I always find it ironic how the very same people that bash something tend to take advantage of it when they are in a situation where they could benefit from it.
For example, I know a number of people who have called people on unemployment "lazy", "worthless", or "bums", but then when they lose their jobs do they file for unemployment? You bet they do.
For every social security basher here, I'd love to see you turn away your benefits if you're ever in a situation where you become disabled and cannot work or you find that your self-managed retirement account's returns has completely flopped and the only thing keeping you off the streets is your social security benefits.
I have a 2 year old lab who has had fcp surgery and just last week tplo surgery. Total cost $5,000. After lots of research I do believe that Pet Plan is the best. When my dog's other knee goes (and they assure me that it will) Pet Plan will cover it as long as I've had my policy for a year before it happens. It will be worth it.
Philip: 1st the government struggled to make sure SS retirees would get paid. What will happen when (not if) interest rates go to 10% or 18% like they did under Carter? What will happen when USA is paying interest on 25 trillion instead of only under 16 trillion? Government regulations, no oil drilling an no mining by government decree means income will be down reducing the funds to pay for the above. Are you aware the world is moving away from using the dollar as the world currency which means at that time we will no longer be able to print our way out of the mess? Our enemy the Chinese are cashing in their dollars to pay for their buildup to Challenge the USA. All this means the default may be unavoidable. Or the destruction of the rest of society to avoid a SS default.
Justin has the correct answer. Change all government pensions to 401k's with a pay in by the government for future retirees based on their earned credit for the pension. The pension could be generous and still save billions in future payouts. This will stabilize the government. Next place everyone under 50 on the 401k system. The first part of the taxes would go to current retirees and the next part would subsidize low income tax payers. The balance would be invested in the tax payers choice of safe investments of : government investments, Bank notes, stock funds of all the top stocks or other diversified stock choices. No individual stock, no penny stocks, and no high risk stocks. To answer the question, "Stock market safe are you crazy?" Over any 20 year period stocks have made gains. If the government could stop inhibiting business and the two items above helped our future economy stocks would go up. Also a side benefit is your spouse and heirs would receive the remains of your investment upon your death. If their are no heirs the money would subsidize the current retirees and low income tax payers.
I would like to abolish the Social Security program. How? I don't really know how how. It's a program that never should've been started in the first place, but now it's so embedded into our culture, shutting it down could be crippling. I know that everyone is sitting there thinking- " this monster wants my grandmother living on the streets!" and that's not the case. If Social Security, and other programs on its level were cut, then people wouldn't be taxed as much, it would free up a lot of money to give to churches, and other charities to help the poor. Let's not forget that Social Security was supose to be added income, in retirement, and you were suppose to still manage your retirement yourself.
The smartest investment I've ever made was my graduate degree. I paid for my Masters of Public Administration out of pocket and use the knowledge from my classes every day.
I agree with you 100% I'm a milimalist anyway, so we don't have anything just sitting around. There is a place for everything and everything has a place. So if it no longer serves a purpose its out of our home. I love to get rid of stuff. I also hate buying things so the things we do have tend to be the, "best of the best", (so we won't have to purchase it again for years). Which brings me to my point, we recently sold all of our old electronics,(Desktop, laptop, printer, iPod, alarms, cd players, dvd players, vcr's, cd's, dvd's, vhs', cell phones, books, etc...), and with the profit we got new iPhones, an iPad and a MacBook Air and have now chosen to start buying off iTunes only...Its working out great no more cords, so much more space and we are totally mobile. I wish we would have done it years ago. Our home now looks like a show Home:)
Good one, Julie! While we're breakfast fans at this house, we normally only have time to make the labor-intensive breakfasts we love at dinner time. Anything healthy and easy in the morning works for us, and these ideas will give us something else to try along with our smoothies and oatmeal. Thanks!
