I just wrote a post about this topic on my blog today. Yes, there are plenty of underemployed people who may be looking for extra cash right now. Thanks for the post! My fiance and I have both sold stuff for our parents on Ebay and Craig's List. In return, our parents gave us a cut of the earnings.
I know I am a little backwards from most, but I tend to avoid spending when I am stressed. I do think it is a vicious cycle, because when I stress that there is no money, I mentally compose lists of money that "needs" to be spent, but I do not spend a dime. I drive by stores and wonder how anyone is able to spend money, but I do not stop. I avoid stores when I am stressed. It is after I am feeling like we will be okay with money that I start spending again. Once I know there is money, I feel okay about spending it, but the mental lists I was making when stressed? They go away. Those things seem very unimportant once I have a cushion again. I wonder why that is....
At least you've figured out how to do what you love (eating out) for a little less.... each drink you avoid buying adds up to one more night out! I think it's so important that we figure out what we really want to spend money on, rather than frittering it away on things we don't care about.
You claim that since you didn't share a lot of information with the salesperson that they didn't know how much you wanted the car. Considering that you walked into the dealership and asked to be shown that car and only that car I think that it was kind of obvious that it was one that you really wanted. Sure, if you were browsing and then asked for a test drive they might not have known, but to walk in and ask to see only one car on their used car lot they had to have known that you really wanted that one car.
I agree with the other posters too - you got ripped off by $1000 to start with and then they suckered you into paying $1500 more for a warranty that you will most likely never use.
I can't wait to send those DVDs in. They've been sitting around for a couple of years getting dusty. I'm gonna have to used a few different addresses though. Momma's gettin a new pair of shoes!
when you're stressed, there's often this feeling that you don't have control over something in your life. You might be having a tough time at work, or you don't know what to do about a family issue, or you don't know how to fix a problem. These things all create stress.
But, buying something is something tangible that you can do that you have control over. You're making a decision to make a purchase... you're consciously bringing something into your life. And, whether it actually helps your problem or not (usually it doesn't) it at least gives you that feeling of control that you felt you were lacking.... and with that, a temporary stress relief.
Of course, in the long run, these kinds of impulsive purchases usually bring on more stress (especially if the stress in your life is related to your finances... like so many of us nowadays). So, it's important to be aware of how you deal with stress. Knowledge is power.
It seemed to me while reading your post that during the process of buying you made a conscious decision to remain emotionally disconnected with any car that you were trying to buy. This of course would have made it much easier to walk away and achieve your goal. What happens if buying a car is the realisation of a dream for someone rather than simply another game in the process of life. Do you think they would be able to follow the process as closely as you have?
We're all getting fatter, and it ain't because we're eating healthier. What do you anti-fat-tax folks think we ought to do about it? Or perhaps, getting fatter is a good thing?
I understand your frustration with buying a car Stacey. However, the salesmen are anything but idiots. An idiot is easily outsmarted and manipulated; salesmen are clever, conniving, and sly. They are the ones doing the manipulating and they are masters at it. While I generally find their work detestable I do appreciate the skill and expertise that is required to pull it off.
I'm curious as to your thoughts on real estate agents. Do you despise them just as much?
This is a fantastic list! As a social media consultant naturally I include many of these sites in my client's online media plan, but I appreciate the other resources you have shared.
For me, buying a car (new or old) is up there with getting a root canal.
You can't find an industry that plays with the price more then cars. I hate the fact that you have to fight for every inch you get. The soul-deficient idiots at most dealerships have no problem ripping you off with that same stupid smile they all have. You don't go down to the grocery store and get asked "what kind of monthly payment are you looking for?". Or would you like this or that useless coverage plan for that milk and bread. The last two times I bought new I went with the AAA or Costco buying programs. I know I may have done better after hours of fighting, but it was not worth it to me.
I hate them all. Them and telemarketers. And people driving slow in the passing lane.
Everyone else is okay, I guess.
If I'm feeling particularly stressed, I'll allow myself a small treat (like a fancy coffee that I normally don't buy). Small treats every once in a while keep me sane and keep me from splurging. Don't let the little treats creep into habits though!
