firsthand ruining relationships. Because of this, I am hesitant should any of my friends or family approach me. I like what the other commenter said about the amount being under $100 and not expecting it back.
I swear by Life Savers Peppermints. They always calm my stomach down. I bug the big bags of individually wrapped mints and keep handfuls in my car and my desk at work. I'll have to check out some of the other ones listed.
My credit card company sends me balance transfer offers in the mail at least monthly. Sometimes I think more frequently than that! They could save so much money on marketing by cutting this tactic down, but then I think of how much money they probably make doing this.
Good, common-sense information, which should be taught in school beginning at the kindergarten level. Anyone remember the old adage, "save for a rainy day"? I learned this simple lesson and have never forgotten; what a good (if not pretentious) life I have had! Unfortunately, we have become a nation of want-it-get-its, and our economy has shifted to reliance on this model. Time to get back to basics: keep reminding us, your messages are timeless.
I live in Tampa, Florida and there seems to be endless thrift stores around the city that are perfect for finding vintage pieces or even cool old clothing. It may be because there are a number of older people who end up moving and having to get rid of old thing, but I've been to a couple of thrift stores (usually around Halloween looking for things to make a costume) and have noticed that they are either hit or miss.
I lent money to my ex a few years ago. It was around $3000. He had a very good-paying job and assured me he would pay me back quickly. Instead, after several months of pestering him, he ended up paying me back with new furniture and a new television - so NOT what I was wanting when I lent cash. About a year later, I decided to give him another chance and lent him $2000; this time he swore on his daughter's life that he would pay me right back after selling his truck. Instead, for the next year and a half, I saw him remodel his house, buy new cars, and send literally thousands of dollars down to his home country, all without having paid me back. I was furious and it definitely destroyed our relationship.
More recently, my younger sister asked to borrow a couple thousand dollars from me. At that point, I said that I'm never going to lend money to someone again. She was very upset with me and called me horrible names, but that's just the new policy I've adopted after being burned.
Good list; as long as you're shopping in the right place for your budget, there are plenty of ways to get added protein. I was surprised that you didn't include peanut butter in your list because it was in the first paragraph. But buying one large tub of nut butter should last you a while if you pay attention to serving sizes, and it is a great source of protein.
Great list! I actually read somewhere that public speaking is the number one fear among Americans, so taking a public speaking class would be really beneficial to those who can't stand talking in front of others. I like your idea to volunteer as well. It teaches you about your community, working with others, helping the less fortunate, and may give you new perspective.
I so hear you on that IKEA affect. My credit card company recently asked if I wanted a personalized photo on my card.
I think they sent me the mailing because I don't use the card much. And as much as I thought "Oh how fun, I could put a cute pic of my sister & me on there" I resisted the urge!
Having a cutesy fun photo that I love on it would only make me want to use it more. Ohhhhhh they know how to tap into those deep psychological triggers and get you. Just say no!
It seems most people these days, male or female, like electronics/tech gadgets. Depending on the age of the guy, I'd say video games are a nice bet. Or just something crafted to his personality; for instance, a wine cabinet for someone who loves wine.
Many people do not realize that beans, by themselves, are not a "complete" protein. A complete protein is a protein that contains all of the essential amino acids; animal proteins (meat, fish, poultry, milk, cheese, and eggs) are considered good sources of complete proteins. By combining vegetable proteins, a complete protein can be achieved - beans with rice and corn is a good example.
I use the Rush prepaid debit card. There is free direct deposit and you can use it to pay bills online with no cost.
Now there are some costs involved. There is an activation fee. If you add money to the card (Walmart) there is a fee. Every time you use the card for a swipe purchase there is a fee but there is no limit to the amount you an use or take as cashback. I would take out all the money I could when I needed it.
But I found that I could manage my money easily. The fact there was a fee on each swipe stopped many of my impulse buys, saving me money.
Spa day...I know this is not frugal or original - but my wife loves a day at the spa. Lunch, reading a magazine, no kids, getting her "treatments", etc. I make sure get gets to do that at least once a year, frugal or not.
Really great ideas and so very easy to do! I especially like the handmade card. They become cherished items.
