I have some food stocked in case of an emergency, and I'm working on building a year supply worth of food. My parents set the example, and it was and is strongly encouraged by our church.
It started as simply as purchasing the maximum amount of canned goods I had coupons for, spending just a little extra each grocery shopping trip. But I also have some food basics like wheat and oats and rice that last much longer, and I regularly rotate out my items.
If there is a storm that clears the shelves at the grocery store (I saw this a couple years ago) or keeps me from wanting to drive (this just happened last winter), I am prepared. If the electricity goes out so I can't eat the food in my fridge or freezer (this happened last year), I am prepared. And if funds are tight so I can't spend the regular amount on groceries, I am prepared.
In addition to groceries, I have some water that I store and rotate, because I've seen water supplies yanked from shelves after being told not to drink the local water supply. I also buy a little extra household supplies when they're on sale to have them on hand in case of an emergency. And I'm working on putting together a bag I can grab with 72 hours worth of supplies in case of needing to evacuate without much warning, as well as items to create a shelter in place.
And another benefit is financial savings. Instead of waiting until I run out of something and "need" it, I buy things when they're on sale and don't have to pay full price for something.
It'll be interesting to see if either of these two websites are able to sell themselves for decent multiples. They may be about 3 years too late though, however, I have to imagine someone buys these guys.
Keep on saving WC Porter, and don't bend to temptation without at least 30% of the value of your property saved up in cash! Redfin supports at least a 20% downpayment, and likes the 10% savings buffer afterwards too.
Meh. Would probably be less useful in my state, where by law sale prices are kept secret from the public. Unless Redfin somehow gets access to those figures, in which case it would be awesome.
I split a membership with a friend of mine -- we are both in the same boat -- divorced with a teenager. We literally split the membership, the bill for the items, and the products we purchase. We "invested" in a 'food saver" (that we got 1/2 price, with additional 20% off), and freeze as much as possible.
But before we decided to do this together, Costco would really not have been economical for just the two of us. Now, she and I can go in, get paper goods, rx, toiletries, etc., split them, and have these things last months. For food items, we usually cook up everything into all sorts of meals one weekend a month (usually 10 different meals we each make), and have a large variety of meals at hand, so that none of us are tired of the same meal, over and over.
We made heavy use of Redfin while shopping around. You have to be cautious about using it for comparisons with area houses that are not currently on the market. The relevant sale details for our house have not shown up on Redfin even after 6 months. Zillow is handy for comparisons as well, but it always overestimates the market price, at least in the areas we looked.
This site seems like it could really be useful. Sadly, they only offer their service in a select few markets at this time. As they expand, I can see them becoming a force to be reckoned with, similar to a Zillow or Trulia!
Lol. I don't go overboard but I do spend a nice chunk of change every three months on staples. I buy bulk items like rice, pasta, beans, chicken cubes, dried spices n seasoning, flour, brown sugar, cereal etc. Dry goods that lasts however I do it out of convinience, I hate shopping n long lines. I really dislike running to the store every couple of days unless it's for fruits veggies or milk. I keep three months of food always going. Easy convinient and frugal for me. It's not easy keeping a grocery list for a house of 13. Sheez. :-)
The details about buying/owning a home and taxes was extremely helpful, especially for a real estate newbie such as myself. Anyway thanks for the article!
Credit scores are held over people as a factor in so many cases where it is totally irrelevant. Getting car insurance, renting an apartment, even getting a job.
I propose, rather than re-regulation, simply outlawing the use of such data in all cases except the process of directly requesting a loan.
In addition the data contained in such credit histories should be completely accessible and updateable by the person in question. (With modern database design it isn't very hard to keep records in such a way that items can be flagged as incorrect and be removed from consideration until proven correct.)
And finally there needs to be a little more transparency as to the formula used to generate that magic number. If such a number can be the difference between buying a home or not, and paying extra interest for a car loan or not, then we have a right to know exactly how the agency came up with that particular number.
Credit card companies tend to be some of the worst when it comes to changing the rules after you agree to play the game. It is very frustrating when it seems that our only sane choice is not to play at all.
I think another great reason to purchase a dehydrator is if you have fruit trees. I have a fig tree and every year I try to figure out what to do with them. In the end, the birds and squirrels end up eating most of them because I don't pick them in time. And I don't pick them in time, because I don't know what do to with all of them! If I purchased a dehydrator, less would go to the birds, and more would be consumed by my husband and me.
thanks for the post,
I'll have to look into the Excalibur and American Harvest brands.