Don't pay late fees on videos. Use NetFlix, under $20.00 a month for unlimited DVD's, keep as long as you want and no late fees.
Also I only shop at online stores who have free shipping most items are cheaper than in regular stores.
When my husband suffered a Massive Stroke and I became a 24/7 caregiver, I now have 1 day a month (5 hrs.) respite care and I use this time to recharge til the next month. Lunch with friend, spa day, or movie and shopping. Daily stress buster is relaxation techiniques snd a glass of wine before bed.
Absolutely... the price went up by $1000 and then you got ripped off on the extended warranty to the tune of $1500. Yikes.
Your prep was excellent, but you caved at the end. You probably did better than many people might have, but this doesn't seem like a "great deal" at all.
I have some money budgeted for "fun" each month so I don't feel deprived on the financial side to want to indulge for pleasure when I'm stressed. I also don't feel deprived with the foods I eat so I also don't tend to overeat when I'm stressed. I'd agree with the earlier poster that I tend more toward clutter when I'm stressed.
Dealer made $2500.00, you not even you realizing.
Extended warranties are never a good deal. If you had researched carefully, you never would have agreed to it.
When I'm stressed, I'm more likely to eat out or buy expensive convenience foods. So I aways make sure I have the ingredients for my favorite meals at home.
When I get stressed out, I tend to fantasize about purchasing an iPhone or other types of consumer goods. I know this about myself, and rather than shopping I thinking about my simple living philosophy and how I truly want to spend my life energy.
Also, doing yoga, running or other types of physical activities help ease my stress levels and consumer wants.
I know shopping is not the answer to happiness. :)
Because if it comes down to being measured by the guvment, you can guarantee they'll use Body Mass Index, which hasn't been updated since its creation. In the '50s.
So because I wouldn't be 115 lbs (which for my body type would make me anorexic, or dead) I'm to be taxed for being "fat"?
No, thank you.
You want to help the nation lose weight, figure out how to get more markets closer to the less fortunate neighborhoods, and help support education programs that could spread knowledge of good foods.
I doubt if the mash would be very tasty, unless you like yeast, but it shouldn't be dangerous. (And if it is, because you put something dangerous in there, then you shouldn't drink it after distilling either--don't count on distilling as a reliable way to remove contaminants).
If you think about it, the mash is basically the same thing as beer. Beer would usually be made with barley instead of sugar, it would usually be flavored with hops (which add some bitter to counteract the leftover sweet), and it would usually be bottled and left to ferment just a bit longer to make it carbonated. But, putting those things aside, the must is basically unbottled, unflavored beer.
It should be perfectly safe--with the added bonus that it would be legal. (It's the distilling step that makes moonshine illegal.)
For all your research you managed to overlooked the number one mantra of frugality and common sense everywhere "extended warranties are a waste of money." I agree with the guy above, you were ripped by $2,500. You may have came away thinking you pulled one over the dealership, and then write about it on a frugality site no less, but I'm pretty sure they were laughing once you hit the road.
I feel that stress and spending and definitely connected, or I guess I should say, correlated. When I am under a lot of stress, balancing the budget, sitting down to plan a week's worth of meals, or any other budget friendly activity just seems like one more thing on my plate. After a tough week, I'd much rather veg out on the couch and watch a movie with my husband than grocery shop and prepare meals for the week. However, if I tell myself that taking those couple of hours now will save me time and money during the week, it usually helps snap me out of it. I don't want to be spending money on fast food, plus it's unhealthy and not nearly as tasty as homemade! Sometimes I give myself a bribe; I'll say that if I get my butt off the couch and prepare for the week now, then I can go out for dinner the next weekend. We don't eat out that much, so it's enough incentive to snap out of a stress induced "frugal funk". (What I like to call it when other stress in our lives causes us to feel like all of our efforts to be frugal are just too much work and it's not worth it!)
I just wrote a post about this topic on my blog today. Yes, there are plenty of underemployed people who may be looking for extra cash right now. Thanks for the post! My fiance and I have both sold stuff for our parents on Ebay and Craig's List. In return, our parents gave us a cut of the earnings.