We elected to have one of us at all times- home to raise our children. It costed us dearly at first- and now, after all this time we've opened up multiple businesses, attended EVERY one of their after school activities, events, and awards as well as were able to get them across town to go to better schools. They are honor roll students & have never missed a day.
I believe my smartest investment was going back to school. Although the degrees are not relevant in my current job, the personal satisfaction I received can't be beat.
My smartest investment was in my education. It will provide me with a stable income and job security. It was better then my backup plan, marrying a rich girl.
Good article, in general. However, I very much doubt that you need any kind of online social networking in order to get a job regardless of blue collar/white collar. Many professionals I know, including managers, executives and CEOs have zero public online social networking other than occasional Twitter feeds in order to follow others ...
If you do have online social networking that does show on Google or otherwise shows up (adversely) in search engine results, then yes a LinkedIn profile or something like it would be useful.
My best investment definitely has to be my laptop. At my previous job, we had a computer buying program and you could borrow up to a certain amount to purchase a computer then pay it off weekly for a year. I took that opportunity and purchased my laptop with as many extras as I could get. I have to say that it was a very wise decision. This laptop has been my savior for the last two years while I have been a stay at home mother with no vehicle during the week. I use it for everything and I would be lost without it.
The question about putting the interest of the company ahead of your own is unfair. Now a days, interviewers are careful of questions to ask during the interview, but if asked, I would answer "my family comes first because if there is problem at home tendency is that I cannot do my job properly." If you answer, you put the interest of the company first, the interviewer knows you are lying.
For anyone looking to get married or into a committed relationship, these tips are key. I even agree that anyone married should take a look at these money management mistakes and see if they are making them.
I've heard of couples being together for over 20 years, one spouse suddenly dies (the one with all the "power") and the other spouse is left clueless. It's a sad place to be. Communication is very important, and splitting the money responsibility helps a ton. Not only to relieve the burden but to help each other reach the same goals.
The smartest investment I ever made was I purchased a IRA and it was the type that I could not lose. I did not make much money when the market was going up but when the market fell out I did not lose a dime.
About 95% of the time I pack with intentions of eating through work. Unfortunately, my coworkers thwart my efforts on occasion. It is more important to me to get to know my team members then be a stickler about my lunch. I leave wiggle room in my budget for this as a result.
I think we save the most from paper towels, toilet paper and laundry soap. I can't tell you how much we go through this stuff in our house! Buy these items in bulk and you will save money. I'm so glad we have a Costco, although its a 40 mile round trip adventure.
With the economy being what it is, it long overdue for all companies to amp up customer service. Customers need to respectively demand it. We can always shop elsewhere. It is also best to avoid companies with poor return policies; HSN, QVC, and Talbots to name a few. [Talbots used to have excellent customer service and return policy. It was abused by some, so the company changed to punish all. Unlike other stores that made changes to punish only the abusers.] Blogs like Wisebread can help educate consumers and spread the word about poor customer service.
The smartest investment I have ever made is the time I have invested in entering giveaways. I seriously started entering giveaways in 2009 and have won thousands of dollars worth of prizes for my family.
The smartest investment I made was in myself. I put myself (with the help of financial aid) through college, earning both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Science degree. And I'm passing on that investment today as a Financial Aid Professional!
My husband is the cook in the household and will make an extra portion for dinner the night before and put it aside in one of the glass tupperware containers (easier to wash and even safer in my mind than the microwave safe plastic containers since I use it so often) so I can bring it to work for lunch the next day. Healthy, tasty, and cost-effective!
Before I was married, I lived with my mom and she would do the same. Let me tell you, I seen had a number of co-workers coming over to my cube come lunch time to see what yummy food I was eating!
Occasionally, I might go out for lunch with some friends from work to get away from the office which is always nice.
I always find it ironic how the very same people that bash something tend to take advantage of it when they are in a situation where they could benefit from it.
For example, I know a number of people who have called people on unemployment "lazy", "worthless", or "bums", but then when they lose their jobs do they file for unemployment? You bet they do.