I once made an I Love You sign and posted it on the route my sweetie takes to work. He and several thousand other people saw it! It made his day!
Thank you for this article. It was inspiring and a necessary pick me up for what's been a bad day. It's been a year since you wrote this, but you should know your writing is helping many others out there.
I just tried the chamomile tea for my tummy ache and it helped a lot. Thanks!
People often frame this question as invest OR payoff mortgage. However it is possible to both invest AND pay off the mortgage at the same time. There is a method where you can actually pay off the mortgage provider now, but defer payment for many months in advance. This means that you still have the money to invest (with a chance of beating your mortgage rate). Also as the mortgage payment can be deferred (and paid later) you have a chance to beat inflation.
The question does not have to be either paydown OR invest - you can do both at the same time. Note: you can overpay the mortgage today even if you dont have the money immeadiately available, but you know you will have it a few months time.
It's hard to know exactly what the best final investment outcome will be, so doing both kind of hedges your bets.
I was in a blind study twice. The first time was for anxiety. It was okay no side effects did get paid well. Study lasted several weeks and we got paid weekly. We took medication and talked to psychiatrists. The second time it was for depression and also took medication. I know that I had the real deal when I was given a pill and it was way to strong and my heart started pounding in my chest and couldn't keep my legs still it was a few hours before my body finally calmed down. At one point my husband was going to take me to the emergency room. They were very apologetic the next day and said I was given the wrong dosage. No more trials for me!
When my friend hit a hard spot (a very hard spot which also challenged her in her profession), I suggested we do a garage sale. I brought all kinds of kids stuff (expensive toys packed away) and other good stuff just lying around my house to mix with hers. There were other contributions from two friens. She made 4 figures out of this garage sale and I am still smiling. What I got was an emptied basement from 16 years of packing good stuff away which I would have never used or sold myself. She got the money but the sale also provided us with great memories. We both won.
There are other ways to help. When another friend's house was headed to foreclosure, she would not take a gift of money. Instead her husband became a handy person, paid by the hour. He did a ton of work around my house I needed. Their house was saved. My house was so improved. Another win/win.
There are creative ways to help out which are win/ wins for all involved.
Dear WAHOO25-0...
Circumstances definitely matter. I think at certain points in our lives we have responsibilities... maybe to take care of or be there for others. The point of dreaming is to set the desire in your mind and not to just dismiss it. I am a divorced dad, not 51 years old. My kids were grown up and on their own path in 2008 and I had a dream to travel. A few years prior, I was quite successful, but pretty much lost everything in the economic crash. Instead of stressing over bills I couldn't pay, I sold all my worldly possessions and bought a one way ticket to Asia where I lived for a year throughout 2009. I was broke, but got by on the proceeds of my worldly belongings. Had I not had that, I would have volunteered or got a job in order to pursue my dream.
As it turned out, through my travels I found a life that I was totally passionate about and am currently living it. I don't have many of the things I used to find so important, but I do love my life.
If you are prepared to look, you will find someone... actually many people who have far more difficult circumstances that yourself, but somehow manage to find a way to follow their hearts. Don't ever give up dreaming and when the time is right don't forget to take action.
Best of luck to you : )
Is tofu the same thing as tempeh? Excellent point by one of the commenters about many of the options listed here not being complete protein. Some pairings: peanut butter and whole wheat (must be whole wheat); milk and whole wheat cereal; rice and beans; corn and beans; whole wheat pasta and beans. Tofu/tempeh and quinoa are among the only plant sources of protein that are complete. It is also important to realize that even though you've paired these food items to make a complete protein, the food items in question may still be fairly low in some of the essential amino acids. Last but not least, related to iron ... non-heme iron found in vegetable sources is generally not readily absorbed by the body. Absorption ranges as low as 2 percent for a non-heme source. Heme sources of iron are much more readily absorbed and range up to 35 percent. Pairing a non-heme source with even a tiny amount of a heme source can dramatically boost iron absorption from even the non-heme source. Yea, nutrition is kind of complicated.
Disciplined credit users can easily fleece the card issuers. Perks like rewards, low introductory rates, grace periods and others favor using a credit card over cash.
