Recent comments

  • SaveUp Giving Away $1000 to Wise Bread Readers   14 years 20 weeks ago

    I am motivated to save for my future - I do not want to rely on Social Security since I don't know if it will be around by the time i retire. I also like to save to see my savings account balance increase.

  • Best Money Tips: How to Win on eBay   14 years 20 weeks ago

    Thank YOU for such great tips!

  • Ask the Readers: Do You See Movies in the Theater?   14 years 20 weeks ago

    When we do go to movies, we try to go to the local, small, independent theater. The movies are first run but aren't as expensive as the chain theaters.

  • 10 Ways to Fall Back in Love With Your Job   14 years 20 weeks ago

    For me, the key to lessen burn out is to maintain a solid 'life' outside of work. I tend to be a bit of a workaholic and I have found that when I have nothing to focus on outside of work I get a little crazy and 'too' focused at work which quickly leads to burnout or frustration because others aren't putting the same amount of 'focus' into things.
    I've recently been personally challenged as I'm on my 9th month of maternity leave. I wasn't sure I was going to be able to stand it and it was difficult at first but I've become used to it and have channeled my energy into other money making/ child rearing outlets. I will be going back to work full of new ideas and inspiration!! I can't wait. :)

  • The Benefits of Having a Roommate (Besides Saving on Rent)   14 years 20 weeks ago

    Thanks for the comment, Lois. I'm glad I'm not alone in being afraid of being alone.

    If you don't want to rent your home out to someone on a full-time basis, why not try renting on a short-term basis. You'll make more money than you would renting full time, because vacationers are willing to spend more per night, you get to meet people from all over the world (who leave after a few days), and you have the safety of the service on which you're registered to ensure that nothing bad happens to your home. I've written a piece on it here: http://www.wisebread.com/7-steps-to-market-your-extra-space-as-a-vacatio...

    Check it out. It may be the answer you're looking for.

    Have a great day!

  • 15 Fun Things to Buy for Under $5   14 years 20 weeks ago

    Glad you liked it, Jenna. Now I want a cinnamon roll...yum!

  • Homemade Peanut Butter: Recipe and Cost Comparison   14 years 20 weeks ago

    i started making homemade wheat free peanut butter dog cookies for my 6 month old lab mix and figured if i make my own peanut butter its even cheaper

  • The Best and Worst Things to Buy in February   14 years 20 weeks ago

    Thank you so much for the great tips. My digital camera just broke and I was about to go get a new one, but after reading this I think I can put it off for a little bit! However, I have been craving the ski slopes so maybe I'll look into some last minute spring break trips to one!

  • How to Keep Bread Fresh   14 years 20 weeks ago

    Great advice! Actually you can also refresh bread by putting it in the oven inside a slightly damp paper bag for a few minutes - it seems to freshen bread up quite well.

  • 15 Fun Things to Buy for Under $5   14 years 20 weeks ago

    Such a great post, I really enjoyed it!! I love the feeling of fresh flowers in my room, they really brighten my mood and I always by them when I can. Also, I always treat myself to a warm pastry and a fancy local bakery. They are usually about $3 or $4 but you can get cinnamon rolls as big as your head, they're delicious!

  • 10 Ways to Fall Back in Love With Your Job   14 years 20 weeks ago

    I seriously need to implement some of these tips.. I'm getting seriously burnt out at my job.

  • 10 Ways to Fall Back in Love With Your Job   14 years 20 weeks ago

    Spot on with this, if you're not enjoying your job, it's going to suck the life out of you. Surround yourself with positive people for a boost, or else you should probably start looking for a new job!

  • Is MagicJack a Scam?   14 years 20 weeks ago

    I've had technical issues with my Magic Jack from the start. the service gets stuck on voicemail...thereby not being able to receive calls: everyone trying to reach me gets the voicemail message. They haven't been able to correct it. when I asked if I could get a replacement unit their answer has been nyet.If you're beyond the 30-day trial period. your out of luck.

  • Best Money Tips: Making Fast, Healthy Meals on a Budget   14 years 20 weeks ago

    Thank you so much for sharing my post about ways to give to charity!

  • 10 Ways to Fall Back in Love With Your Job   14 years 20 weeks ago

    Finding that work life balance is so critical to keeping a healthy mindset about your job. I love to work and I can work long hours for weeks at a time if I have to. But I soon realized that my health and well being suffers when I do this.

  • SaveUp Giving Away $1000 to Wise Bread Readers   14 years 20 weeks ago

    I am motivated to save by the loss of my job. I am motivated to stay frugal and keep spending to a minimum so I have money I can access in an emergency

  • Surprising Things That Can Kill Your Credit   14 years 20 weeks ago

    I really liked how you talked about the things that get overlooked (i.e. library fees). It is very unlikely that those things will make it to the credit agency. However, it is pretty interesting to think about. The little things matter, and people many times forget that.

  • 10 DIY Dog Toys You Can Make for Pennies   14 years 20 weeks ago

    It's funny that you would say that about tennis balls because they are in the top ten of toys sold in pet stores. One of the best ways to play fetch (especially if you can't throw a frisbee) and give your pup needed exercise. I suppose there is a little difference in a squeaker tennis ball and one that you might use for actually playing tennis but they aren't different enough to be dangerous especially if you inspect them regularly to make sure they are still in good shape and not splitting open anywhere.

  • 10 DIY Dog Toys You Can Make for Pennies   14 years 20 weeks ago

    I can see your point with the socks especially certain breeds such as our precious boxer but supervised play can eliminate a lot of the risk. As for ropes if made properly can provide an excellent toy especially if made from strips of fleece or like material, they are even better than the string they use with store bought ones which shred a lot after hard play.

  • Ask the Readers: Do You See Movies in the Theater?   14 years 20 weeks ago

    I usually wait until movies come out on DVD to watch them because I just can't justify the expense of going to the theaters, and I have an almost-1-year-old I'd have to find a babysitter for too.

  • 5 Perfectly Respectable Uses for Instant Mashed Potatoes   14 years 20 weeks ago

    My little comfort snack is instant mash made with boiling water, add pepper and sour cream and lots of shaved parmesan. Sometimes I throw in some steamed veg too. It's a comforty snack made in seconds that's perfect for when you feel ill.

  • How to Travel Full-Time for $17,000 a Year (or Less!)   14 years 20 weeks ago

    "my own beautiful free beach-front villa" - you certainly picked an apt name when you chose to call yourself the Professional Hobo.

    And much appreciation for including our main site, PAYAway, in your list.

  • Real Estate Agents: Do We Really Need Them?   14 years 20 weeks ago

    No, we do not need them. They need us. I, too have purchased and sold a number of homes myself, in two states. California has more paperwork than any other state in the US and we had no problem as a seller. One deal was done across my kitchen table with a handshake, just two parties negotiating and explaining their positions on their offer. I have had nothing but bad experiences in allowing a third party to negotiate for me. Their is definitely a conflict of interest. The agent only gets paid if the deal goes through. The title company handles all the paperwork, or if that makes you nervous, you could hire an attorney. I have used a agent as a purchaser, which costs me nothing, but also had to find all my own listings. As a seller, I used for sale by owner websites and signs and split the commission I would of paid a agent with the buyer. Their happy to get a deal and so am I. Goes a long way in the negotiations.

  • 7 Ways to Get Warm On the Cheap   14 years 20 weeks ago

    Since the heater broke, I am improvising with the oven door open and a electric fan to suck it out into the rooms

  • How to Make Moonshine   14 years 20 weeks ago

    If you disgard the first 2oz in a 5 gallon run how much do you disgard in a 15 gallon run