These are some really good tips. Unfortunately, I'm forced to stay pretty much at home for the next year or so, but next year, I will definitely be taking advantage of some of these tips and tricks so that I can take a vacation abroad.
I've been using reusable bags for my grocery shopping at Walmart way before they had their own. So, to cut out on the grouchy cashiers not wanting to comply, I just tell them to ring the stuff and put it on top of the plastic bagging thing and I will bag my own. They usually are so happy to get a break from bagging they will thank me for helping them! Plus, this also allows you to bag how you like to bag, not too heavy, and no bananas or eggs on the bottom. :)
I am looking at HD ins and HSA account as I just left a corporate job after 35 years and with the cobra option near $1K per month and that being for only 18 months. I am 60 years old so I need something more long term. I see nobody tells who they are using and I understand that may not be proper for this thread but I would like a short list of companies that they chose from. I live in Tennessee if that matters for coverage.
Thanks.
I think it's great that you've raised this conversation, since many people continue to do what they've always done, without questioning the overall value to their family. I would like to raise a couple of issues that I don't think were addressed, that might have some bearing on this decision.
Pre-Existing condition exclusions - largely absent from employer based group coverage, pre-ex is still very much a part of the individual coverage landscape. If you're switching from group coverage to an individual plan, you want to understand these restrictions very carefully to avoid a surprise down the line.
In your example about dental coverage, I would agree that perhaps an individual in that specific circumstance isn't getting much value out of their plan. That said, a lot of dental plans cover preventive care like cleanings and x-rays at 100% and your example doesn't really take into account the value of a plan if someone chips a tooth or wakes up with a toothache and finds they need a root canal and crown. Also, people who have dental plans are much more likely to receive preventive care which can catch things earlier and prevent more painful and comprehensive procedures later (a stitch in time saves nine?)
Domestic partner benefits can be a great way to access coverage for non-married couples, but don't forget to factor in the difference in taxation. An individual accessing benefits at his or her own employer can generally pay for that coverage on a pre-tax basis (if their employer has a Section 125 plan). Purchasing coverage as a domestic partner generally means that you forgo the tax benefits, paying for coverage with 'after-tax' money. OK, if you don't have other options, but this difference may wipe out expected costs savings if you have options at your own employer.
Again, a great topic to spur some thought as we head into the traditional benefits enrollment season.
Matthew McDermott, SPHR
Employee Benefits Consultant
The Landmark Group
My employer coverage was EXACTLY the same (same plan, same cost) as what I already had, but I really wanted to switch to the HSA, so I naturally went with the employer health coverage.
Then I decided to go back to freelancing fullt-ime 5 months later; and now I'm have to redo my health insurance again...I should've just declined it in the first place ;)
Just out of curiosity, how does the tax preparer feel about doing your taxes on your own with something like Turbo Tax? What are the benefits of hiring a professional? For instance, do you save more by doing taxes yourself with the potential of making a mistake, or is it worth it to pay a lot more to have a professional do them for you?
I have owned houses and also rented. But I would never own a condo for reasons as follows..
1. You only own the inside or your (hypothetical) four walls.
-Because of this it is very difficult to have an informative inspection - it will never show the structural report like a single home would. This might lead to a lot of surprises down the road.
2. The condo market for the past thirty years has always been over-built, leaving many empty or non-owner units.
3. As an owner you become responsible for maintaining common areas , roof, driveway, hallway, carpets, landscaping, etc. - add to this list any amenities that might be present. (pool, tennis courts, club house, etc.)
--If you neighbors roof leaks seven units down - guess what? you are assessed. If you are in a new building where there is only 20 or 30% ownership which has happened in this last RE crash, any assessments are split between the present owners. which can be more expensive than putting a new roof on a single home.
Because of the inventory that is always available in the condo market, values tend not to apreciate as well as single family homes (all factors being equal, or course).
If you are still determined to own a condo - I urge you , no matter how daunting the task - to read the covenants and association (BOOK) packet, and then have your lawyer read it.
And then read it again!
This information can be requested before you take the plunge or plunk down any monies. If you are denied this information look elsewhere they are obviously hiding something. You should also know the percentage of both owned and owner-occupied. Good luck!
