I rinse my sinuses out in the morning and evening with warm salt water (sea salt not iodized). Haven't had anything like a cold since I started doing that.
Not at all! You are not robbing the store of anything since they get the value of all coupons (including Catalinas) back from the issuing manufacturer!
Never feel bad for using coupons to get a good deal. I once had a shopper in line behind me ask me how much I saved, and after I told her (it was over 60%), she asked where I get all my coupons. When I told her most of them were printed from the internet, she told me she was "gonna have to buy a priner". That put a smile on my face!
On the topic of self-sufficiency, I've written a whole post: Self-sufficiency, self-reliance, and freedom. The alternative to self-sufficiency is trade, and the upside to trade is significant: If you specialize in whatever you do best, and then trade with other people for the things you need, everyone has a higher standard of living. (If you do the math it's literally true--everyone is better off, not just the people who are especially good at whatever they specialize in.)
As with most things, I'm inclined toward a middle ground. I want a higher standard of living than I can get on a self-sufficient basis, but I don't want my life to depend on the economy continuing to function smoothly day in and day out. I want to have some capacity to be self-sufficient in a pinch.
Just as I think everyone should have a medium-term goal of having enough capital to support their bare-bones budget, I think it would make good sense for everyone to have a medium-term goal of developing the skills and acquiring the means to fend for themselves at some level, against the possibility of hard times.
Have also had to spend money recently - much to my dismay. My 16-year-old TV set finally bit the dust. Since it's my main form of entertainment, I did replace it - with a small $219 flat screen, the same price as the original set cost 16 years ago. Also had a major but unavoidable plumbing repair, and have a car repair scheduled for next week. I'm grateful to have emergency money put away for things like these.
After hearing a similar comment about gargling and nose swabbing from a coworker, I asked my friend, who is a nurse. He stated that the swabbing the nose will not really do anything, and the gargling with salt water may help, but probably not really do much.
As a Pampered Chef consultant, I am very PROUD of my company. Do you know Warren Buffet is the current owner of this "multi-level marketing" business? I pride myself in holding cooking classes - I teach people how to save money by cooking at home. You can use my tools or you can use yours - it's all about sharing information.
During my cooking class, I let people know if they are attending only as a favor to the hostess, we have a $1 cookbook they can buy if they feel they MUST buy something.
The products ARE more expensive than what you can buy at Wal-Mart or Target - I don't ever argue that. I HAVE products from those places too! Pampered Chef sells high-quality cooking tools, some with 2+ years full product replacement warranty.
Learn how to use those tools from a cooking show and save money.
I still go to Tupperware parties, Tastefully Simple parties and all the rest - If if I find something of good value and quality, I buy. If not, I have left without ordering and don't ever feel guilty - it's just not for me. I keep the consultant information and pass it on if anyone ever asks me.
Just my two cents worth... thanks for all the comments, I really enjoy reading this blog.
Though on the surface we would appear to be ideal candidates, I don't think it would work in our case. Our area is rapidly becoming a "bedroom community" for Atlanta, 45 miles away, but there is no public transportation in our county nor any of the surrounding counties. Likewise there are no sidewalks and the two lane roads are hilly and curvy, with no street lighting - not at all conducive to safe walking for children or adults. The closest place to purchase anything is an independent gas station/convenience store 3 miles away. That might qualify as walking distance but a second car is cheaper than the prices I'd have to pay to feed myself, husband, and 5 kids if I did my shopping there (not to mention how unhealthy that stuff is). The closest grocery store, Wal-Mart, is 8 miles away.
Even still, since we homeschool and hubby telecommutes, one car might be doable if none of the kids played sports, took music lessons, or participated in church activities, and 2 of the kids weren't in college. Considering that we are a 7 person family with 4 drivers, I think we do well to get by with one minivan and one pickup truck.
I buy generic everything (unless there is a sale combined with a coupon on a brand-name item that makes it cheaper) and I will say if you just buy generic as a general rule - you really don't notice the difference after awhile. You forget what the brand-name stuff tastes like :)
This month I've splurged on a pressure canner and a new wireless mouse/keyboard to replace my old one.