-Little House
There are a few other things can be done at the time of layoff/termination to protect the (ex)employee.
In Georgia, an employer is required by the State Dept of Labor to provide a Separation Notice to any employee who is laid-off/terminated! By law, it should be given to the employee at the termination meeting. Many companies don't provide it until the finaly paycheck or, even worse, until the former employee calls asking for it! The Separation Notice is required to process the UI Benefits Claim and not having it on-hand will delay the processing of the claim....not good.
While the form itself is very important to have in hand when you leave the building, there's an even more important reason! When you are handed the form before you leave, you can see the exact reason(s) listed for your termination! If the reason is not truthful, you have a much better chance of getting them to change it while you're still in front of them...and a lot of employers will change it (in your favor) to wrap up the termination meeting and get you out of there! You lose any leverage as soon as you walk out the door!
It's also very important to check the dates of employment, salary and, if applicable, severance pay also listed on the form. Any of those can impact unemployment benefits negatively!
Whether your state requires such forms or not, it's also a very good idea to politely ask the person terminating you if you'll have any problems getting unemployment benefits! A wise HR maanager won't comment, but quite often the firing manager will give reassurances that it won't be an issue. Although it's only verbal, it sends a clear message that you will be filing for benefits and don't expect a problem. It could only work in your favor!
A few other tips-
Do everything in your power to maintain composure (or at least try to outwardly appear so)! Don't make a scene, don't tell your boss what you "really" think about him/her, just do your best to be civil and not lose control! Fight the urge to do a smoking burnout from the parking lot, too.
Over the years, I've also seen that people will do things out of anger and frustration that they would never think of doing under any other cirucmstances! Damaging and/or stealing company property (including intellectual property) are the most common offenses....and in most cases, they are not only unprofessional and short-sighted, they are often criminal! The last thing you need is to lose your job then spend the night in jail!
Any inappropriate behavior on your part could jeopardize your unemployment benefits, even if you normally would have qualified for them. Your former employer will be more likely to spend time/money to fight your claim if you do something to make them angry on your way out the door...And stealing or vandalizing their property could automatially disqualify you from any benefits....not to metion the hope of any furture work references!
Yes I guess I do. I can and freeze enough to last thru the winter and if an emergency were to occur we would survive for a few months. Have cast iron cookware that could be used to cook in the fireplace if need be and well for water.
This post is one that should be bookmarked and never forgotten. Not just in relation to financial planners but all financial professionals including accountants.
Two years ago my accountant was arrested for embezzling several million dollars from the IRS. I was lucky that I only to redo three years worth of returns and I had stopped using him a couple years prior to his arrest.
This is one of the biggest myths out there, and it is often used by Multi Level Marketing companies that "CLAIM" to do what no one else does.
While I understand the logic behind it, the fact that you are the only one doing something could mean that there is no demand for it. And even if there is... that doesn't mean people will come out of nowhere in droves to buy from you, when they don't know you exist.
We don't have emergency food supply but after reading this, I am seriously considering it. We do have an emergency supply of water but we should probably add food to it too.
I do keep a stash of extra canned/boxed goods on hand-- at least a good month's worth. It's mostly canned tomatoes/sauces, beans/soups, tuna, and dry pasta. I live on the Gulf Coast where every summer we brace for hurricanes, so it just seems prudent. I also like knowing that I'm not at the mercy of supermarket prices and can stock up when I see a good sale (last week it was half-off egg noodles-- we love stroganoff so I bought 4 bags!).
We survived an ice storm, earlier this year that left us without electricity for 7 days. We learned a lot during those seven days.
We ate very well during the storm. Inviting family and friends, along with their food from their refrigerator, to our home. We prepared meals together, pooling resources, from what would spoil first. The only thing in short supply was desserts as they usually reguired an oven. One day, I did plug in my bread machine to the generator and made a cake from a mix.
I always keep 2-3 dozen eggs on hand. In a real emergency they can be hard boiled and they keep well with lots of protein.
I write the date (just month & year) on all of my canned items and rotate stock every time I add to my pantry. I keep extras of veggies, fruit, canned meats & pasta-type meals, flour, sugar, oil, and cereals (which can always be eaten dry if necessary).
I also freeze milk, in 1/2 gallon jugs (keep about 2 inches head room for expansion). Milk takes a long time to defrost, so you can use it to keep other things cold in a cooler.