#2 reminds me of a college roommate who, in the first minutes of our acquaintance, told me she had asked for a non-smoking roommate so she would have help quitting...I imagine marrying someone to help with frugality would have much the same result as my smoking roommate did...
Thanks for the great article, these days www.airtech.com focuses on flights to and from hawaii from los angeles to san francisco these cheap tickets have one catch you can only book 7 days OR LESS from the chosen date of travel. With a bit flexibility you get a great fare on these last minute tickets to hawaii, for most of the summer season 2009 we sold these at $199 now price hovers around $199-$215 for low season travel. The great advantage is for last minute travelers who typically pay alot for these seats without 14 days advance. Call us at 212 219 7000 x2 or x1 for details.
Hey Robin, it can definitely reflect poorly on you if the blog sucks, that's for sure. But if you aren't confident you can always be anonymous. That's what I do. As for sites to help get you started, I would visit Copyblogger and ProBlogger, they're a great start.
People often wonder about criteria on which car insurance companies fix up car insurance rates. Well many factors are there which determine what premium rate you can predict while asking for quotes. A general misconception is that car insurance rates are set by law and can't be changed under any circumstances. Although the state laws govern much of the methods followed by every auto insurance company for setting rates, the rates themselves are not set by the state itself. It allows every company to set their own rates. That’s why car insurance rates used to vary from one company to another & comparing rates from different companies will help you save money.
NEVER UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES will I take any cat to a vet....Insurance??!! You must be kidding!
That said,I had a cat once...Feed him junk his whole life, If he wanted a good meal, he had better go kill it!
He basically lived outdoors, responded to basic commands like a dog, He went outside...no kitty litter, He'd been hit by a car( twice), Slashed his lower abdomen in a auger on a farm(..almost died there), Scratched the hood of my car(..I almost killed him)...
He never once missed a Simpsons episode...He lived 14 happy years. I maybe spent 12 bucks on him the whole time!
These cards are a scam. It's just another way to drain us dry. They are targeted towards the poor....people with no credit, no bank account, etc. They hope to snare you, then confuse you with a complicated fee structure. They assume because you have little money, you are a fool and will make for easy prey..Are you a fool? ...Do you have one of these in your wallet?
Hi Ken!! Thanks for the kind words. Maybe I can answer some of your concerns.
Yep my call on September was off. Pretty badly. October is just starting so what say we wait until the end of the month to determine if it is off.
None of us know which way the market will go. My two "worthless" articles were presented to show a historical basis and a potential for downside in the markets. I fully admit they may be wrong.
I won't be the first person to get a market call wrong... and won't be the last. I will say that I have been out of the market for quite a while and missed last years crash so am ahead of the game.
I used analytical data to show why the market appears to be over valued at today's prices and why historically September and October are bad months to be in the market. September proved otherwise this year.
Do you have analytical data to show why now is a great time to be in the market? The article says we should buy like it is 1999.. remember what happened to the market after 2000?
I enjoy a good debate and am always willing to discuss data, theory, hypothesis, conjecture, etc. Please take the posts I wrote and ignore them if they don't suit your views. I hope everyone that reads them uses them to broaden their knowledge and have logical reasons to be in the market.
Debbie M, tell your boyfriend about the miracle called "primer" and "spray paint".
they will protect his car at a much cheaper cost than a pro paint job.
of course, it will not look as good of course as a pro paint job. But will save him $600.
If the car is old enough to have a failing finish, having a paint job is a luxury (unnecessary) expense, unless of course he can't stand to have his car look super nice. Which is a view that has its merits I will admit.
You can visit www.mylaptopbroke.com . They pay you cash for your broken and unwanted laptops. They recycle them and you get a little $$$ in your pocket!!
@ "Or maybe it was that chicken I found in my freezer marked 'Best if used by 10/21/2005" that prompted this... :)"
LOL!
Personally I don't think think Oprah and Suze should economize, they should spend a lot more, at least that would mean the less well-off would gain more from their fortunes.
Keep in mind that, at their level of wealth, unless they totally go bonkers, it's impossible to deplete their bank balances.