The canner is a "splurge" but since we'll use it to can beans, chicken stock and other items we pay more for now, eventually it will be a money saver. It was cheaper than buying a second freezer!
And my mouse/keyboard splurge is a necessity. I tried everything to get my mouse working properly again, including reinstalling drivers, installing freshly recharged batteries and hitting it with the compressed air can to make sure dust wasn't causing it to jump around. The purchase was a last ditch resort.
I'm planning to upgrade to Windows 7 soon, but I will be keeping my computer instead of just buying new. My computer is about 2 years old and previously I always bought new computers every couple of years. Not so this time. Not so for a long while.
Someone mentioned earlier. You will need to sprout it. The kernel will protect the sugar, so you will have to crack it when you are ready. Take a sheet; spread it out in a shed or garage. Make sure there is enough heat that it thinks its summer or at least spring. Have a grow light above. Spread out the corn on the sheet, it can be thick, like 1/2 inch. Get it damp, no need to run off the water. Your goal here is to convince the corn that it is in nice, rich, warm soil. When it sprouts and they are about 1/4-1/2 inch long, dry them out. The oven works, but be careful not to cook the corn. Now comes the cracking. It will be easier then when they were fresh and dry. If you want, use the same DRY sheet, cover the corn, and roll something hard over it. They rent grain mills at beer supply stores. There are grain mills on the net to build you. Just look around. Now you have your corn ready.
I've found that using your debit card for purchases and to remove money from ATM's is the best way to exchange money. I ALWAYS stay away from currency exchange booths. They are a rip-off.
Great piece. I'm experiencing "tight-budget fatigue" as well as frugality fatigue (and general fatigue, but that's a different story).
I think I'm actually experiencing "frugality resignation," whereby I realize I'm going to have to be tight-fisted for a good long time. I've never been a big spender, but now that I'm unemployed and hit with recent car repair, vet, and heating oil bills--as well as an end to our COBRA subsidy...
Here is how my spending has changed recently: I used to eat a lot of When Pigs Fly bread, from the little shop they have in town. It's good bread. I love good bread. I always thought it was reasonable to splurge on good bread. I haven't bought their bread in a while, eating cheaper (and less-good) bread. Yesterday, I actually bought sliced store-brand bread at Shaw's. I think I need to start making my own.
I'm not saying that these steps are not effective, but several of them are controversial and/or outside the recommendations of the CDC and WHO. Also, I don't think the doctor you credit actually wrote these.
at first i was worried about this flu becoming a worldwide epidemic but its nice that it has been contained. i really did not know that one could prevent this swine flu using this relatively simple techniques. The only thing that i was doing as a preventive measure is avoid anybody that i even suspected had it like the bubonic plague and keeping away from hospitals and airports
·17 percent of participants with vitamin D levels of 30ng/ml or higher
·20 percent of participants with vitamin D levels between 10-30 ng/ml.
·24 percent of participants with vitamin D levels below 10ng/ml
The positive correlation between lower vitamin D levels and increased risk of URTI was even stronger in individuals with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease."
I was given Tupperware at my Tupperware wedding shower. The "hostess" (a friend) gave me the products she would have gotten and a couple of other friends pitched in. I still use them 25 years later. I've added to my collection from our local thrift store and yard sales. They are pricey at retail. The other parties I've been to or declined going to carry products that don't seem to be worth it.
That is the kind of purchase that Makes us Money, because it elevates our mood, we get much more out of it than just the jeans! Worth more than the purchase price!
Watkins and the "adult" ones need to be added to the list too :-)
I hate the adult ones & what I can't stand is that they take my not wanting to go as not being comfortable with such things... when it is actually I can't stand the imaturity displayed a & being single the type of pitches geared towards me.
Trying to be discreet - can you tell?
I found out last night the party my son's best friend's Mom invited me to this weekend is such a party & I accepted the invite weeks ago not knowing it was such a party. I have no desire to buy that stuff but don't know how ot gracefully decline. Her hubby is taking the boys out during the party so I can use childcare as my out.