For every social security basher here, I'd love to see you turn away your benefits if you're ever in a situation where you become disabled and cannot work or you find that your self-managed retirement account's returns has completely flopped and the only thing keeping you off the streets is your social security benefits.
I have a 2 year old lab who has had fcp surgery and just last week tplo surgery. Total cost $5,000. After lots of research I do believe that Pet Plan is the best. When my dog's other knee goes (and they assure me that it will) Pet Plan will cover it as long as I've had my policy for a year before it happens. It will be worth it.
Philip: 1st the government struggled to make sure SS retirees would get paid. What will happen when (not if) interest rates go to 10% or 18% like they did under Carter? What will happen when USA is paying interest on 25 trillion instead of only under 16 trillion? Government regulations, no oil drilling an no mining by government decree means income will be down reducing the funds to pay for the above. Are you aware the world is moving away from using the dollar as the world currency which means at that time we will no longer be able to print our way out of the mess? Our enemy the Chinese are cashing in their dollars to pay for their buildup to Challenge the USA. All this means the default may be unavoidable. Or the destruction of the rest of society to avoid a SS default.
Justin has the correct answer. Change all government pensions to 401k's with a pay in by the government for future retirees based on their earned credit for the pension. The pension could be generous and still save billions in future payouts. This will stabilize the government. Next place everyone under 50 on the 401k system. The first part of the taxes would go to current retirees and the next part would subsidize low income tax payers. The balance would be invested in the tax payers choice of safe investments of : government investments, Bank notes, stock funds of all the top stocks or other diversified stock choices. No individual stock, no penny stocks, and no high risk stocks. To answer the question, "Stock market safe are you crazy?" Over any 20 year period stocks have made gains. If the government could stop inhibiting business and the two items above helped our future economy stocks would go up. Also a side benefit is your spouse and heirs would receive the remains of your investment upon your death. If their are no heirs the money would subsidize the current retirees and low income tax payers.
I would like to abolish the Social Security program. How? I don't really know how how. It's a program that never should've been started in the first place, but now it's so embedded into our culture, shutting it down could be crippling. I know that everyone is sitting there thinking- " this monster wants my grandmother living on the streets!" and that's not the case. If Social Security, and other programs on its level were cut, then people wouldn't be taxed as much, it would free up a lot of money to give to churches, and other charities to help the poor. Let's not forget that Social Security was supose to be added income, in retirement, and you were suppose to still manage your retirement yourself.
The smartest investment I've ever made was my graduate degree. I paid for my Masters of Public Administration out of pocket and use the knowledge from my classes every day.
I agree with you 100% I'm a milimalist anyway, so we don't have anything just sitting around. There is a place for everything and everything has a place. So if it no longer serves a purpose its out of our home. I love to get rid of stuff. I also hate buying things so the things we do have tend to be the, "best of the best", (so we won't have to purchase it again for years). Which brings me to my point, we recently sold all of our old electronics,(Desktop, laptop, printer, iPod, alarms, cd players, dvd players, vcr's, cd's, dvd's, vhs', cell phones, books, etc...), and with the profit we got new iPhones, an iPad and a MacBook Air and have now chosen to start buying off iTunes only...Its working out great no more cords, so much more space and we are totally mobile. I wish we would have done it years ago. Our home now looks like a show Home:)
I have been bringing my lunch for the pass 3 months or so and have lost 40lbs in the process.
Good one, Julie! While we're breakfast fans at this house, we normally only have time to make the labor-intensive breakfasts we love at dinner time. Anything healthy and easy in the morning works for us, and these ideas will give us something else to try along with our smoothies and oatmeal. Thanks!
We elected to have one of us at all times- home to raise our children. It costed us dearly at first- and now, after all this time we've opened up multiple businesses, attended EVERY one of their after school activities, events, and awards as well as were able to get them across town to go to better schools. They are honor roll students & have never missed a day.