I live on 22,000 per year, plus health insurance. Which is plenty to live on.
Without investigating and doing the math, just the return on their bank accounts and other investments probably comes to 100-1000 (Suze vs Oprah) times that per year. And that's not counting income from their businesses.
If you normally pay to get your property snowblowed or plowed, consider buying a Wovel (wovel.com), which is a large snow shovel mounted on a big rolling wheel, and doing it yourself by hand. You will make your money back in the first month or two, plus get some moderate (not heart-threatening like normal shoveling) exercise to boot. I am planning on buying one next month for the upcoming snow season as it's vastly more efficient, faster, and vastly safer for your back than a traditional snow shovel.
I had this experience like this before, it would hard to get the money back from my friend, she even wanted to ask me. She ignored me. I found these circumstances happened to me so many times. I totally wanted to give up with her. On other hand, if I had to pay her any money,she will keep ask me to pay her. I felt so ashamed about having a friend like her.
I just wanted to say thanks to everyone who commented here.
I have been out of work for a long time. I flubbed a telephone interview for the first time ever ( I thought the interviewers - 2 of them, were asking trick questions concerning vendor-specific nomenclature, only after I hung up did I realize they were just looking for the simple answers.
I found all the input here very helpful and insightful.
My dentist sent me a coupon good if I made another appointment by a certain date. I already had an appointment before that date, so I called and said that sending me the coupon was a mistake, but I could still use it. Apparently people are putting off dental work during the recession, so this may be a good time to catch up if you have the money.
My boyfriend's car's finish is coming off in a way that could eventually lead to a break in the integrity of the metal underneath. He got a really good deal on re-painting the car.
Anything that people can put off when they are worried about their next pay check is probably a good deal right now. It's probably a good time for home repairs, re-roofing your house, and doing planned renovations.
Most self-employed people are also hungry. You can probably get a deal on massages, having your web-pages redesigned and stuff like that.
These are some really good tips. Unfortunately, I'm forced to stay pretty much at home for the next year or so, but next year, I will definitely be taking advantage of some of these tips and tricks so that I can take a vacation abroad.
I've been using reusable bags for my grocery shopping at Walmart way before they had their own. So, to cut out on the grouchy cashiers not wanting to comply, I just tell them to ring the stuff and put it on top of the plastic bagging thing and I will bag my own. They usually are so happy to get a break from bagging they will thank me for helping them! Plus, this also allows you to bag how you like to bag, not too heavy, and no bananas or eggs on the bottom. :)
I am looking at HD ins and HSA account as I just left a corporate job after 35 years and with the cobra option near $1K per month and that being for only 18 months. I am 60 years old so I need something more long term. I see nobody tells who they are using and I understand that may not be proper for this thread but I would like a short list of companies that they chose from. I live in Tennessee if that matters for coverage.
Thanks.
I think it's great that you've raised this conversation, since many people continue to do what they've always done, without questioning the overall value to their family. I would like to raise a couple of issues that I don't think were addressed, that might have some bearing on this decision.
Pre-Existing condition exclusions - largely absent from employer based group coverage, pre-ex is still very much a part of the individual coverage landscape. If you're switching from group coverage to an individual plan, you want to understand these restrictions very carefully to avoid a surprise down the line.
In your example about dental coverage, I would agree that perhaps an individual in that specific circumstance isn't getting much value out of their plan. That said, a lot of dental plans cover preventive care like cleanings and x-rays at 100% and your example doesn't really take into account the value of a plan if someone chips a tooth or wakes up with a toothache and finds they need a root canal and crown. Also, people who have dental plans are much more likely to receive preventive care which can catch things earlier and prevent more painful and comprehensive procedures later (a stitch in time saves nine?)
Domestic partner benefits can be a great way to access coverage for non-married couples, but don't forget to factor in the difference in taxation. An individual accessing benefits at his or her own employer can generally pay for that coverage on a pre-tax basis (if their employer has a Section 125 plan). Purchasing coverage as a domestic partner generally means that you forgo the tax benefits, paying for coverage with 'after-tax' money. OK, if you don't have other options, but this difference may wipe out expected costs savings if you have options at your own employer.
