I dont have stuff in my attic that would sell for a dollar but i will go through my grandparent's attic and see what i can come up with. maybe something valuable like collectible stamps or coins...
My family and I already live frugally by most standards, but things have gotten really tight in the last 8 months with cutbacks on the job. We've never had cable tv, we used to eat out twice a month or so, and shop at resale store as often as possible. Lately though, even those things had to be trimmed back considerably. Christmas will be a little slimmer, thankfully the money is already set aside. I do have things that have broken or worn out, but other than taking money out of our emergency fund, I'm going to have to live without them for quite a while longer. I just keep hoping that things will turn around soon. But with the unemployment rate over 15% here and prices going up, it is a little scary and unsure. The only thing I really want to replace is my cooking set. I need to replace 2 pans, but buying a set is actually cheaper. Still swithering on whether it is a necessity or a want on this one! Cooking every day at home has been challenging with no large pans and a broken lid for the one I do have. Decisions, decisions... Isn't that what life is all about? Making good decisions even in the hard times. I'm just really thankful above all for my sweet family!
Wow! What concept. Essentially, everything one does for gainful employment is a form of "fee for service." Some work harder than others.
Realtors, real-estate consultants, real estate sales agents, etc., do a LOT of work for their clients if they are ethical and understand contracts. I would say that if you feel like you don't trust your agent, look for a new one. Rely on your gut feeling - being able to communicate with and understand this person is critical.
Don't overlook the newer agents who will work VERY hard for you and typically have an abundance of experienced mentors following behind the scenes. Knowing market data is great sign that agents know their market. But, in a city like Los Angeles, where every neighborhood has a different median sales price and a different absorbtion rate, it is impossible to know every statistic for the numbers and types of homes that buyers wish to see.
My advice to buyers is to make a list of "must haves, wants and don't want." Inlcude area and price on your list as well as number of bedrooms/baths, for starters. Improve your list as you go along; you might find that, for example, having a fireplace or a pool has changed from a "don't want" to a "want." Engage your agent in developing this list so you are both on the same page.
My advice to agents, do the same thing. Know your inventory and stats. Know when to refer a buyer to another agent when you feel that the relationship isn't clicking smoothly.
I got a Neti pot recently and I must say that I just LOVE it. I do not use it every day like you do...but when I did get the cold and was stuffed up it helped me to breathe and I did not even have to take medicine.
To the writer of the article.....blowing your nose HARD is actually frowned upon because you can damage the tissue or push mucus higher into the sinuses. You can also cause an ear infection by vigorous blowing so please be careful when making this statement.
You should only blow your nose GENTLY if you have to blow at all.
Selling things on Craig's List or eBay usually IS more trouble than it's worth, I have found, with ONE exception.
Appliances.
I had an old but functional fridge that came with my house. Sat in the basement for years. I also acquired a large deep freeze which I used for a while and then stopped, as it was not energy eficent and I wanted to replace it with a new one, with no leaky seals, etc.
These items had some value, especially to someone who could tweak them back into functionality, but no real 'sale' value.
I called some junk dealers and they wanted me to pay them upwards of $200 to haul them away!
In desperation one Sunday evening I snapped a picture of them both, & put them up on Craig's List (under 'FREE stuff category) at 9pm.
They were gone from out of my basement by midnight!
Wow
I consider options like that now as I do when evaluating 'the right tool for the job'
That one worked like a charm.
I would LOVE to see a huge collection of which name brands relabel and what they relabel too.
like the kirkland batteries = duracell
on a more regional note here on the west coast Foster Farms relabels their chicken to either sunny select or sunny side farms. I forget which one of those store brands is for meats (Those are the savemart brands). I got word of this from a guy who worked at Foster Farms.
so in short.
sunny side farms/sunny select chicken = Foster Farms chicken
When I was in rural Brazil for 9 months, my suit got WAY too dirty to keep wearing. Lacking a dry cleaners, I had to wash it. Hand washed and air dried, it turned out just fine. Not all materials may be able to handle it, but for some things it is an option.
That is a coincidence that you mentioned working for a law firm. I am currently working for a law firm myself and making around $25,000.00 a year. That is not minimum wage, but I can say I am happy to get that also.
Furthermore, I have always thought what might be a comfortable amount of money now, might not be in the near future.
