Xin Lu firstly I am a fan of your frugal approaches and as one of your guy readers it seems you got another winning post!
But, forgive this, its overkill. Shred the damned thing and throw it away.
I have used NetSpend to get in on some "trading action" with the Obama/McCain runoff (I know it's against all that Wise Bread stands for but...) on a prediction network I wont name and have had no issues. Far from a fanboy I also have active banking accounts with two banks one for tax purposes and another for private reasons.
Mark Root makes a very valid albeit aggressive point, however. If you're browsing the web for "Deals and Coupons" via surveys and such be careful what you're signing for. Once you receive the unwanted crap throw em away as you would any other trash mail. Just wish it was as easy as deleting spam though...
I have enjoyed posting items for sale on Craigslist for sale for year but within the last year I probably get 3 to 1 emails from people trying to sell me something versus someone answering the ad. Either that or they are harvesting email addresses to re-sell. All you have to do is answer the ad and they have your Email. My first clue is emails that are sent to me from 1-4am as they are coming from other countries.
People will also email you telling you they want to buy the item and will have"their people" pick it up and pay you with a cashiers check.
It's getting to be a real hassle to post an ad there due to the thousand of scammers who are also using that site.
I think you are trying to play the part of the victim...**** happens, get over it and move on. Next time be more prepared. So if it isn't your fault who's fault is it? Probably going to blame it on the responsible people aren't you.
Financially, renting may make sense especially in this market. However, the non-financial benefit cannot be ignored. We lived in an apartment building with reasonable rent and spent less than half of what we spend on the house now (excluding mortgage, all contigencies factored) and we bought a moderate house. What we missed most is that the neighbours were mainly in transit and we never developed any strong relationships or friends. Now, we live in an owned place where families are there for the long haul and our children have made a few good friends. If we have to rent in future, we will only look for rentals in places where most neighbours are owners.
Thanks for the sleep tips. Some easy tips to apply.
The last tip is interesting. I agree that aromatherapy can certainly be relaxing. However, actually spraying your bed sheets with a relaxing scent is a new twist.
No Black Friday for this family. We always search for the best prices through out the year and most BF sales are for things we don't need anyway. It's not a savings if you spend what you weren't going to.
For affordable ways to help abroad visit WorldHelpLink. This website has links to great opportunities to volunteer, travel, teach, intern, learn, work, and more abroad.
Easy: don't buy more house than you afford, stay away from ARM mortages and don't refinance unless you can save a ton of money! Bought my first house for $18K, remodeling took $15K; sold for $30K 8 years later when the mortage was paid off. Got an $80K construction loan for the second house. Over the years, made some changes and some updates (new roof, new furnace, new doors/windows). Money for the improvements was NOT added to the mortage, but paid as updates were made. Paid off the mortage about 8 years ago. Took out another mortage ($42K) to buy my kid a small modular home in 2001. That mortgage was paid off two years ago. So . . . it can be done you just have to do it. PS taxes and insurance were NOT escrowed. That also saves money as you can earn interest on your "set asides (used for taxes/insurance) instead of letting the bank "store" your money.
As we all look for new investment opportunities I have found a new resource for Distressed debit investing through buying pre-foreclosure notes through auction. Has anyone been engaged in this activity. Check out www.RealtyNoteBid.com and let me know your thoughts…has anyone used them. Do you have any other resources.....
As we all look for new investment opportunities I have found a new resource for Distressed debit investing through buying pre-foreclosure notes through auction. Has anyone been engaged in this activity. Check out www.RealtyNoteBid.com and let me know your thoughts…has anyone used them. Do you have any other resources.....
Water doesn't have to be cold, add citrus to hot water and it's lovely in the mornings.
Another favourite of mine is carbonated water, I started drinking it when I lived in Germany for a bit back in 2007 and I find it very refreshing and again, you can literally add anything to make it interesting. Definitely better than sugary fizzy drinks and quenches my thirst much better when I'm eating than still water.
I can taste the difference between types of water too, I believe it is due to different mineral contents.
Personally- I have researched many different online memorial/tribute sites and have a hard time paying for one. I came across Valley of Life (www.valleyoflife.com)and set one up for my grandfather. I would think that this site should be included with the other memorial sites.
I only order water at most restaurants because I can't have anything with caffeine. Most restaurants serve caffeinated and I surely wouldn't enjoy a fruit or vegetable juice drink, let alone milk with my meal. So, just remember, while some do it for the savings, others may do it for their health.
Even if I didn't have a small child or live in a small town with few big stores, I doubt I would be going crazy with Black Friday. Who wants to stand in long, horrible lines? There are few things I need that would be relevant (the big deals on Black Friday are pretty much just electronics and gadgetry anyway).
