My best investment by far has been medical insurance. That isn't really my typical idea of an "investment", but after my husband's stroke he's had around $250k in bills (and counting), and we paid $2500 (plus our premiums, of course) which is an excellent return on our investment (that plus his slowly improving health). As runners-up, I would definitely say disability insurance and an emergency fund. Without these three things, a nightmarish situation would have been infinitely worse.
My parents and I invested in my education. I went to an excellent college and then graduate school. Even though my parents and I struggled to pay my tuition, I learned a lot about myself and was exposed to many different types of people, and have always been able to find good, interesting work that has fulfilled my intellectual interests and financial needs. Now I am able to support my family, including helping my parents through these tough economic times.
The smartest investment decision I ever made was to get married to my wonderful wife, Sarah. Not only has Sarah's job increased our joint earning potential, our relationship has also increased my personal happiness and satisfaction with life. No purchase of a physical good, or investment in a company, could ever compare.
The best investment I ever made was getting Tony Robbins Personal Power. By giving me tools, I was able to make changes in my life and set goals that I didn't believe possible before. This has made me happier, healthier, wealthier and more well-rounded.
The smartest investment I've ever made was marrying my wife! Nothing compares to the ROI on all the emotional (and financial!) capital invested in her. Best investment and best decision of my life.
I would guess it's my computer science degree. It's kept me employed for 13 years now, wherever I felt like moving.
I also bought a condo in San Francisco in 2001 and sold it in 2006 for almost double, but I would say that was more luck in timing than a smart investment. Still, not bad.
The best investment I have ever made was continuing my education and going back to school. In school I took some classes learning computers and computer programs and it has proven to be instrumental in my career since then.
I'd be wary of a cheap oil change - I feel it is a 'save now, pay later' deal. Remember their cost structure - not only do they need to pay someone to do the change, but still need to pay for the space, tools, and for the big cheese up top. That leaves very little for the filter and oil. So you need to be very careful about what they put in your car and need to ask many questions to ensure that you aren't setting yourself up for a big repair bill in the future.
Oil is cheap insurance to get maximum life out of your engine (just as tranny fluid is cheap insurance for your tranny). Proper car maintenance, while costing more in the short term allows for much greater savings long term.
If you're going to do a cost comparison, at least make it fair. Comparing a discounted oil change with a full-cost DIY option? C'mon. Auto stores very frequently run oil change specials. This week at Autozone, it's $12.99 for 5 quarts of Pennzoil and a filter. Plus, if you DIY, you can do it at a convenient time for you, not just when the lube place is open.
In addition to not buying produce that isn't in season, don't buy anything that can't be grown in your area (bananas are a good example). In California, certified farmers markets have to segregate the certified (locally grown/produced by the seller) from the noncertified (everything else). And the certified growers have to display their certificate.
Eggs are a great buy at a farmers market (although we now have a friend with too many chickens who gives us fresh ones free). Tomatoes in season - not greenhouse or hydroponically grown; and the funny-looking heirlooms are usually the tastiest. Fresh newly harvested potatoes of all varieties are wonderful; as is freshly picked lettuce - iceberg straight from a farmer is amazingly better than what stores sell.
Cellphones are mostly a conveinence. We lived without them in the past, so I don't see why I counldn't now. I really don't use mine much. And people who have to be on them all the time are annoying.
I currently have a cell phone but I could probably live without as I have a home phone. My cell phone is just a basic flip phone that can't even take pictures, the horror! I'm such a luddite.
There are also a couple of good groups on youtube that walk you through some simple repairs that will save you money.
Also, parts stores like Advance Auto or Auto Zone have very helpful and skilled staff. If you purchase a battery/windshield wipers/etc. there, they will often help you with the repair if not repair it themselves. They also have the diagnostic machines and will read what your check engine light code is for free.
I'm a do it yourself kind of gal and have always done simple maintenence myself. I agree that an oil change, while simple, is not worth the trouble for the cost difference. Oil is often much cheaper if you purchase in larger quantities rather than individual quarts.
You're willing to wait for a certain time or coupon for the oil change, but not use the same technique when buying supplies to change your own oil? It's extremely common to find a sale for 5 quarts and a filter from your local auto parts store for around $15. Only a savings of $5 and you're doing the work, but still....
I will say my family pool & gym membership. With a kick back from my health insurance, it is pretty inexpensive. Yet, it allows us all to stay in shape, spend time together, and sometimes just to goof off and have fun.
Yes, because I don't travel a lot and wherever I am (work, home, friends) there is a landline. I don't talk or text when I drive so .... come to think of it, I don't really use my cell phone a lot. I sometimes call my husband to pick up something at the grocery store.
I have a feeling the Wise Bread audience will find exception to your numbers and calculations on this one. If you know where to shop and what prices to pay, all of this maintenance can easily be done for less than a shop or dealer. Unless you have some really good coupon.
You also have to decide if you trust the knuckle-head at the QuickLube to change your oil properly.