Again, a great topic to spur some thought as we head into the traditional benefits enrollment season.
Matthew McDermott, SPHR
Employee Benefits Consultant
The Landmark Group
My employer coverage was EXACTLY the same (same plan, same cost) as what I already had, but I really wanted to switch to the HSA, so I naturally went with the employer health coverage.
Then I decided to go back to freelancing fullt-ime 5 months later; and now I'm have to redo my health insurance again...I should've just declined it in the first place ;)
Just out of curiosity, how does the tax preparer feel about doing your taxes on your own with something like Turbo Tax? What are the benefits of hiring a professional? For instance, do you save more by doing taxes yourself with the potential of making a mistake, or is it worth it to pay a lot more to have a professional do them for you?
I have owned houses and also rented. But I would never own a condo for reasons as follows..
1. You only own the inside or your (hypothetical) four walls.
-Because of this it is very difficult to have an informative inspection - it will never show the structural report like a single home would. This might lead to a lot of surprises down the road.
2. The condo market for the past thirty years has always been over-built, leaving many empty or non-owner units.
3. As an owner you become responsible for maintaining common areas , roof, driveway, hallway, carpets, landscaping, etc. - add to this list any amenities that might be present. (pool, tennis courts, club house, etc.)
--If you neighbors roof leaks seven units down - guess what? you are assessed. If you are in a new building where there is only 20 or 30% ownership which has happened in this last RE crash, any assessments are split between the present owners. which can be more expensive than putting a new roof on a single home.
Because of the inventory that is always available in the condo market, values tend not to apreciate as well as single family homes (all factors being equal, or course).
If you are still determined to own a condo - I urge you , no matter how daunting the task - to read the covenants and association (BOOK) packet, and then have your lawyer read it.
And then read it again!
This information can be requested before you take the plunge or plunk down any monies. If you are denied this information look elsewhere they are obviously hiding something. You should also know the percentage of both owned and owner-occupied. Good luck!
#2 reminds me of a college roommate who, in the first minutes of our acquaintance, told me she had asked for a non-smoking roommate so she would have help quitting...I imagine marrying someone to help with frugality would have much the same result as my smoking roommate did...
Thanks for the great article, these days www.airtech.com focuses on flights to and from hawaii from los angeles to san francisco these cheap tickets have one catch you can only book 7 days OR LESS from the chosen date of travel. With a bit flexibility you get a great fare on these last minute tickets to hawaii, for most of the summer season 2009 we sold these at $199 now price hovers around $199-$215 for low season travel. The great advantage is for last minute travelers who typically pay alot for these seats without 14 days advance. Call us at 212 219 7000 x2 or x1 for details.
thanks again
Mike Esterson
President airtech
Hey Robin, it can definitely reflect poorly on you if the blog sucks, that's for sure. But if you aren't confident you can always be anonymous. That's what I do. As for sites to help get you started, I would visit Copyblogger and ProBlogger, they're a great start.
Good luck!
The Writer's Coin | Follow me on Twitter
People often wonder about criteria on which car insurance companies fix up car insurance rates. Well many factors are there which determine what premium rate you can predict while asking for quotes. A general misconception is that car insurance rates are set by law and can't be changed under any circumstances. Although the state laws govern much of the methods followed by every auto insurance company for setting rates, the rates themselves are not set by the state itself. It allows every company to set their own rates. That’s why car insurance rates used to vary from one company to another & comparing rates from different companies will help you save money.
http://www.onlyinsurance.com/
Intrest topic
NEVER UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES will I take any cat to a vet....Insurance??!! You must be kidding!
That said,I had a cat once...Feed him junk his whole life, If he wanted a good meal, he had better go kill it!
He basically lived outdoors, responded to basic commands like a dog, He went outside...no kitty litter, He'd been hit by a car( twice), Slashed his lower abdomen in a auger on a farm(..almost died there), Scratched the hood of my car(..I almost killed him)...
He never once missed a Simpsons episode...He lived 14 happy years. I maybe spent 12 bucks on him the whole time!
These cards are a scam. It's just another way to drain us dry. They are targeted towards the poor....people with no credit, no bank account, etc. They hope to snare you, then confuse you with a complicated fee structure. They assume because you have little money, you are a fool and will make for easy prey..Are you a fool? ...Do you have one of these in your wallet?