Cyber Monday may not have as many big deals, but with free shipping and shopping portals sites that give you cash back, buying online in the comfort of your own home is worth getting a slightly worse deal.
While this article provided a lot of good info, it also was good for some laughs. Reminds me a lot of my previous office... and maybe that explains why that one guy used to interrupt everyone all the time...
Blank Label recently launched their website which is similar to shirtsmyway. They offer custom dress shirts starting at $45. Pretty cool app they've got. it's simple and easy. I find shirtsmyway's app to be confusing and redundant... but nevertheless they both have cool businesses! =)
Unless mortgages in Europe are amortized differently, you'll be able to pay off your mortgage whenever the term is up (typically 15 or 30 years here in the US).
Even if you never make extra payments, if you live in the house long enough, you'll eventually pay it off!
I used to go out after the holidays with my mom as a kid, when barely anyone was out after the holidays to shop for Xmas. But today....there is no way I go out to shop! I don't have many people to shop for, mom, dad, grandparents, boyfriend, and pets. I try to do shopping throughout the year if I happen to see something they would like beforehand. Or I order online, get them things I can get while I'm doing grocery shopping, or I make them something.
I think a lot of people go and get the deals for items for themselves. I realize some people may have to buy a lot of things for kids and large families, but it is always wise to remember "How much would he/she like this gift, would use it, and wouldn't trash it a year later?" Kids don't have to have a million things.
In lue of Black Friday, my family and I donate items to the local humane society's annual yard sale. We save up stuff all year to donate. It creates great funding for the animals, and is an alternative shopping place for those needing to shop on Black Friday!
Exterior doors -- I didn't really want to replace the doors but they lost their function, including a wooden front door that was cracked (replaced it with fiberglass) and a sliding glass door (anyone remember those?) that didn't lock correctly. And oddly, one of my children broke our deadbolt lock when he was about 3 years old so that needed replacing. Happened to do some research and it looks like many doors don't last that long for many people, and so I added those. Others won't have those particular costs but may have other expenses: just wanted to bring some reality to the discussion and not abstract costs. And, yes, being a DIYer and more handy is on my life's to-do list.
Richard, what I think Paul meant is: If you are in any of those States, your City might already be getting those calls. He did not call the States, cities.
I'm in MN and a gf got a jury duty summons last winter. She was out of town for 2 weeks unexpectedly and when she got home she opened the letter and had missed the date she was supposed to respond by. Within 1 week she got a registered letter, that she had to sign for stating if she did not contact them, yes she could face jail time. When she called all she was asked by them to confirm was her name and then number on the registered letter. She was NOT asked for her SS number or credit card number. I will say in MN it is a big deal if you do miss jury duty, they will hunt you down!
Some have commented on the renting versus homeonwership. One of the reasons my hubby and I chose to become homeowners 20 years ago is the privacy. When I am downstairs in the family room and there is a lot of noise upstairs, I know it is my family and I can yell, KNOCK IT OFF!!! You can't do that with rental neighbors! We managed an apartment complex of 72 units for 5 years. It provided free rent, which we put that amount we would have paid into savings, so in 5 years we had a nice amount to put down on a house. We dealt with so much, that I don't think I could ever go back into apartment living ever again!
Now, here is another thing that we are lucky with for alot of repairs and upkeep on our home. My hubby does cement finishing as part of his job, so we have never had to hire anyone to do steps, sidewalks, etc. My brother and nephew are in the home construction end of things so they help with anything on that end that we cannot do ourselves, or just need an extra hand with. In turn we help them with their home upkeep. Hubby is just not handy when it comes to plumbing problems and those can be a major expense. We have a friend who owns a plumbing business. My hubby just poured a new sidewalk and steps for him at the cost of just the concrete. In turn he is redoing the plumbing in our kitchen for just the cost of a new faucet and some piping. So, it really helps keep expenses down when you can trade with family and friends for those household jobs. Oh, and as far as gardening, I have a circle of friend's that we do plant exchanges with-----have not had to buy any new plants in years and gardens are awesome!
Insurance on the house, it helps to have your home and car ins. with the same carrier, they give a discount. But you did forget the garbage bill. Some cities around here have their own garbage system billed in with your water bill. We do not. We were paying $70 every 3 months. Had the same company all these years. I called a month ago and said I was switching. I just signed a 2 year contract at $35 for 3 months. Right now, alot of these companies will work with you instead of losing your business.'
This article needs to be read by all who are considering making the leap! Great post!!!!!!!!
Xin Lu firstly I am a fan of your frugal approaches and as one of your guy readers it seems you got another winning post!
But, forgive this, its overkill. Shred the damned thing and throw it away.
