I partially agree. No, I am not comfortable telling people how to heat their homes, but if they invited me and did not tell me that we would need to bundle up, how are we supposed to stay warm? When my BIL invited us to visit with a newborn and had his heat off because it didn't bother him to be in a 52F home, he was asked to turn up the heat because the baby couldn't maintain her temperature.
As a hostess I attempt to make sure my guests are comfortable. That includes letting guests know in advance that the guest room gets very cool at night so they should plan accordingly.
1, 2, and 3 are stealing, not saving money. (I think that's obvious, but if not, then consider you are not saving anything; you're transferring your costs to an unwilling other party.)
5 could be considered stealing, too, by the same reasoning. If you *under*-tip, then you're not paying your server the value of services provided.
By what definition is 6 saving?
7 and 8 are stupid. Do you also pat yourself on the back for not recycling Band-aids and toilet paper?
4 and 10 are really the only items in the entire article worth arguing, and it seems you've covered #4 previously and in greater depth.
My best job interview tip is to arrive on time, no matter what that requires. Don't set up a time that will be difficult to meet. Plan to be early and scout out a spot like a coffee shop where you can kill time, if necessary.
I recently had a friend mention that every single one of their recent interviews had shown up late. This is not the first impression to set with an employer.
Likewise! I once saw Jon Stewart live, which was awesome, but we were so far back that he was smaller than he is on TV.
I also find that as I get older, I value venues that let you sit so much more -- both for the sake of comfort and because I'm short. I've gone to too many shows where I've paid good money to stare at a man's shoulder blades.
yup. Chinese people love to pennypinch on the small things. One example is that most grocery stores charge like 20 fen for a bag and pretty much everyone either don't buy the bag or bring their own reusable bags. That's good for the environment, though.
Interesting article. As a Chinese person living in the US, I find that my frugality primarily lies in cutting costs in Housing and Cars (education is a different story) while not bothering too much to keep the other small expenses down. This is almost contrary to the Chinese way. I've never understood penny pinching on food, electronics, vacations, etc. to afford a BMW or shiny house.
A friend read an article somewhere (in Chinese) about American marketers researching the spending habits of Chinese people, going as far to tour a typical Chinese home. Everything immediately visible to a visitor including the house, car, and even the refrigerator looked pristine but once the market digged deeper, they found things such as utensils, cookware, electronics, etc. all made of cheap materials.
Good article, Erik! It needed to be said. I'm not a big fan of all the PF articles, "How to Eat Out and Save Money". They make me cringe with tips like, "Order an appetizer to share as a main and then order water with your meal." Ersh... Just do the world and the restaurant a favour and stay home. Obviously you can't afford to eat out properly anyway.
Simple, brief, and effective tips! I especially liked #4. Its also important to remember that by the time you have heard about some big financial news, the market has probably already adjusted to it. Thanks for the article!
One of my secrets to success is coming armed with some questions for your interviewer to show them you care about your abilities as a potential employee in their organization. My personal favorites are "What does success look like in this position?" and "What does a typical day look like in this position?" and "Where will the successful candidate for this position find themselves in 5 years?" Synthesize these answers with what you know about the culture at the company and find out if its a good fit not only for your skills, but your passion!
If you know who will be interviewing you, google them beforehand. Find something you have in common - professional interests, hobbies, places you have lived, anything. During the interview, look for an opportunity to work this into the conversation and create an additional connection between you and the interviewer.
Very interesting article. I agree with all, but for #10 (to some degree). Here's something to consider: in the winter, you may find that keeping your house cooler than you normally do can help you be healthier. One of my friends who is quite extreme in keeping his house cold challenged me to try keeping my house cooler a little bit at a time. I was very surprised to find that making small adjustments (sweaters, etc.) made it easy to adjust to a lower temperature. In addition, I no longer get colds each winter. My friend said it's because the hot-to-cold-to-hot changes we go through in the winter with overheated houses stresses the body out and can lower our ability to fight off germs. Not sure if that's how it works, but I'm happier and healthier now.
Be genuine and authentic. You will avoid disappointment and misunderstandings later if you should get the job, and it will help you to ensure that the position and company culture are a good fit.
I think my best tip is to be yourself, so not only will the interviewer see if you're right for the job, you will see if you're right! Don't try to become something you're not just to get the job-if you do that, you will probably end up hating the job itself, and not have a pleasurable work experience.
Be genuine and authentic. You will avoid disappointment and misunderstandings later if you should get the job, and it will help you to ensure that the position and company culture are a good fit.
Be sure to review the responsibilities of the job. Try to list your experience and strengths that correspond to these responsibilities. It is a great idea to have your strengths at the tip of your tongue!
I won't scrimp on cheap toilet paper! Charmin Ultra all the way, baby! But I do load up on it when Costco has a coupon on it.
I do wash my own car, paint my own nails, clean my own house, wash my own dog, and buy used clothing (designer types so I can resell them when I get bored) - but I don't buy used undies, socks, shoes or swimsuits.
I partially agree. No, I am not comfortable telling people how to heat their homes, but if they invited me and did not tell me that we would need to bundle up, how are we supposed to stay warm? When my BIL invited us to visit with a newborn and had his heat off because it didn't bother him to be in a 52F home, he was asked to turn up the heat because the baby couldn't maintain her temperature.