Hi Ken!! Thanks for the kind words. Maybe I can answer some of your concerns.
Yep my call on September was off. Pretty badly. October is just starting so what say we wait until the end of the month to determine if it is off.
None of us know which way the market will go. My two "worthless" articles were presented to show a historical basis and a potential for downside in the markets. I fully admit they may be wrong.
I won't be the first person to get a market call wrong... and won't be the last. I will say that I have been out of the market for quite a while and missed last years crash so am ahead of the game.
I used analytical data to show why the market appears to be over valued at today's prices and why historically September and October are bad months to be in the market. September proved otherwise this year.
Do you have analytical data to show why now is a great time to be in the market? The article says we should buy like it is 1999.. remember what happened to the market after 2000?
I enjoy a good debate and am always willing to discuss data, theory, hypothesis, conjecture, etc. Please take the posts I wrote and ignore them if they don't suit your views. I hope everyone that reads them uses them to broaden their knowledge and have logical reasons to be in the market.
Thanx
Scott
I usually go medieval on the thing and use a pair of pliers.
A PI number is always equal to 3.14.
Debbie M, tell your boyfriend about the miracle called "primer" and "spray paint".
they will protect his car at a much cheaper cost than a pro paint job.
of course, it will not look as good of course as a pro paint job. But will save him $600.
If the car is old enough to have a failing finish, having a paint job is a luxury (unnecessary) expense, unless of course he can't stand to have his car look super nice. Which is a view that has its merits I will admit.
You can visit www.mylaptopbroke.com . They pay you cash for your broken and unwanted laptops. They recycle them and you get a little $$$ in your pocket!!
@ "Or maybe it was that chicken I found in my freezer marked 'Best if used by 10/21/2005" that prompted this... :)"
LOL!
Personally I don't think think Oprah and Suze should economize, they should spend a lot more, at least that would mean the less well-off would gain more from their fortunes.
Keep in mind that, at their level of wealth, unless they totally go bonkers, it's impossible to deplete their bank balances.
I live on 22,000 per year, plus health insurance. Which is plenty to live on.
Without investigating and doing the math, just the return on their bank accounts and other investments probably comes to 100-1000 (Suze vs Oprah) times that per year. And that's not counting income from their businesses.
If you normally pay to get your property snowblowed or plowed, consider buying a Wovel (wovel.com), which is a large snow shovel mounted on a big rolling wheel, and doing it yourself by hand. You will make your money back in the first month or two, plus get some moderate (not heart-threatening like normal shoveling) exercise to boot. I am planning on buying one next month for the upcoming snow season as it's vastly more efficient, faster, and vastly safer for your back than a traditional snow shovel.
I had this experience like this before, it would hard to get the money back from my friend, she even wanted to ask me. She ignored me. I found these circumstances happened to me so many times. I totally wanted to give up with her. On other hand, if I had to pay her any money,she will keep ask me to pay her. I felt so ashamed about having a friend like her.
I am writing a research paper for college and this article has been very useful with my topic. Thanks for the info.
I just wanted to say thanks to everyone who commented here.
I have been out of work for a long time. I flubbed a telephone interview for the first time ever ( I thought the interviewers - 2 of them, were asking trick questions concerning vendor-specific nomenclature, only after I hung up did I realize they were just looking for the simple answers.
I found all the input here very helpful and insightful.
Best wishes and employment for everyone,
Cherrone F
My dentist sent me a coupon good if I made another appointment by a certain date. I already had an appointment before that date, so I called and said that sending me the coupon was a mistake, but I could still use it. Apparently people are putting off dental work during the recession, so this may be a good time to catch up if you have the money.
My boyfriend's car's finish is coming off in a way that could eventually lead to a break in the integrity of the metal underneath. He got a really good deal on re-painting the car.
Anything that people can put off when they are worried about their next pay check is probably a good deal right now. It's probably a good time for home repairs, re-roofing your house, and doing planned renovations.
Most self-employed people are also hungry. You can probably get a deal on massages, having your web-pages redesigned and stuff like that.