I know I am a little backwards from most, but I tend to avoid spending when I am stressed. I do think it is a vicious cycle, because when I stress that there is no money, I mentally compose lists of money that "needs" to be spent, but I do not spend a dime. I drive by stores and wonder how anyone is able to spend money, but I do not stop. I avoid stores when I am stressed. It is after I am feeling like we will be okay with money that I start spending again. Once I know there is money, I feel okay about spending it, but the mental lists I was making when stressed? They go away. Those things seem very unimportant once I have a cushion again. I wonder why that is....
At least you've figured out how to do what you love (eating out) for a little less.... each drink you avoid buying adds up to one more night out! I think it's so important that we figure out what we really want to spend money on, rather than frittering it away on things we don't care about.
You claim that since you didn't share a lot of information with the salesperson that they didn't know how much you wanted the car. Considering that you walked into the dealership and asked to be shown that car and only that car I think that it was kind of obvious that it was one that you really wanted. Sure, if you were browsing and then asked for a test drive they might not have known, but to walk in and ask to see only one car on their used car lot they had to have known that you really wanted that one car.
I agree with the other posters too - you got ripped off by $1000 to start with and then they suckered you into paying $1500 more for a warranty that you will most likely never use.
I can't wait to send those DVDs in. They've been sitting around for a couple of years getting dusty. I'm gonna have to used a few different addresses though. Momma's gettin a new pair of shoes!
when you're stressed, there's often this feeling that you don't have control over something in your life. You might be having a tough time at work, or you don't know what to do about a family issue, or you don't know how to fix a problem. These things all create stress.
But, buying something is something tangible that you can do that you have control over. You're making a decision to make a purchase... you're consciously bringing something into your life. And, whether it actually helps your problem or not (usually it doesn't) it at least gives you that feeling of control that you felt you were lacking.... and with that, a temporary stress relief.
Of course, in the long run, these kinds of impulsive purchases usually bring on more stress (especially if the stress in your life is related to your finances... like so many of us nowadays). So, it's important to be aware of how you deal with stress. Knowledge is power.
It seemed to me while reading your post that during the process of buying you made a conscious decision to remain emotionally disconnected with any car that you were trying to buy. This of course would have made it much easier to walk away and achieve your goal. What happens if buying a car is the realisation of a dream for someone rather than simply another game in the process of life. Do you think they would be able to follow the process as closely as you have?
We're all getting fatter, and it ain't because we're eating healthier. What do you anti-fat-tax folks think we ought to do about it? Or perhaps, getting fatter is a good thing?
I understand your frustration with buying a car Stacey. However, the salesmen are anything but idiots. An idiot is easily outsmarted and manipulated; salesmen are clever, conniving, and sly. They are the ones doing the manipulating and they are masters at it. While I generally find their work detestable I do appreciate the skill and expertise that is required to pull it off.
I'm curious as to your thoughts on real estate agents. Do you despise them just as much?
This is a fantastic list! As a social media consultant naturally I include many of these sites in my client's online media plan, but I appreciate the other resources you have shared.
For me, buying a car (new or old) is up there with getting a root canal.
You can't find an industry that plays with the price more then cars. I hate the fact that you have to fight for every inch you get. The soul-deficient idiots at most dealerships have no problem ripping you off with that same stupid smile they all have. You don't go down to the grocery store and get asked "what kind of monthly payment are you looking for?". Or would you like this or that useless coverage plan for that milk and bread. The last two times I bought new I went with the AAA or Costco buying programs. I know I may have done better after hours of fighting, but it was not worth it to me.
I hate them all. Them and telemarketers. And people driving slow in the passing lane.
Everyone else is okay, I guess.
If I'm feeling particularly stressed, I'll allow myself a small treat (like a fancy coffee that I normally don't buy). Small treats every once in a while keep me sane and keep me from splurging. Don't let the little treats creep into habits though!
Don't pay late fees on videos. Use NetFlix, under $20.00 a month for unlimited DVD's, keep as long as you want and no late fees.