I believe my smartest investment was going back to school. Although the degrees are not relevant in my current job, the personal satisfaction I received can't be beat.
My smartest investment was in my education. It will provide me with a stable income and job security. It was better then my backup plan, marrying a rich girl.
Good article, in general. However, I very much doubt that you need any kind of online social networking in order to get a job regardless of blue collar/white collar. Many professionals I know, including managers, executives and CEOs have zero public online social networking other than occasional Twitter feeds in order to follow others ...
If you do have online social networking that does show on Google or otherwise shows up (adversely) in search engine results, then yes a LinkedIn profile or something like it would be useful.
My best investment definitely has to be my laptop. At my previous job, we had a computer buying program and you could borrow up to a certain amount to purchase a computer then pay it off weekly for a year. I took that opportunity and purchased my laptop with as many extras as I could get. I have to say that it was a very wise decision. This laptop has been my savior for the last two years while I have been a stay at home mother with no vehicle during the week. I use it for everything and I would be lost without it.
The question about putting the interest of the company ahead of your own is unfair. Now a days, interviewers are careful of questions to ask during the interview, but if asked, I would answer "my family comes first because if there is problem at home tendency is that I cannot do my job properly." If you answer, you put the interest of the company first, the interviewer knows you are lying.
Saigon
I prefer to pack my lunch instead of going out. 1) it's cheaper, 2) I get sick of fast food and 3) if I stay in, I have time to read sites like this!
For anyone looking to get married or into a committed relationship, these tips are key. I even agree that anyone married should take a look at these money management mistakes and see if they are making them.
I've heard of couples being together for over 20 years, one spouse suddenly dies (the one with all the "power") and the other spouse is left clueless. It's a sad place to be. Communication is very important, and splitting the money responsibility helps a ton. Not only to relieve the burden but to help each other reach the same goals.
Great article, thanks for sharing
The smartest investment I ever made was I purchased a IRA and it was the type that I could not lose. I did not make much money when the market was going up but when the market fell out I did not lose a dime.
About 95% of the time I pack with intentions of eating through work. Unfortunately, my coworkers thwart my efforts on occasion. It is more important to me to get to know my team members then be a stickler about my lunch. I leave wiggle room in my budget for this as a result.
I think we save the most from paper towels, toilet paper and laundry soap. I can't tell you how much we go through this stuff in our house! Buy these items in bulk and you will save money. I'm so glad we have a Costco, although its a 40 mile round trip adventure.
My best investment so far has been in college. It has helped me get a good job in a bad economy.
With the economy being what it is, it long overdue for all companies to amp up customer service. Customers need to respectively demand it. We can always shop elsewhere. It is also best to avoid companies with poor return policies; HSN, QVC, and Talbots to name a few. [Talbots used to have excellent customer service and return policy. It was abused by some, so the company changed to punish all. Unlike other stores that made changes to punish only the abusers.] Blogs like Wisebread can help educate consumers and spread the word about poor customer service.
The smartest investment I have ever made is the time I have invested in entering giveaways. I seriously started entering giveaways in 2009 and have won thousands of dollars worth of prizes for my family.
The smartest investment I made was in myself. I put myself (with the help of financial aid) through college, earning both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Science degree. And I'm passing on that investment today as a Financial Aid Professional!
I definitely pack my own lunch. It's way cheaper and what I usually make is better than what I can buy
My husband is the cook in the household and will make an extra portion for dinner the night before and put it aside in one of the glass tupperware containers (easier to wash and even safer in my mind than the microwave safe plastic containers since I use it so often) so I can bring it to work for lunch the next day. Healthy, tasty, and cost-effective!
Before I was married, I lived with my mom and she would do the same. Let me tell you, I seen had a number of co-workers coming over to my cube come lunch time to see what yummy food I was eating!
Occasionally, I might go out for lunch with some friends from work to get away from the office which is always nice.