Keep voltage in the system through the lighter socket to avoid shutting down the radio. Shame on you if you didn't keep the code for the radio with the papers for the car, and double shame on the dealer if he gives out the code to some anonymous person on the phone - assuming he even has it.
My local parts store will install wiper blades and batteries free.
I agree with having the oil change done - screw up and you could destroy the engine, plus it is a pain to take the used oil to be recycled.
I completely disagree with you on several of these points. I work at farmers' markets and manage farmers' markets. When you shop at farmers' markets, you want to find the BEST deal for you money, not the CHEAPEST. Talk to the farmers and find out their growing habits. It might be worth your money to pay a little more if the produce is not coated with Roundup or pesticides. Frozen meat is the ONLY way to buy meat. Trust me, all meat in the grocery store was frozen at one time. I would not buy meat anywhere BUT the farmers market 'cause I know where it came from and how healthy it was. This is not a helpful article for anyone. If you can't be helpful, be quiet.
I can only assume you're talking here about farmers' markets in large population areas where you can't get to know the vendors. If so, this seems to be good advice. However, I live in a small town in a rural area, and can say that our market only allows the honey producer to sell honey, and the baked goods cost the same as they do down the road at the shop. (And they have definitely been baked that morning. I know the bakers!) As far as the meat vendors, well, again, we know them. We can see the meat and the coolers right there. I wouldn't buy seafood, but duh - I'm in a landlocked state.
Again, I don't think this post is BAD advice, but it's not that black and white, and local producers need all the support they can get. Please don't scare people away!
The smartest investment I ever made was my investment in my education (primarily through student loans). Although I'm not in the profession I thought I'd be, getting a college degree has definitely increased my earning ability, as well as expanded my knowledge and given me opportunities I never would have thought of. Countless studies have shown that college graduates earn tens of thousands of dollars more than non-grads. It makes it a little more palatable when I make that student loan payment every month :)
I've made sure to pass along that same sense of investing in yourself to my son - I'm constantly reminding him that what he does now will not only determine the type of life he'll lead, but the type of life he'll be able to provide for his family.
Yes, I think so. Right now I'm already on the most basic of basic pay as you go phone plans. I am a bit paranoid about car problem emergencies but it has only happened once during my 10 years of driving, and even as I was calling, I had several cars stop to ask if they could help or call the police for me.
Cell phones became prominent in the 1990s which means that 20 years ago, people were doing just fine without them. We are becoming too used to luxuries and conveniences.
My best investment by far has been medical insurance. That isn't really my typical idea of an "investment", but after my husband's stroke he's had around $250k in bills (and counting), and we paid $2500 (plus our premiums, of course) which is an excellent return on our investment (that plus his slowly improving health). As runners-up, I would definitely say disability insurance and an emergency fund. Without these three things, a nightmarish situation would have been infinitely worse.
My parents and I invested in my education. I went to an excellent college and then graduate school. Even though my parents and I struggled to pay my tuition, I learned a lot about myself and was exposed to many different types of people, and have always been able to find good, interesting work that has fulfilled my intellectual interests and financial needs. Now I am able to support my family, including helping my parents through these tough economic times.
The smartest investment decision I ever made was to get married to my wonderful wife, Sarah. Not only has Sarah's job increased our joint earning potential, our relationship has also increased my personal happiness and satisfaction with life. No purchase of a physical good, or investment in a company, could ever compare.
Sure, I could get along without a cell phone; I did it for years. I have one only because my prepaid cell is cheaper than a land line.
The best investment I ever made was getting Tony Robbins Personal Power. By giving me tools, I was able to make changes in my life and set goals that I didn't believe possible before. This has made me happier, healthier, wealthier and more well-rounded.
The best investment I have ever made is in taking time to be a part of a community. I'm learning about how to better invest money from your site!
The smartest investment I've ever made was marrying my wife! Nothing compares to the ROI on all the emotional (and financial!) capital invested in her. Best investment and best decision of my life.
I would guess it's my computer science degree. It's kept me employed for 13 years now, wherever I felt like moving.
I also bought a condo in San Francisco in 2001 and sold it in 2006 for almost double, but I would say that was more luck in timing than a smart investment. Still, not bad.
The best investment I have ever made was continuing my education and going back to school. In school I took some classes learning computers and computer programs and it has proven to be instrumental in my career since then.
I'd be wary of a cheap oil change - I feel it is a 'save now, pay later' deal. Remember their cost structure - not only do they need to pay someone to do the change, but still need to pay for the space, tools, and for the big cheese up top. That leaves very little for the filter and oil. So you need to be very careful about what they put in your car and need to ask many questions to ensure that you aren't setting yourself up for a big repair bill in the future.
Oil is cheap insurance to get maximum life out of your engine (just as tranny fluid is cheap insurance for your tranny). Proper car maintenance, while costing more in the short term allows for much greater savings long term.
Thanks for the mention!
If you're going to do a cost comparison, at least make it fair. Comparing a discounted oil change with a full-cost DIY option? C'mon. Auto stores very frequently run oil change specials. This week at Autozone, it's $12.99 for 5 quarts of Pennzoil and a filter. Plus, if you DIY, you can do it at a convenient time for you, not just when the lube place is open.