Also I only shop at online stores who have free shipping most items are cheaper than in regular stores.
When my husband suffered a Massive Stroke and I became a 24/7 caregiver, I now have 1 day a month (5 hrs.) respite care and I use this time to recharge til the next month. Lunch with friend, spa day, or movie and shopping. Daily stress buster is relaxation techiniques snd a glass of wine before bed.
Absolutely... the price went up by $1000 and then you got ripped off on the extended warranty to the tune of $1500. Yikes.
Your prep was excellent, but you caved at the end. You probably did better than many people might have, but this doesn't seem like a "great deal" at all.
I have some money budgeted for "fun" each month so I don't feel deprived on the financial side to want to indulge for pleasure when I'm stressed. I also don't feel deprived with the foods I eat so I also don't tend to overeat when I'm stressed. I'd agree with the earlier poster that I tend more toward clutter when I'm stressed.
Dealer made $2500.00, you not even you realizing.
Extended warranties are never a good deal. If you had researched carefully, you never would have agreed to it.
When I'm stressed, I'm more likely to eat out or buy expensive convenience foods. So I aways make sure I have the ingredients for my favorite meals at home.
Stress and spending are connected.
When I get stressed out, I tend to fantasize about purchasing an iPhone or other types of consumer goods. I know this about myself, and rather than shopping I thinking about my simple living philosophy and how I truly want to spend my life energy.
Also, doing yoga, running or other types of physical activities help ease my stress levels and consumer wants.
I know shopping is not the answer to happiness. :)
Because if it comes down to being measured by the guvment, you can guarantee they'll use Body Mass Index, which hasn't been updated since its creation. In the '50s.
So because I wouldn't be 115 lbs (which for my body type would make me anorexic, or dead) I'm to be taxed for being "fat"?
No, thank you.
You want to help the nation lose weight, figure out how to get more markets closer to the less fortunate neighborhoods, and help support education programs that could spread knowledge of good foods.
Stop thinking that taxes will solve everything.
I doubt if the mash would be very tasty, unless you like yeast, but it shouldn't be dangerous. (And if it is, because you put something dangerous in there, then you shouldn't drink it after distilling either--don't count on distilling as a reliable way to remove contaminants).
If you think about it, the mash is basically the same thing as beer. Beer would usually be made with barley instead of sugar, it would usually be flavored with hops (which add some bitter to counteract the leftover sweet), and it would usually be bottled and left to ferment just a bit longer to make it carbonated. But, putting those things aside, the must is basically unbottled, unflavored beer.
It should be perfectly safe--with the added bonus that it would be legal. (It's the distilling step that makes moonshine illegal.)
For all your research you managed to overlooked the number one mantra of frugality and common sense everywhere "extended warranties are a waste of money." I agree with the guy above, you were ripped by $2,500. You may have came away thinking you pulled one over the dealership, and then write about it on a frugality site no less, but I'm pretty sure they were laughing once you hit the road.
With the DVD player turned off(stand by), press:
TOP MENU
CLEAR
POWER
Choose option 2 and after option 4. Type:
12450 [press enter]
00000 - Then press enter and power off.
DVD will now be region Free.
I feel that stress and spending and definitely connected, or I guess I should say, correlated. When I am under a lot of stress, balancing the budget, sitting down to plan a week's worth of meals, or any other budget friendly activity just seems like one more thing on my plate. After a tough week, I'd much rather veg out on the couch and watch a movie with my husband than grocery shop and prepare meals for the week. However, if I tell myself that taking those couple of hours now will save me time and money during the week, it usually helps snap me out of it. I don't want to be spending money on fast food, plus it's unhealthy and not nearly as tasty as homemade! Sometimes I give myself a bribe; I'll say that if I get my butt off the couch and prepare for the week now, then I can go out for dinner the next weekend. We don't eat out that much, so it's enough incentive to snap out of a stress induced "frugal funk". (What I like to call it when other stress in our lives causes us to feel like all of our efforts to be frugal are just too much work and it's not worth it!)
Try not to go out and shop when stressed. It is true you will spend more and think you need more when in reality you don't.