Food is not the only necessity. Fire is a biggie. Propane helped us prepare food on the BBQ grill. Wood helped us heat water for all kinds of purposes. Washing hair, (and bodies if you were rugged enough to undress in 40 degree temps) and cleaning pots and pans. Gasoline, we keep a rotation of several cans on hand. Even the gas stations could not pump gas without electricity. If you have a generator, gasoline is a must. A rope/clothes line to hang up towels or clothing to dry.
We have city water. But many people around us have pumps. Many were not prepared with enough water for day-to-day usage. They went to fire stations or neighbors to collect gallons of water each day. I have 3 five gallon bottles of water in my garage, even though I have city water.
We used coolers to keep food cold. The refrigerator is too big to try to keep things cold for a long period of time. Solar emergency blankets sold in the camping section of your local discount store can serve two purposes. Keep you warm or keep your food cold. I have several on hand.
Paper plates were a necessity. Washing only pots and pans in our limited supply of hot water. I keep plenty on hand now.
Lamp oil and old-fashion oil lamps were the only reliable lights after about 4 days. No recharging necessary. Also matches or multi-purpose lighter and small candles.
I also keep a to-go bag in my pantry with items necessary if we need to leave suddenly. Toothpaste, toothbrushes, travel or sample sized shampoos, band-aids, hand sanitizer, baby wipes, matches and emergency solar blankets. I keep this in the pantry so food items can be thrown in quickly.
I knew the vegetarian comment would get people foaming at the mouth - of COURSE you can be an unhealthy vegetarian. But vegetarians are, by and large, healthier than meat-eaters. And a good dehydrater is a wonderful way to decrease water. My only problem with them is that they tend to take up counter space, of which I have very little.
I sure do have food storage. Right now we are going to be moving we are sure, so we are trying to use it up. I buy much of it using coupons combined with sales, so I get much of it free or nearly free. Other things like powdered milk, yeast, flour,rice, beans and the like I always have a good stock of on hand, I constantly use those things, they are great staples and a great emergency stash.
I have some food stocked in case of an emergency, and I'm working on building a year supply worth of food. My parents set the example, and it was and is strongly encouraged by our church.
It started as simply as purchasing the maximum amount of canned goods I had coupons for, spending just a little extra each grocery shopping trip. But I also have some food basics like wheat and oats and rice that last much longer, and I regularly rotate out my items.
If there is a storm that clears the shelves at the grocery store (I saw this a couple years ago) or keeps me from wanting to drive (this just happened last winter), I am prepared. If the electricity goes out so I can't eat the food in my fridge or freezer (this happened last year), I am prepared. And if funds are tight so I can't spend the regular amount on groceries, I am prepared.
In addition to groceries, I have some water that I store and rotate, because I've seen water supplies yanked from shelves after being told not to drink the local water supply. I also buy a little extra household supplies when they're on sale to have them on hand in case of an emergency. And I'm working on putting together a bag I can grab with 72 hours worth of supplies in case of needing to evacuate without much warning, as well as items to create a shelter in place.
And another benefit is financial savings. Instead of waiting until I run out of something and "need" it, I buy things when they're on sale and don't have to pay full price for something.
It'll be interesting to see if either of these two websites are able to sell themselves for decent multiples. They may be about 3 years too late though, however, I have to imagine someone buys these guys.
Keep on saving WC Porter, and don't bend to temptation without at least 30% of the value of your property saved up in cash! Redfin supports at least a 20% downpayment, and likes the 10% savings buffer afterwards too.
Thanks for the article!
Meh. Would probably be less useful in my state, where by law sale prices are kept secret from the public. Unless Redfin somehow gets access to those figures, in which case it would be awesome.
I split a membership with a friend of mine -- we are both in the same boat -- divorced with a teenager. We literally split the membership, the bill for the items, and the products we purchase. We "invested" in a 'food saver" (that we got 1/2 price, with additional 20% off), and freeze as much as possible.
But before we decided to do this together, Costco would really not have been economical for just the two of us. Now, she and I can go in, get paper goods, rx, toiletries, etc., split them, and have these things last months. For food items, we usually cook up everything into all sorts of meals one weekend a month (usually 10 different meals we each make), and have a large variety of meals at hand, so that none of us are tired of the same meal, over and over.
We made heavy use of Redfin while shopping around. You have to be cautious about using it for comparisons with area houses that are not currently on the market. The relevant sale details for our house have not shown up on Redfin even after 6 months. Zillow is handy for comparisons as well, but it always overestimates the market price, at least in the areas we looked.
This site seems like it could really be useful. Sadly, they only offer their service in a select few markets at this time. As they expand, I can see them becoming a force to be reckoned with, similar to a Zillow or Trulia!