I agree not all are bad - tends to depend on the rep & how much tact they have. Tastefully Simple I enjoy but I cook from scratch so I don't need pre-mixed stuff.
I got turned off of pampered chef when a rep told me how I needed to buy more because she was using her profit to buy her Dad a house. I know that entire company isn't like that, it just turned me off even though I find some of their little gadgets indispensable.
We are by nature frugal in our household but recently have also spent money. However as you stated it was for necessities. Home repair, and most recently a BIG car repair bill. We have the emergency fund in place but had to tap it for these expenditures. It is a bit shocking to see how fast it goes.
One thing I have come to believe is.. the stories you read about people losing their income and home no matter how carefully they plan can happen to me. Not trying to be a downer just saying I believe it's a new ballgame.
That being said I still get a thrill when I find a great buy, put money in savings and find a money making hobby. It's a good life!
I think I've gone through these same swings my whole life. Frugal, frugal, frugal, then suddenly I just can't make do anymore. Most frequently this hits me with clothes.
This weekend I'm going to have to buy a new cell phone. I made due with the damaged screen for over two years. The fact that the case no longer stays consistently joined together (especially not if I plug in my headset), the screen is sometimes going blank, and I sometimes can't turn it on or off has gotten to be a problem.
I'll look like a big trendy spender as I will likely go buy a new Droid when it comes out Friday - using my corporate discount, the upgrade credit from Verizon, and I believe there may even be a rebate. My philosophy is that when I buy electronics, I buy something cutting edge with advanced features that has a good chance of holding up. Then I run it into the ground for as long as I can. That has served me well on cell phones, computers, and digital cameras.
I wonder if the new found increase in spending is due to the holidays? Usually around this time of year, people travel to visit family, purchase more groceries for those long awaited feasts, and gifts for the upcoming holidays. These are all reasons there would be an increase in Americans' spending habits. I didn't read the article you mentioned, but unless the time of year was already discussed and the spending averaged out to account for this, then I would think this has something to do with it.
I too have neglected replacing some items I now need to replace. So, I will be one of those people out shopping this weekend!
You are so right... this isn't a tax to curb this kind of food, this is just an easy way to gain revenue! Just like the cop hiding behind a speed limit sign on a curved road!!
This stroy writer is full of more C&#P than a christmas turkey!!
If the govt wanted to curb fast food as the way to obesity, then they would force people to be weighed before a purchase, just like the warning on a pack of cigs!!
More govt... more money missing from your pocket!
I admit it - I despise home parties...I dread being invited to them, jewelry, pampered chef, etc...
BUT - Not ALL home parties are bad...I am a consultant for Tastefully Simple - Easy to prepare food for anyone! Our items are $10 or less!
While I don't do very many home parties (or care to) I do love to do online catalog shows - it's the best of both worlds - people hosting a party earn free products but don't have to invite people over or listen to sales pitches.
I am a consultant because I love their products and appreciate the discount...
Tastefully Simple offers easy to prepare foods from bread to soup to dips, spices to jazz up what you are already cooking, etc etc.
I pride myself on my NO PRESSURE - non-direct way of doing parties - no asking people to buy just one more thing, no trying to get people to book parties, etc my only sales pitch I use - 'everyone eats' - This stuff makes a great gift for anyone! No more trying to figure out what to do with 'just one more candle' or 'one more piece of overpriced tupperware'
Just as with anything - you just have to be mindful of if you need it!
I rinse my sinuses out in the morning and evening with warm salt water (sea salt not iodized). Haven't had anything like a cold since I started doing that.
"Is it unethical to run the deal this way?"
Not at all! You are not robbing the store of anything since they get the value of all coupons (including Catalinas) back from the issuing manufacturer!
Never feel bad for using coupons to get a good deal. I once had a shopper in line behind me ask me how much I saved, and after I told her (it was over 60%), she asked where I get all my coupons. When I told her most of them were printed from the internet, she told me she was "gonna have to buy a priner". That put a smile on my face!