In addition to not buying produce that isn't in season, don't buy anything that can't be grown in your area (bananas are a good example). In California, certified farmers markets have to segregate the certified (locally grown/produced by the seller) from the noncertified (everything else). And the certified growers have to display their certificate.
Eggs are a great buy at a farmers market (although we now have a friend with too many chickens who gives us fresh ones free). Tomatoes in season - not greenhouse or hydroponically grown; and the funny-looking heirlooms are usually the tastiest. Fresh newly harvested potatoes of all varieties are wonderful; as is freshly picked lettuce - iceberg straight from a farmer is amazingly better than what stores sell.
Cellphones are mostly a conveinence. We lived without them in the past, so I don't see why I counldn't now. I really don't use mine much. And people who have to be on them all the time are annoying.
I currently have a cell phone but I could probably live without as I have a home phone. My cell phone is just a basic flip phone that can't even take pictures, the horror! I'm such a luddite.
There are also a couple of good groups on youtube that walk you through some simple repairs that will save you money.
Also, parts stores like Advance Auto or Auto Zone have very helpful and skilled staff. If you purchase a battery/windshield wipers/etc. there, they will often help you with the repair if not repair it themselves. They also have the diagnostic machines and will read what your check engine light code is for free.
I'm a do it yourself kind of gal and have always done simple maintenence myself. I agree that an oil change, while simple, is not worth the trouble for the cost difference. Oil is often much cheaper if you purchase in larger quantities rather than individual quarts.
You're willing to wait for a certain time or coupon for the oil change, but not use the same technique when buying supplies to change your own oil? It's extremely common to find a sale for 5 quarts and a filter from your local auto parts store for around $15. Only a savings of $5 and you're doing the work, but still....
I will say my family pool & gym membership. With a kick back from my health insurance, it is pretty inexpensive. Yet, it allows us all to stay in shape, spend time together, and sometimes just to goof off and have fun.
Yes, because I don't travel a lot and wherever I am (work, home, friends) there is a landline. I don't talk or text when I drive so .... come to think of it, I don't really use my cell phone a lot. I sometimes call my husband to pick up something at the grocery store.
I have a feeling the Wise Bread audience will find exception to your numbers and calculations on this one. If you know where to shop and what prices to pay, all of this maintenance can easily be done for less than a shop or dealer. Unless you have some really good coupon.
You also have to decide if you trust the knuckle-head at the QuickLube to change your oil properly.
Keep voltage in the system through the lighter socket to avoid shutting down the radio. Shame on you if you didn't keep the code for the radio with the papers for the car, and double shame on the dealer if he gives out the code to some anonymous person on the phone - assuming he even has it.
My local parts store will install wiper blades and batteries free.
I agree with having the oil change done - screw up and you could destroy the engine, plus it is a pain to take the used oil to be recycled.
I completely disagree with you on several of these points. I work at farmers' markets and manage farmers' markets. When you shop at farmers' markets, you want to find the BEST deal for you money, not the CHEAPEST. Talk to the farmers and find out their growing habits. It might be worth your money to pay a little more if the produce is not coated with Roundup or pesticides. Frozen meat is the ONLY way to buy meat. Trust me, all meat in the grocery store was frozen at one time. I would not buy meat anywhere BUT the farmers market 'cause I know where it came from and how healthy it was. This is not a helpful article for anyone. If you can't be helpful, be quiet.
I can only assume you're talking here about farmers' markets in large population areas where you can't get to know the vendors. If so, this seems to be good advice. However, I live in a small town in a rural area, and can say that our market only allows the honey producer to sell honey, and the baked goods cost the same as they do down the road at the shop. (And they have definitely been baked that morning. I know the bakers!) As far as the meat vendors, well, again, we know them. We can see the meat and the coolers right there. I wouldn't buy seafood, but duh - I'm in a landlocked state.
Again, I don't think this post is BAD advice, but it's not that black and white, and local producers need all the support they can get. Please don't scare people away!
The smartest investment I ever made was my investment in my education (primarily through student loans). Although I'm not in the profession I thought I'd be, getting a college degree has definitely increased my earning ability, as well as expanded my knowledge and given me opportunities I never would have thought of. Countless studies have shown that college graduates earn tens of thousands of dollars more than non-grads. It makes it a little more palatable when I make that student loan payment every month :)
I've made sure to pass along that same sense of investing in yourself to my son - I'm constantly reminding him that what he does now will not only determine the type of life he'll lead, but the type of life he'll be able to provide for his family.
Yes, I think so. Right now I'm already on the most basic of basic pay as you go phone plans. I am a bit paranoid about car problem emergencies but it has only happened once during my 10 years of driving, and even as I was calling, I had several cars stop to ask if they could help or call the police for me.
Cell phones became prominent in the 1990s which means that 20 years ago, people were doing just fine without them. We are becoming too used to luxuries and conveniences.