As a hostess I attempt to make sure my guests are comfortable. That includes letting guests know in advance that the guest room gets very cool at night so they should plan accordingly.
1, 2, and 3 are stealing, not saving money. (I think that's obvious, but if not, then consider you are not saving anything; you're transferring your costs to an unwilling other party.)
5 could be considered stealing, too, by the same reasoning. If you *under*-tip, then you're not paying your server the value of services provided.
By what definition is 6 saving?
7 and 8 are stupid. Do you also pat yourself on the back for not recycling Band-aids and toilet paper?
4 and 10 are really the only items in the entire article worth arguing, and it seems you've covered #4 previously and in greater depth.
"Liked" on Facebook. Thank you for the chance to win!
My best job interview tip is to arrive on time, no matter what that requires. Don't set up a time that will be difficult to meet. Plan to be early and scout out a spot like a coffee shop where you can kill time, if necessary.
I recently had a friend mention that every single one of their recent interviews had shown up late. This is not the first impression to set with an employer.
Do your homework on the company and be prepared to ask intelligent questions. Also, to be confident.
Likewise! I once saw Jon Stewart live, which was awesome, but we were so far back that he was smaller than he is on TV.
I also find that as I get older, I value venues that let you sit so much more -- both for the sake of comfort and because I'm short. I've gone to too many shows where I've paid good money to stare at a man's shoulder blades.
yup. Chinese people love to pennypinch on the small things. One example is that most grocery stores charge like 20 fen for a bag and pretty much everyone either don't buy the bag or bring their own reusable bags. That's good for the environment, though.
Ask for the hiring manager's story. People love talking about themselves!
Interesting article. As a Chinese person living in the US, I find that my frugality primarily lies in cutting costs in Housing and Cars (education is a different story) while not bothering too much to keep the other small expenses down. This is almost contrary to the Chinese way. I've never understood penny pinching on food, electronics, vacations, etc. to afford a BMW or shiny house.
A friend read an article somewhere (in Chinese) about American marketers researching the spending habits of Chinese people, going as far to tour a typical Chinese home. Everything immediately visible to a visitor including the house, car, and even the refrigerator looked pristine but once the market digged deeper, they found things such as utensils, cookware, electronics, etc. all made of cheap materials.
Good article, Erik! It needed to be said. I'm not a big fan of all the PF articles, "How to Eat Out and Save Money". They make me cringe with tips like, "Order an appetizer to share as a main and then order water with your meal." Ersh... Just do the world and the restaurant a favour and stay home. Obviously you can't afford to eat out properly anyway.
Simple, brief, and effective tips! I especially liked #4. Its also important to remember that by the time you have heard about some big financial news, the market has probably already adjusted to it. Thanks for the article!
One of my secrets to success is coming armed with some questions for your interviewer to show them you care about your abilities as a potential employee in their organization. My personal favorites are "What does success look like in this position?" and "What does a typical day look like in this position?" and "Where will the successful candidate for this position find themselves in 5 years?" Synthesize these answers with what you know about the culture at the company and find out if its a good fit not only for your skills, but your passion!
Ask THEM questions to see the company/position suit your interests. Both parties will benefit if you're all on the same page.
My best advice is to be confident but not over confident. Let the company feel that you are competant.
If you know who will be interviewing you, google them beforehand. Find something you have in common - professional interests, hobbies, places you have lived, anything. During the interview, look for an opportunity to work this into the conversation and create an additional connection between you and the interviewer.
Very interesting article. I agree with all, but for #10 (to some degree). Here's something to consider: in the winter, you may find that keeping your house cooler than you normally do can help you be healthier. One of my friends who is quite extreme in keeping his house cold challenged me to try keeping my house cooler a little bit at a time. I was very surprised to find that making small adjustments (sweaters, etc.) made it easy to adjust to a lower temperature. In addition, I no longer get colds each winter. My friend said it's because the hot-to-cold-to-hot changes we go through in the winter with overheated houses stresses the body out and can lower our ability to fight off germs. Not sure if that's how it works, but I'm happier and healthier now.
I have 'Liked' your page on Facebook for awhile now.
Be genuine and authentic. You will avoid disappointment and misunderstandings later if you should get the job, and it will help you to ensure that the position and company culture are a good fit.
I like you on Facebook :)
Sending a Thank You note to the person or person that I interviewed with.
I think my best tip is to be yourself, so not only will the interviewer see if you're right for the job, you will see if you're right! Don't try to become something you're not just to get the job-if you do that, you will probably end up hating the job itself, and not have a pleasurable work experience.
Be genuine and authentic. You will avoid disappointment and misunderstandings later if you should get the job, and it will help you to ensure that the position and company culture are a good fit.
Be sure to review the responsibilities of the job. Try to list your experience and strengths that correspond to these responsibilities. It is a great idea to have your strengths at the tip of your tongue!
Dress to impress. Always have questions prepared to ask.
I won't scrimp on cheap toilet paper! Charmin Ultra all the way, baby! But I do load up on it when Costco has a coupon on it.
I do wash my own car, paint my own nails, clean my own house, wash my own dog, and buy used clothing (designer types so I can resell them when I get bored) - but I don't buy used undies, socks, shoes or swimsuits.