Great job, Debbie!
Thanks so much for hosting this week!!
@ Early Retirement Extreme:
On the topic of self-sufficiency, I've written a whole post: Self-sufficiency, self-reliance, and freedom. The alternative to self-sufficiency is trade, and the upside to trade is significant: If you specialize in whatever you do best, and then trade with other people for the things you need, everyone has a higher standard of living. (If you do the math it's literally true--everyone is better off, not just the people who are especially good at whatever they specialize in.)
As with most things, I'm inclined toward a middle ground. I want a higher standard of living than I can get on a self-sufficient basis, but I don't want my life to depend on the economy continuing to function smoothly day in and day out. I want to have some capacity to be self-sufficient in a pinch.
Just as I think everyone should have a medium-term goal of having enough capital to support their bare-bones budget, I think it would make good sense for everyone to have a medium-term goal of developing the skills and acquiring the means to fend for themselves at some level, against the possibility of hard times.
This is also why I think there are many reasons, besides frugality, to do for yourself.
Have also had to spend money recently - much to my dismay. My 16-year-old TV set finally bit the dust. Since it's my main form of entertainment, I did replace it - with a small $219 flat screen, the same price as the original set cost 16 years ago. Also had a major but unavoidable plumbing repair, and have a car repair scheduled for next week. I'm grateful to have emergency money put away for things like these.
After hearing a similar comment about gargling and nose swabbing from a coworker, I asked my friend, who is a nurse. He stated that the swabbing the nose will not really do anything, and the gargling with salt water may help, but probably not really do much.
As a Pampered Chef consultant, I am very PROUD of my company. Do you know Warren Buffet is the current owner of this "multi-level marketing" business? I pride myself in holding cooking classes - I teach people how to save money by cooking at home. You can use my tools or you can use yours - it's all about sharing information.
During my cooking class, I let people know if they are attending only as a favor to the hostess, we have a $1 cookbook they can buy if they feel they MUST buy something.
The products ARE more expensive than what you can buy at Wal-Mart or Target - I don't ever argue that. I HAVE products from those places too! Pampered Chef sells high-quality cooking tools, some with 2+ years full product replacement warranty.
Learn how to use those tools from a cooking show and save money.
I still go to Tupperware parties, Tastefully Simple parties and all the rest - If if I find something of good value and quality, I buy. If not, I have left without ordering and don't ever feel guilty - it's just not for me. I keep the consultant information and pass it on if anyone ever asks me.
Just my two cents worth... thanks for all the comments, I really enjoy reading this blog.
Though on the surface we would appear to be ideal candidates, I don't think it would work in our case. Our area is rapidly becoming a "bedroom community" for Atlanta, 45 miles away, but there is no public transportation in our county nor any of the surrounding counties. Likewise there are no sidewalks and the two lane roads are hilly and curvy, with no street lighting - not at all conducive to safe walking for children or adults. The closest place to purchase anything is an independent gas station/convenience store 3 miles away. That might qualify as walking distance but a second car is cheaper than the prices I'd have to pay to feed myself, husband, and 5 kids if I did my shopping there (not to mention how unhealthy that stuff is). The closest grocery store, Wal-Mart, is 8 miles away.
Even still, since we homeschool and hubby telecommutes, one car might be doable if none of the kids played sports, took music lessons, or participated in church activities, and 2 of the kids weren't in college. Considering that we are a 7 person family with 4 drivers, I think we do well to get by with one minivan and one pickup truck.
I buy generic everything (unless there is a sale combined with a coupon on a brand-name item that makes it cheaper) and I will say if you just buy generic as a general rule - you really don't notice the difference after awhile. You forget what the brand-name stuff tastes like :)
This month I've splurged on a pressure canner and a new wireless mouse/keyboard to replace my old one.
The canner is a "splurge" but since we'll use it to can beans, chicken stock and other items we pay more for now, eventually it will be a money saver. It was cheaper than buying a second freezer!