The card issuers actually lose money to acquire many customers who use the perks in the manner intended. They more than make it back from those with good intentions, who then fall into the traps this article describes so well.
I haven't lent money personally to friends or family but have seen it firsthand ruining relationships. Because of this, I am hesitant should any of my friends or family approach me. I like what the other commenter said about the amount being under $100 and not expecting it back.
I swear by Life Savers Peppermints. They always calm my stomach down. I bug the big bags of individually wrapped mints and keep handfuls in my car and my desk at work. I'll have to check out some of the other ones listed.
My credit card company sends me balance transfer offers in the mail at least monthly. Sometimes I think more frequently than that! They could save so much money on marketing by cutting this tactic down, but then I think of how much money they probably make doing this.
Good, common-sense information, which should be taught in school beginning at the kindergarten level. Anyone remember the old adage, "save for a rainy day"? I learned this simple lesson and have never forgotten; what a good (if not pretentious) life I have had! Unfortunately, we have become a nation of want-it-get-its, and our economy has shifted to reliance on this model. Time to get back to basics: keep reminding us, your messages are timeless.
I live in Tampa, Florida and there seems to be endless thrift stores around the city that are perfect for finding vintage pieces or even cool old clothing. It may be because there are a number of older people who end up moving and having to get rid of old thing, but I've been to a couple of thrift stores (usually around Halloween looking for things to make a costume) and have noticed that they are either hit or miss.
I lent money to my ex a few years ago. It was around $3000. He had a very good-paying job and assured me he would pay me back quickly. Instead, after several months of pestering him, he ended up paying me back with new furniture and a new television - so NOT what I was wanting when I lent cash. About a year later, I decided to give him another chance and lent him $2000; this time he swore on his daughter's life that he would pay me right back after selling his truck. Instead, for the next year and a half, I saw him remodel his house, buy new cars, and send literally thousands of dollars down to his home country, all without having paid me back. I was furious and it definitely destroyed our relationship.
More recently, my younger sister asked to borrow a couple thousand dollars from me. At that point, I said that I'm never going to lend money to someone again. She was very upset with me and called me horrible names, but that's just the new policy I've adopted after being burned.
Good list; as long as you're shopping in the right place for your budget, there are plenty of ways to get added protein. I was surprised that you didn't include peanut butter in your list because it was in the first paragraph. But buying one large tub of nut butter should last you a while if you pay attention to serving sizes, and it is a great source of protein.
Great list! I actually read somewhere that public speaking is the number one fear among Americans, so taking a public speaking class would be really beneficial to those who can't stand talking in front of others. I like your idea to volunteer as well. It teaches you about your community, working with others, helping the less fortunate, and may give you new perspective.
I so hear you on that IKEA affect. My credit card company recently asked if I wanted a personalized photo on my card.
I think they sent me the mailing because I don't use the card much. And as much as I thought "Oh how fun, I could put a cute pic of my sister & me on there" I resisted the urge!
Having a cutesy fun photo that I love on it would only make me want to use it more. Ohhhhhh they know how to tap into those deep psychological triggers and get you. Just say no!
I like WiseBread on Facebook.
It seems most people these days, male or female, like electronics/tech gadgets. Depending on the age of the guy, I'd say video games are a nice bet. Or just something crafted to his personality; for instance, a wine cabinet for someone who loves wine.
Many people do not realize that beans, by themselves, are not a "complete" protein. A complete protein is a protein that contains all of the essential amino acids; animal proteins (meat, fish, poultry, milk, cheese, and eggs) are considered good sources of complete proteins. By combining vegetable proteins, a complete protein can be achieved - beans with rice and corn is a good example.
I use the Rush prepaid debit card. There is free direct deposit and you can use it to pay bills online with no cost.
Now there are some costs involved. There is an activation fee. If you add money to the card (Walmart) there is a fee. Every time you use the card for a swipe purchase there is a fee but there is no limit to the amount you an use or take as cashback. I would take out all the money I could when I needed it.
But I found that I could manage my money easily. The fact there was a fee on each swipe stopped many of my impulse buys, saving me money.
Thanks for the tip -- that looks like a great resource for medications.
http://www.goodrx.com/
great place to get best prices for meds in your local area or online.