Bakers yeast....brewers (wine) yeast...and Turbo yeast..
The three main kinds.
I use the turbo yeast when I am making spirits. ( I have made all kinds ) cream de cacao, irish cream, kaluha, vodka, dark rum, spiced rum, and many sweet liquors and PORT.
I use brewers yeast when i am making beer and wine.
I use 8 lbs of sugar in a 5 gal jug with a pack of turbo yeast and a small amount of yeast excellerator.
My mash quit bubbling. but its gonna be about 5 days before i distill. Im using cornmeal, sugar, and water will it be ok to let it sit? Can i take the heater off since its done fermenting?
Emotional blackmail. I like many of Pampered Chef's products, which have lasted many years in my household. I just don't like feeling obligated to buy someone's stuff just because I know them.
Yup, we do the same calculations. Better make the most of things!
"Life Speed Accelerates
It's true. Every year goes by quicker than the next. Let's say you were to live until 100. The first year of your life is but a small 1/100th fraction. However, the 51st year of your life is 1/50th, or literally twice as fast until the fraction becomes 1 (when you are 99 with one year left to live). Hence, I suggest recalibrating your life expectancy down to 65, and shoot for retiring no later than 50."
Keigu,
Financial Samurai
"Slicing Through Money's Mysteries"
The $8,000 tax credit looks like it is going to be extended through April 30, 2010, then will be phased out. The bill has passed the Senate (3 hours ago) and the House earlier this week. Obama's staff has stated he will sign it - probably in mid-November.
There is no possibility of a $15,000 tax credit, that was 1 legislator's whackadoodle bill that didn't make it out of committee. But the realtors seized on it and borrowers decided not to buy this year in hopes of a 2010 jackpot.
Regarding FHA and using the $8k as the down payment - FHA rules specify that the borrowers must find a community lender (non profit) willing to lend them $8,000 for their down payment, and then pay it back 6 weeks later when the refund check arrives.
In my state of Washington, the major community lender is the Washington State Housing Finance Commission. They decided not to lend against the $8,000 tax credit refund, because IRS rules prohibit them from receiving the refund directly. This would put them in the risky position of chasing down borrowers to sign over their $8,000 checks. This is why the $8k tax credit is not available as a down payment in most areas.
As a loan officer (who always put people in fixed rates, and tried my best to convince people to stay away from pay option ARMs and short term ARMs)....I encourage first time home buyers to *bank* that money as their emergency fund. Don't fritter it away on home improvements. Buy a home in reasonably good condition and bank the money in case of an emergency or layoff. I can't force them to be financially prudent, though. Some have spent the money.
Great suggestions here! Thank you so much. I'm planning a gallery showing of my photography and if all goes well, I'll post some of my work with your idea of frames!
I encourage knowing how much you need to live on (or how much you are currently living on). I did it using Quicken, but one can use any tool that works for them. Knowing that number allows one to examine and make smart choices from a position of knowledge (invest, train, make your own pasta ;-)). Too many folks have no idea where they spend their money.
I bailed out of the rat race on a one year sabbatical (unpaid, no job return guarantee) with the hope of not having to go back to the corporate world. The economy decided to help out by nose diving and my company chipped in by eliminating any job to go back to.
I'm currently busy honing my consulting and writing skills (the latter not in Phil's class). My goal is self sufficiency, which means not needing to live off my capital. I'm open to any interesting salaried job opportunities for example, but I no longer need a salary. I did buy my way out of the rat race, but that just gives me the flexibility to run my own race.
This company totally sucks!! DO NOT, repeat DO NOT take their policy. It may sound good until they start gouging your for more than you were told your policy would be.
I dont have stuff in my attic that would sell for a dollar but i will go through my grandparent's attic and see what i can come up with. maybe something valuable like collectible stamps or coins...
Glad to hear about this book. I will definitely be checking it out.
My family and I already live frugally by most standards, but things have gotten really tight in the last 8 months with cutbacks on the job. We've never had cable tv, we used to eat out twice a month or so, and shop at resale store as often as possible. Lately though, even those things had to be trimmed back considerably. Christmas will be a little slimmer, thankfully the money is already set aside. I do have things that have broken or worn out, but other than taking money out of our emergency fund, I'm going to have to live without them for quite a while longer. I just keep hoping that things will turn around soon. But with the unemployment rate over 15% here and prices going up, it is a little scary and unsure. The only thing I really want to replace is my cooking set. I need to replace 2 pans, but buying a set is actually cheaper. Still swithering on whether it is a necessity or a want on this one! Cooking every day at home has been challenging with no large pans and a broken lid for the one I do have. Decisions, decisions... Isn't that what life is all about? Making good decisions even in the hard times. I'm just really thankful above all for my sweet family!