And my mouse/keyboard splurge is a necessity. I tried everything to get my mouse working properly again, including reinstalling drivers, installing freshly recharged batteries and hitting it with the compressed air can to make sure dust wasn't causing it to jump around. The purchase was a last ditch resort.
I'm planning to upgrade to Windows 7 soon, but I will be keeping my computer instead of just buying new. My computer is about 2 years old and previously I always bought new computers every couple of years. Not so this time. Not so for a long while.
Someone mentioned earlier. You will need to sprout it. The kernel will protect the sugar, so you will have to crack it when you are ready. Take a sheet; spread it out in a shed or garage. Make sure there is enough heat that it thinks its summer or at least spring. Have a grow light above. Spread out the corn on the sheet, it can be thick, like 1/2 inch. Get it damp, no need to run off the water. Your goal here is to convince the corn that it is in nice, rich, warm soil. When it sprouts and they are about 1/4-1/2 inch long, dry them out. The oven works, but be careful not to cook the corn. Now comes the cracking. It will be easier then when they were fresh and dry. If you want, use the same DRY sheet, cover the corn, and roll something hard over it. They rent grain mills at beer supply stores. There are grain mills on the net to build you. Just look around. Now you have your corn ready.
I've found that using your debit card for purchases and to remove money from ATM's is the best way to exchange money. I ALWAYS stay away from currency exchange booths. They are a rip-off.
Also, if you're green-minded and looking for an eco-friendly hotel, check out our top green hotels in London: http://www.rezhub.com/GreenTravel/GreenHotels/tabid/119/all/true/country...
Great piece. I'm experiencing "tight-budget fatigue" as well as frugality fatigue (and general fatigue, but that's a different story).
I think I'm actually experiencing "frugality resignation," whereby I realize I'm going to have to be tight-fisted for a good long time. I've never been a big spender, but now that I'm unemployed and hit with recent car repair, vet, and heating oil bills--as well as an end to our COBRA subsidy...
Here is how my spending has changed recently: I used to eat a lot of When Pigs Fly bread, from the little shop they have in town. It's good bread. I love good bread. I always thought it was reasonable to splurge on good bread. I haven't bought their bread in a while, eating cheaper (and less-good) bread. Yesterday, I actually bought sliced store-brand bread at Shaw's. I think I need to start making my own.
I'm not saying that these steps are not effective, but several of them are controversial and/or outside the recommendations of the CDC and WHO. Also, I don't think the doctor you credit actually wrote these.
http://urbanlegends.about.com/od/medical/a/dr_vinay_goyal_swine_flu.htm
at first i was worried about this flu becoming a worldwide epidemic but its nice that it has been contained. i really did not know that one could prevent this swine flu using this relatively simple techniques. The only thing that i was doing as a preventive measure is avoid anybody that i even suspected had it like the bubonic plague and keeping away from hospitals and airports
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19237723?ordinalpos=1&itool=EntrezSys...
"Recent URTI was reported by:
·17 percent of participants with vitamin D levels of 30ng/ml or higher
·20 percent of participants with vitamin D levels between 10-30 ng/ml.
·24 percent of participants with vitamin D levels below 10ng/ml
The positive correlation between lower vitamin D levels and increased risk of URTI was even stronger in individuals with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease."
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/03/21/Can-Vitami...
'Nuff said
I was given Tupperware at my Tupperware wedding shower. The "hostess" (a friend) gave me the products she would have gotten and a couple of other friends pitched in. I still use them 25 years later. I've added to my collection from our local thrift store and yard sales. They are pricey at retail. The other parties I've been to or declined going to carry products that don't seem to be worth it.
That is the kind of purchase that Makes us Money, because it elevates our mood, we get much more out of it than just the jeans! Worth more than the purchase price!
John DeFlumeri Jr
Watkins and the "adult" ones need to be added to the list too :-)
I hate the adult ones & what I can't stand is that they take my not wanting to go as not being comfortable with such things... when it is actually I can't stand the imaturity displayed a & being single the type of pitches geared towards me.
Trying to be discreet - can you tell?