So far, Redfin is available in only a few areas. So it won't work if you're looking in, for example, Oregon or New Mexico.
Lol. I don't go overboard but I do spend a nice chunk of change every three months on staples. I buy bulk items like rice, pasta, beans, chicken cubes, dried spices n seasoning, flour, brown sugar, cereal etc. Dry goods that lasts however I do it out of convinience, I hate shopping n long lines. I really dislike running to the store every couple of days unless it's for fruits veggies or milk. I keep three months of food always going. Easy convinient and frugal for me. It's not easy keeping a grocery list for a house of 13. Sheez. :-)
Thanks for the article, I've never used Redfin but after poking around on the site I can definitely appreciate the features - very cool.
Personally I just bought a modest condo and I'd have to say the most helpful site for me was this random info page on a prudential site:
http://www.keithreilly.prudentialfoxroach.com/prufoxroach/modules/agent/...
The details about buying/owning a home and taxes was extremely helpful, especially for a real estate newbie such as myself. Anyway thanks for the article!
brian
I whole-heartedly agree with Edgar. (#9)
Credit scores are held over people as a factor in so many cases where it is totally irrelevant. Getting car insurance, renting an apartment, even getting a job.
I propose, rather than re-regulation, simply outlawing the use of such data in all cases except the process of directly requesting a loan.
In addition the data contained in such credit histories should be completely accessible and updateable by the person in question. (With modern database design it isn't very hard to keep records in such a way that items can be flagged as incorrect and be removed from consideration until proven correct.)
And finally there needs to be a little more transparency as to the formula used to generate that magic number. If such a number can be the difference between buying a home or not, and paying extra interest for a car loan or not, then we have a right to know exactly how the agency came up with that particular number.
Credit card companies tend to be some of the worst when it comes to changing the rules after you agree to play the game. It is very frustrating when it seems that our only sane choice is not to play at all.
I think another great reason to purchase a dehydrator is if you have fruit trees. I have a fig tree and every year I try to figure out what to do with them. In the end, the birds and squirrels end up eating most of them because I don't pick them in time. And I don't pick them in time, because I don't know what do to with all of them! If I purchased a dehydrator, less would go to the birds, and more would be consumed by my husband and me.
thanks for the post,
I'll have to look into the Excalibur and American Harvest brands.
-Little House
Recycling is a great way to get rid of your stuff.
Sounds awesome, i shall pick up this book on my next trip to the bookstore!
Very interesting! Thanks!
I would continue reading this blog, if it weren't both trying to build me up AND tear down my self-esteem.
> You're out of a job
> You have bad nutrition
> You need counseling
> You need help
There are a few other things can be done at the time of layoff/termination to protect the (ex)employee.
In Georgia, an employer is required by the State Dept of Labor to provide a Separation Notice to any employee who is laid-off/terminated! By law, it should be given to the employee at the termination meeting. Many companies don't provide it until the finaly paycheck or, even worse, until the former employee calls asking for it! The Separation Notice is required to process the UI Benefits Claim and not having it on-hand will delay the processing of the claim....not good.
While the form itself is very important to have in hand when you leave the building, there's an even more important reason! When you are handed the form before you leave, you can see the exact reason(s) listed for your termination! If the reason is not truthful, you have a much better chance of getting them to change it while you're still in front of them...and a lot of employers will change it (in your favor) to wrap up the termination meeting and get you out of there! You lose any leverage as soon as you walk out the door!
It's also very important to check the dates of employment, salary and, if applicable, severance pay also listed on the form. Any of those can impact unemployment benefits negatively!
Whether your state requires such forms or not, it's also a very good idea to politely ask the person terminating you if you'll have any problems getting unemployment benefits! A wise HR maanager won't comment, but quite often the firing manager will give reassurances that it won't be an issue. Although it's only verbal, it sends a clear message that you will be filing for benefits and don't expect a problem. It could only work in your favor!
A few other tips-
Do everything in your power to maintain composure (or at least try to outwardly appear so)! Don't make a scene, don't tell your boss what you "really" think about him/her, just do your best to be civil and not lose control! Fight the urge to do a smoking burnout from the parking lot, too.
Over the years, I've also seen that people will do things out of anger and frustration that they would never think of doing under any other cirucmstances! Damaging and/or stealing company property (including intellectual property) are the most common offenses....and in most cases, they are not only unprofessional and short-sighted, they are often criminal! The last thing you need is to lose your job then spend the night in jail!