I have used NetSpend to get in on some "trading action" with the Obama/McCain runoff (I know it's against all that Wise Bread stands for but...) on a prediction network I wont name and have had no issues. Far from a fanboy I also have active banking accounts with two banks one for tax purposes and another for private reasons.
Mark Root makes a very valid albeit aggressive point, however. If you're browsing the web for "Deals and Coupons" via surveys and such be careful what you're signing for. Once you receive the unwanted crap throw em away as you would any other trash mail. Just wish it was as easy as deleting spam though...
I have enjoyed posting items for sale on Craigslist for sale for year but within the last year I probably get 3 to 1 emails from people trying to sell me something versus someone answering the ad. Either that or they are harvesting email addresses to re-sell. All you have to do is answer the ad and they have your Email. My first clue is emails that are sent to me from 1-4am as they are coming from other countries.
People will also email you telling you they want to buy the item and will have"their people" pick it up and pay you with a cashiers check.
It's getting to be a real hassle to post an ad there due to the thousand of scammers who are also using that site.
Brian you are correct. Without a person setting his/her goals then he/she will have nothing to budget for.
I think you are trying to play the part of the victim...**** happens, get over it and move on. Next time be more prepared. So if it isn't your fault who's fault is it? Probably going to blame it on the responsible people aren't you.
Financially, renting may make sense especially in this market. However, the non-financial benefit cannot be ignored. We lived in an apartment building with reasonable rent and spent less than half of what we spend on the house now (excluding mortgage, all contigencies factored) and we bought a moderate house. What we missed most is that the neighbours were mainly in transit and we never developed any strong relationships or friends. Now, we live in an owned place where families are there for the long haul and our children have made a few good friends. If we have to rent in future, we will only look for rentals in places where most neighbours are owners.
Thanks for the sleep tips. Some easy tips to apply.
The last tip is interesting. I agree that aromatherapy can certainly be relaxing. However, actually spraying your bed sheets with a relaxing scent is a new twist.
No Black Friday for this family. We always search for the best prices through out the year and most BF sales are for things we don't need anyway. It's not a savings if you spend what you weren't going to.
For affordable ways to help abroad visit WorldHelpLink. This website has links to great opportunities to volunteer, travel, teach, intern, learn, work, and more abroad.
Easy: don't buy more house than you afford, stay away from ARM mortages and don't refinance unless you can save a ton of money! Bought my first house for $18K, remodeling took $15K; sold for $30K 8 years later when the mortage was paid off. Got an $80K construction loan for the second house. Over the years, made some changes and some updates (new roof, new furnace, new doors/windows). Money for the improvements was NOT added to the mortage, but paid as updates were made. Paid off the mortage about 8 years ago. Took out another mortage ($42K) to buy my kid a small modular home in 2001. That mortgage was paid off two years ago. So . . . it can be done you just have to do it. PS taxes and insurance were NOT escrowed. That also saves money as you can earn interest on your "set asides (used for taxes/insurance) instead of letting the bank "store" your money.
As we all look for new investment opportunities I have found a new resource for Distressed debit investing through buying pre-foreclosure notes through auction. Has anyone been engaged in this activity. Check out www.RealtyNoteBid.com and let me know your thoughts…has anyone used them. Do you have any other resources.....
As we all look for new investment opportunities I have found a new resource for Distressed debit investing through buying pre-foreclosure notes through auction. Has anyone been engaged in this activity. Check out www.RealtyNoteBid.com and let me know your thoughts…has anyone used them. Do you have any other resources.....
Water doesn't have to be cold, add citrus to hot water and it's lovely in the mornings.
Another favourite of mine is carbonated water, I started drinking it when I lived in Germany for a bit back in 2007 and I find it very refreshing and again, you can literally add anything to make it interesting. Definitely better than sugary fizzy drinks and quenches my thirst much better when I'm eating than still water.
I can taste the difference between types of water too, I believe it is due to different mineral contents.
Personally- I have researched many different online memorial/tribute sites and have a hard time paying for one. I came across Valley of Life (www.valleyoflife.com)and set one up for my grandfather. I would think that this site should be included with the other memorial sites.
I only order water at most restaurants because I can't have anything with caffeine. Most restaurants serve caffeinated and I surely wouldn't enjoy a fruit or vegetable juice drink, let alone milk with my meal. So, just remember, while some do it for the savings, others may do it for their health.
Even if I didn't have a small child or live in a small town with few big stores, I doubt I would be going crazy with Black Friday. Who wants to stand in long, horrible lines? There are few things I need that would be relevant (the big deals on Black Friday are pretty much just electronics and gadgetry anyway).
Cyber Monday may not have as many big deals, but with free shipping and shopping portals sites that give you cash back, buying online in the comfort of your own home is worth getting a slightly worse deal.