Wow! What concept. Essentially, everything one does for gainful employment is a form of "fee for service." Some work harder than others.
Realtors, real-estate consultants, real estate sales agents, etc., do a LOT of work for their clients if they are ethical and understand contracts. I would say that if you feel like you don't trust your agent, look for a new one. Rely on your gut feeling - being able to communicate with and understand this person is critical.
Don't overlook the newer agents who will work VERY hard for you and typically have an abundance of experienced mentors following behind the scenes. Knowing market data is great sign that agents know their market. But, in a city like Los Angeles, where every neighborhood has a different median sales price and a different absorbtion rate, it is impossible to know every statistic for the numbers and types of homes that buyers wish to see.
My advice to buyers is to make a list of "must haves, wants and don't want." Inlcude area and price on your list as well as number of bedrooms/baths, for starters. Improve your list as you go along; you might find that, for example, having a fireplace or a pool has changed from a "don't want" to a "want." Engage your agent in developing this list so you are both on the same page.
My advice to agents, do the same thing. Know your inventory and stats. Know when to refer a buyer to another agent when you feel that the relationship isn't clicking smoothly.
Ciao.
I got a Neti pot recently and I must say that I just LOVE it. I do not use it every day like you do...but when I did get the cold and was stuffed up it helped me to breathe and I did not even have to take medicine.
To the writer of the article.....blowing your nose HARD is actually frowned upon because you can damage the tissue or push mucus higher into the sinuses. You can also cause an ear infection by vigorous blowing so please be careful when making this statement.
You should only blow your nose GENTLY if you have to blow at all.
For a credible, unbiased education resource on life insurance and handy calculators, go to www.ifehappens.org
Selling things on Craig's List or eBay usually IS more trouble than it's worth, I have found, with ONE exception.
Appliances.
I had an old but functional fridge that came with my house. Sat in the basement for years. I also acquired a large deep freeze which I used for a while and then stopped, as it was not energy eficent and I wanted to replace it with a new one, with no leaky seals, etc.
These items had some value, especially to someone who could tweak them back into functionality, but no real 'sale' value.
I called some junk dealers and they wanted me to pay them upwards of $200 to haul them away!
In desperation one Sunday evening I snapped a picture of them both, & put them up on Craig's List (under 'FREE stuff category) at 9pm.
They were gone from out of my basement by midnight!
Wow
I consider options like that now as I do when evaluating 'the right tool for the job'
That one worked like a charm.
For a credible, unbiased education resource on life insurance and handy calculators, go to .
I would LOVE to see a huge collection of which name brands relabel and what they relabel too.
like the kirkland batteries = duracell
on a more regional note here on the west coast Foster Farms relabels their chicken to either sunny select or sunny side farms. I forget which one of those store brands is for meats (Those are the savemart brands). I got word of this from a guy who worked at Foster Farms.
so in short.
sunny side farms/sunny select chicken = Foster Farms chicken
I have always had concerns about those chemicals. Plain laundering is good enough for me.
I just think of the extra stuff I have to bring into my home, and that is more than enough to make me NOT want to buy anything
Still, I definitely own more than I should.
Or just wash the clothes in water, by hand.
When I was in rural Brazil for 9 months, my suit got WAY too dirty to keep wearing. Lacking a dry cleaners, I had to wash it. Hand washed and air dried, it turned out just fine. Not all materials may be able to handle it, but for some things it is an option.
That is a coincidence that you mentioned working for a law firm. I am currently working for a law firm myself and making around $25,000.00 a year. That is not minimum wage, but I can say I am happy to get that also.
Furthermore, I have always thought what might be a comfortable amount of money now, might not be in the near future.
This is on Snopes as a hoax, hon.
Bakers yeast....brewers (wine) yeast...and Turbo yeast..
The three main kinds.