Any inappropriate behavior on your part could jeopardize your unemployment benefits, even if you normally would have qualified for them. Your former employer will be more likely to spend time/money to fight your claim if you do something to make them angry on your way out the door...And stealing or vandalizing their property could automatially disqualify you from any benefits....not to metion the hope of any furture work references!
Yes I guess I do. I can and freeze enough to last thru the winter and if an emergency were to occur we would survive for a few months. Have cast iron cookware that could be used to cook in the fireplace if need be and well for water.
No counter space? Here's someone in Seattle drying food in the car.
This post is one that should be bookmarked and never forgotten. Not just in relation to financial planners but all financial professionals including accountants.
Two years ago my accountant was arrested for embezzling several million dollars from the IRS. I was lucky that I only to redo three years worth of returns and I had stopped using him a couple years prior to his arrest.
Scary, could happen to any of us!
This is a good post!
This is one of the biggest myths out there, and it is often used by Multi Level Marketing companies that "CLAIM" to do what no one else does.
While I understand the logic behind it, the fact that you are the only one doing something could mean that there is no demand for it. And even if there is... that doesn't mean people will come out of nowhere in droves to buy from you, when they don't know you exist.
We don't have emergency food supply but after reading this, I am seriously considering it. We do have an emergency supply of water but we should probably add food to it too.
I do keep a stash of extra canned/boxed goods on hand-- at least a good month's worth. It's mostly canned tomatoes/sauces, beans/soups, tuna, and dry pasta. I live on the Gulf Coast where every summer we brace for hurricanes, so it just seems prudent. I also like knowing that I'm not at the mercy of supermarket prices and can stock up when I see a good sale (last week it was half-off egg noodles-- we love stroganoff so I bought 4 bags!).
We survived an ice storm, earlier this year that left us without electricity for 7 days. We learned a lot during those seven days.
We ate very well during the storm. Inviting family and friends, along with their food from their refrigerator, to our home. We prepared meals together, pooling resources, from what would spoil first. The only thing in short supply was desserts as they usually reguired an oven. One day, I did plug in my bread machine to the generator and made a cake from a mix.
I always keep 2-3 dozen eggs on hand. In a real emergency they can be hard boiled and they keep well with lots of protein.
I write the date (just month & year) on all of my canned items and rotate stock every time I add to my pantry. I keep extras of veggies, fruit, canned meats & pasta-type meals, flour, sugar, oil, and cereals (which can always be eaten dry if necessary).
I also freeze milk, in 1/2 gallon jugs (keep about 2 inches head room for expansion). Milk takes a long time to defrost, so you can use it to keep other things cold in a cooler.
Food is not the only necessity. Fire is a biggie. Propane helped us prepare food on the BBQ grill. Wood helped us heat water for all kinds of purposes. Washing hair, (and bodies if you were rugged enough to undress in 40 degree temps) and cleaning pots and pans. Gasoline, we keep a rotation of several cans on hand. Even the gas stations could not pump gas without electricity. If you have a generator, gasoline is a must. A rope/clothes line to hang up towels or clothing to dry.
We have city water. But many people around us have pumps. Many were not prepared with enough water for day-to-day usage. They went to fire stations or neighbors to collect gallons of water each day. I have 3 five gallon bottles of water in my garage, even though I have city water.
We used coolers to keep food cold. The refrigerator is too big to try to keep things cold for a long period of time. Solar emergency blankets sold in the camping section of your local discount store can serve two purposes. Keep you warm or keep your food cold. I have several on hand.
Paper plates were a necessity. Washing only pots and pans in our limited supply of hot water. I keep plenty on hand now.
Lamp oil and old-fashion oil lamps were the only reliable lights after about 4 days. No recharging necessary. Also matches or multi-purpose lighter and small candles.
I also keep a to-go bag in my pantry with items necessary if we need to leave suddenly. Toothpaste, toothbrushes, travel or sample sized shampoos, band-aids, hand sanitizer, baby wipes, matches and emergency solar blankets. I keep this in the pantry so food items can be thrown in quickly.
I knew the vegetarian comment would get people foaming at the mouth - of COURSE you can be an unhealthy vegetarian. But vegetarians are, by and large, healthier than meat-eaters. And a good dehydrater is a wonderful way to decrease water. My only problem with them is that they tend to take up counter space, of which I have very little.
I sure do have food storage. Right now we are going to be moving we are sure, so we are trying to use it up. I buy much of it using coupons combined with sales, so I get much of it free or nearly free. Other things like powdered milk, yeast, flour,rice, beans and the like I always have a good stock of on hand, I constantly use those things, they are great staples and a great emergency stash.