I found out last night the party my son's best friend's Mom invited me to this weekend is such a party & I accepted the invite weeks ago not knowing it was such a party. I have no desire to buy that stuff but don't know how ot gracefully decline. Her hubby is taking the boys out during the party so I can use childcare as my out.
I agree not all are bad - tends to depend on the rep & how much tact they have. Tastefully Simple I enjoy but I cook from scratch so I don't need pre-mixed stuff.
I got turned off of pampered chef when a rep told me how I needed to buy more because she was using her profit to buy her Dad a house. I know that entire company isn't like that, it just turned me off even though I find some of their little gadgets indispensable.
We are by nature frugal in our household but recently have also spent money. However as you stated it was for necessities. Home repair, and most recently a BIG car repair bill. We have the emergency fund in place but had to tap it for these expenditures. It is a bit shocking to see how fast it goes.
One thing I have come to believe is.. the stories you read about people losing their income and home no matter how carefully they plan can happen to me. Not trying to be a downer just saying I believe it's a new ballgame.
That being said I still get a thrill when I find a great buy, put money in savings and find a money making hobby. It's a good life!
I think I've gone through these same swings my whole life. Frugal, frugal, frugal, then suddenly I just can't make do anymore. Most frequently this hits me with clothes.
This weekend I'm going to have to buy a new cell phone. I made due with the damaged screen for over two years. The fact that the case no longer stays consistently joined together (especially not if I plug in my headset), the screen is sometimes going blank, and I sometimes can't turn it on or off has gotten to be a problem.
I'll look like a big trendy spender as I will likely go buy a new Droid when it comes out Friday - using my corporate discount, the upgrade credit from Verizon, and I believe there may even be a rebate. My philosophy is that when I buy electronics, I buy something cutting edge with advanced features that has a good chance of holding up. Then I run it into the ground for as long as I can. That has served me well on cell phones, computers, and digital cameras.
I wonder if the new found increase in spending is due to the holidays? Usually around this time of year, people travel to visit family, purchase more groceries for those long awaited feasts, and gifts for the upcoming holidays. These are all reasons there would be an increase in Americans' spending habits. I didn't read the article you mentioned, but unless the time of year was already discussed and the spending averaged out to account for this, then I would think this has something to do with it.
I too have neglected replacing some items I now need to replace. So, I will be one of those people out shopping this weekend!
You are so right... this isn't a tax to curb this kind of food, this is just an easy way to gain revenue! Just like the cop hiding behind a speed limit sign on a curved road!!
This stroy writer is full of more C&#P than a christmas turkey!!
If the govt wanted to curb fast food as the way to obesity, then they would force people to be weighed before a purchase, just like the warning on a pack of cigs!!
More govt... more money missing from your pocket!
I admit it - I despise home parties...I dread being invited to them, jewelry, pampered chef, etc...
BUT - Not ALL home parties are bad...I am a consultant for Tastefully Simple - Easy to prepare food for anyone! Our items are $10 or less!
While I don't do very many home parties (or care to) I do love to do online catalog shows - it's the best of both worlds - people hosting a party earn free products but don't have to invite people over or listen to sales pitches.
I am a consultant because I love their products and appreciate the discount...
Tastefully Simple offers easy to prepare foods from bread to soup to dips, spices to jazz up what you are already cooking, etc etc.
I pride myself on my NO PRESSURE - non-direct way of doing parties - no asking people to buy just one more thing, no trying to get people to book parties, etc my only sales pitch I use - 'everyone eats' - This stuff makes a great gift for anyone! No more trying to figure out what to do with 'just one more candle' or 'one more piece of overpriced tupperware'
Just as with anything - you just have to be mindful of if you need it!
I'm never one to deny some shrimp cocktail and a chance to meet folks who share similar passions and desires.
It's easy to say "no", just say "sorry, I gotta go get some more of the yummy shrimp" and walk away!
The point is that it's all a NUMBERS GAME. The more people you meet, the higher your chance someone is going to think you're quality material.
Fight on!
Keigu,
Financial Samurai
"Slicing Through Money's Mysteries"