I use the turbo yeast when I am making spirits. ( I have made all kinds ) cream de cacao, irish cream, kaluha, vodka, dark rum, spiced rum, and many sweet liquors and PORT.
I use brewers yeast when i am making beer and wine.
I use 8 lbs of sugar in a 5 gal jug with a pack of turbo yeast and a small amount of yeast excellerator.
My mash quit bubbling. but its gonna be about 5 days before i distill. Im using cornmeal, sugar, and water will it be ok to let it sit? Can i take the heater off since its done fermenting?
Emotional blackmail. I like many of Pampered Chef's products, which have lasted many years in my household. I just don't like feeling obligated to buy someone's stuff just because I know them.
Yup, we do the same calculations. Better make the most of things!
"Life Speed Accelerates
It's true. Every year goes by quicker than the next. Let's say you were to live until 100. The first year of your life is but a small 1/100th fraction. However, the 51st year of your life is 1/50th, or literally twice as fast until the fraction becomes 1 (when you are 99 with one year left to live). Hence, I suggest recalibrating your life expectancy down to 65, and shoot for retiring no later than 50."
Keigu,
Financial Samurai
"Slicing Through Money's Mysteries"
The $8,000 tax credit looks like it is going to be extended through April 30, 2010, then will be phased out. The bill has passed the Senate (3 hours ago) and the House earlier this week. Obama's staff has stated he will sign it - probably in mid-November.
There is no possibility of a $15,000 tax credit, that was 1 legislator's whackadoodle bill that didn't make it out of committee. But the realtors seized on it and borrowers decided not to buy this year in hopes of a 2010 jackpot.
Regarding FHA and using the $8k as the down payment - FHA rules specify that the borrowers must find a community lender (non profit) willing to lend them $8,000 for their down payment, and then pay it back 6 weeks later when the refund check arrives.
In my state of Washington, the major community lender is the Washington State Housing Finance Commission. They decided not to lend against the $8,000 tax credit refund, because IRS rules prohibit them from receiving the refund directly. This would put them in the risky position of chasing down borrowers to sign over their $8,000 checks. This is why the $8k tax credit is not available as a down payment in most areas.
As a loan officer (who always put people in fixed rates, and tried my best to convince people to stay away from pay option ARMs and short term ARMs)....I encourage first time home buyers to *bank* that money as their emergency fund. Don't fritter it away on home improvements. Buy a home in reasonably good condition and bank the money in case of an emergency or layoff. I can't force them to be financially prudent, though. Some have spent the money.
Hi Phil,
Don't race with rats! I like that. We have some similar thinking, and that's why I wrote "Knowing When To Walk Away - Financial Planning For An Unknown Future where I essentially recommend choosing an AGE target, and not a monetary target for freedom.
Most folks don't LOVE their job, but I would say most find it bearable and can even like their jobs.
Thanks for sharing.
Keigu,
Financial Samurai
"Slicing Through Money's Mysteries"
Hi Debbie,
Nice post. HOpe the tips work. I believe Sugar is the BIGGEST killer in America today. Definitely hurts the immune system.
Cut sugar out of your diet, and we'll all be healthier beings.
I agree with Joe.. sweet last name!
Keigu,
Financial Samurai
"Slicing Through Money's Mysteries"
Great suggestions here! Thank you so much. I'm planning a gallery showing of my photography and if all goes well, I'll post some of my work with your idea of frames!
I encourage knowing how much you need to live on (or how much you are currently living on). I did it using Quicken, but one can use any tool that works for them. Knowing that number allows one to examine and make smart choices from a position of knowledge (invest, train, make your own pasta ;-)). Too many folks have no idea where they spend their money.
Quicken Is A Great Project Management Tool
I bailed out of the rat race on a one year sabbatical (unpaid, no job return guarantee) with the hope of not having to go back to the corporate world. The economy decided to help out by nose diving and my company chipped in by eliminating any job to go back to.
I'm currently busy honing my consulting and writing skills (the latter not in Phil's class). My goal is self sufficiency, which means not needing to live off my capital. I'm open to any interesting salaried job opportunities for example, but I no longer need a salary. I did buy my way out of the rat race, but that just gives me the flexibility to run my own race.
Bruce
Project Management Tools That Work
Really thats kinda bad
This company totally sucks!! DO NOT, repeat DO NOT take their policy. It may sound good until they start gouging your for more than you were told your policy would be.