While this article provided a lot of good info, it also was good for some laughs. Reminds me a lot of my previous office... and maybe that explains why that one guy used to interrupt everyone all the time...
Blank Label recently launched their website which is similar to shirtsmyway. They offer custom dress shirts starting at $45. Pretty cool app they've got. it's simple and easy. I find shirtsmyway's app to be confusing and redundant... but nevertheless they both have cool businesses! =)
I am confused. Where is the article about shoplifting, all I see here are links to other articles.
Unless mortgages in Europe are amortized differently, you'll be able to pay off your mortgage whenever the term is up (typically 15 or 30 years here in the US).
Even if you never make extra payments, if you live in the house long enough, you'll eventually pay it off!
I used to go out after the holidays with my mom as a kid, when barely anyone was out after the holidays to shop for Xmas. But today....there is no way I go out to shop! I don't have many people to shop for, mom, dad, grandparents, boyfriend, and pets. I try to do shopping throughout the year if I happen to see something they would like beforehand. Or I order online, get them things I can get while I'm doing grocery shopping, or I make them something.
I think a lot of people go and get the deals for items for themselves. I realize some people may have to buy a lot of things for kids and large families, but it is always wise to remember "How much would he/she like this gift, would use it, and wouldn't trash it a year later?" Kids don't have to have a million things.
In lue of Black Friday, my family and I donate items to the local humane society's annual yard sale. We save up stuff all year to donate. It creates great funding for the animals, and is an alternative shopping place for those needing to shop on Black Friday!
Exterior doors -- I didn't really want to replace the doors but they lost their function, including a wooden front door that was cracked (replaced it with fiberglass) and a sliding glass door (anyone remember those?) that didn't lock correctly. And oddly, one of my children broke our deadbolt lock when he was about 3 years old so that needed replacing. Happened to do some research and it looks like many doors don't last that long for many people, and so I added those. Others won't have those particular costs but may have other expenses: just wanted to bring some reality to the discussion and not abstract costs. And, yes, being a DIYer and more handy is on my life's to-do list.
Richard, what I think Paul meant is: If you are in any of those States, your City might already be getting those calls. He did not call the States, cities.
I'm in MN and a gf got a jury duty summons last winter. She was out of town for 2 weeks unexpectedly and when she got home she opened the letter and had missed the date she was supposed to respond by. Within 1 week she got a registered letter, that she had to sign for stating if she did not contact them, yes she could face jail time. When she called all she was asked by them to confirm was her name and then number on the registered letter. She was NOT asked for her SS number or credit card number. I will say in MN it is a big deal if you do miss jury duty, they will hunt you down!
Thank you for the update, Don. I've removed the phone number from the article, since I suppose they can change it whenever they want.
Your comment, however, is so awesome that I might actually have to nominate it for the AWESOMEST TROLL BLOG COMMENT IN THE ENTIRE WORLD Awards.
Some have commented on the renting versus homeonwership. One of the reasons my hubby and I chose to become homeowners 20 years ago is the privacy. When I am downstairs in the family room and there is a lot of noise upstairs, I know it is my family and I can yell, KNOCK IT OFF!!! You can't do that with rental neighbors! We managed an apartment complex of 72 units for 5 years. It provided free rent, which we put that amount we would have paid into savings, so in 5 years we had a nice amount to put down on a house. We dealt with so much, that I don't think I could ever go back into apartment living ever again!
Now, here is another thing that we are lucky with for alot of repairs and upkeep on our home. My hubby does cement finishing as part of his job, so we have never had to hire anyone to do steps, sidewalks, etc. My brother and nephew are in the home construction end of things so they help with anything on that end that we cannot do ourselves, or just need an extra hand with. In turn we help them with their home upkeep. Hubby is just not handy when it comes to plumbing problems and those can be a major expense. We have a friend who owns a plumbing business. My hubby just poured a new sidewalk and steps for him at the cost of just the concrete. In turn he is redoing the plumbing in our kitchen for just the cost of a new faucet and some piping. So, it really helps keep expenses down when you can trade with family and friends for those household jobs. Oh, and as far as gardening, I have a circle of friend's that we do plant exchanges with-----have not had to buy any new plants in years and gardens are awesome!
Insurance on the house, it helps to have your home and car ins. with the same carrier, they give a discount. But you did forget the garbage bill. Some cities around here have their own garbage system billed in with your water bill. We do not. We were paying $70 every 3 months. Had the same company all these years. I called a month ago and said I was switching. I just signed a 2 year contract at $35 for 3 months. Right now, alot of these companies will work with you instead of losing your business.'
This article needs to be read by all who are considering making the leap! Great post!!!!!!!!