Recent comments

  • 5 Quick Remote Control Hacks to Save You Time and Money   16 years 33 weeks ago

    I especially like #1. Now we can devote more time to more important things. Time is money, and money these day is scarce!

  • Learn good financial habits from your parents. Or not.   16 years 33 weeks ago

    I didn't learn money management at home, and as you mentioned, regretted the time it took to learn even simple skills on my own. As a result, our own kids are being consciously instructed. How much they take into adulthood I can't say, (their peers have a big influence), but at least they'll have fall back information. They'll have workable systems and structures to improve upon.

  • Feeling Stuck? 100 Ways to Change Your Life   16 years 33 weeks ago

    Why are so many replies along the lines of "This is awesome man I have to try it."

    Do it. Then comment.

    Or just do it and shut up.

  • Check Out Wise Bread's New Podcast & Win $100   16 years 33 weeks ago

    Olivia Says:
    9/9/2009 8:05:08 AM
    Very clear presentation of double couponing in's and outs. Looking forward to more tips.

  • How Much Does a Flu Shot Cost?   16 years 33 weeks ago

    My employeer gives us free flu shots every year. They set of specific days at various locations around the facility. Then, there's a later series of "make up" appointments for anyone who was unable to get a shot during the first round (usually people on vacation or business travel). They figure that it's a small price to pay to vaccinate the entire work force (or as many as will take it, it's voluntary) rather than have to pay for sick time when the flu runs rampant through cubeville because someone refused to go home when they weren't feeling well.

  • How Much Does a Flu Shot Cost?   16 years 33 weeks ago

    Flu shots are dangerous -- what's to say that you're not going to get the flu? Or that they guessed the right strain for a particular year? Also, you could end up getting the flu from the shot. I know many people that this have happened to them. Do your research before you go putting things in your body... Isn't it strange that pharmaceuticals are the ones behind these flu shots and also the ones that create the medicines you take when you do get it?

  • Borrowing from Friends: The Friendship Killer   16 years 33 weeks ago

    But I don't have a problem with it. When my husband lost his job his best friend saw us through the summer and we are paying him back slowly. But in their youth my husband's best friend lived rent free in my husband's apartment for months on end. It kind of seemed even to both of them. Likewise I have a friend who just went back to school. When I was in school and he worked full time he'd insist on paying. When he went back to school I insisted on paying. It's worked so far. Whatever I have extra I'm willing to lend and not see ever again but I think eventually one good deed gives big karma points--you get it back in many ways.

    Margaret Garcia-Couoh

  • Borrowing from Friends: The Friendship Killer   16 years 33 weeks ago

    But I don't have a problem with it. When my husband lost his job his best friend saw us through the summer and we are paying him back slowly. But in their youth my husband's best friend lived rent free in my husband's apartment for months on end. It kind of seemed even to both of them. Likewise I have a friend who just went back to school. When I was in school and he worked full time he'd insist on paying. When he went back to school I insisted on paying. It's worked so far. Whatever I have extra I'm willing to lend and not see ever again but I think eventually one good deed gives big karma points--you get it back in many ways.

    Margaret Garcia-Couoh

  • How Much Does a Flu Shot Cost?   16 years 33 weeks ago

    We actually have a drive thru clinic in October....just stick your driver's arm out the window. Over in two seconds. That's it. No cost. Margaret Garcia-Couoh

  • Check Out Wise Bread's New Podcast & Win $100   16 years 33 weeks ago

    She sounds a little...robotic. The info is great, but I generally like podcasts that are a little more conversational. This kind of sounds like listening to an advertisement. I think I would rather read this, then listen to it.

  • Check Out Wise Bread's New Podcast & Win $100   16 years 33 weeks ago

    There SIX PRIZES and 7 comments so far.  The odds are pretty good folks!

  • Green Switch for Green Savings   16 years 33 weeks ago

    Hello somebody know is the greenswitch is for sale i want buy one but i don't know how to buy a greenswitch

  • Green Switch for Green Savings   16 years 33 weeks ago

    Hey somebody is the greenswitch is for sale i want buy one but i don't know how to buy a greenswitch

  • Check Out Wise Bread's New Podcast & Win $100   16 years 33 weeks ago

    I found these podcasts really informative, and were a pleasure to listen to; the narrators sounded a little stiff, but managed to keep enough inflection in their voices to keep it interesting. I can't wait to apply some of these tips and tricks.

  • Buying a Home Without the Money   16 years 33 weeks ago

    My fiance and I are in this same position deciding whether or not to buy our first place. We were pre-approved for an FHA loan, but had no idea that most Realtors do not know what places qualify for FHA and which ones don't! We were shown about 15 places without knowing that more than 1/2 of them were not FHA approved (one had just been scratched from the FHA list just the previous month, but showed as FHA approved still on the government website).

    We fell in love with a place not FHA approved and went through hell with a bank offering a program with 3% down. Its been three weeks and they still haven't contacted us as to whether we're approved or not. In the meantime we heard about a 0% down loan with a really good fixed rate (we and the building we want to buy have to meet a LOT of strict requirements - including having several months of liquid assets) program that we got approved for right away. The only problem now is getting the condo building approved for the loan.

    Never knew that all of this would be so complicated!

  • How Much Does a Flu Shot Cost?   16 years 33 weeks ago

    The company I work for gives flu shots. They set up clinics for employees or anyone can come in for a quick appointment. Price ranges depending on the area you are in, but it might be between $22-30 a shot, unless you want preservative free or FluMist the nasal spray (which they also have but it is usually more expensive) try Passport Health if you want to see if they have an office near you.

  • How Much Does a Flu Shot Cost?   16 years 33 weeks ago

    Our company sponsors free flu shots every year for the past 10 years. We've never had to pay. Flu shots are part of our tax expenditure since we pay so much! Go USA!

  • Swoopo - great auction deals or great scam?   16 years 33 weeks ago

    HI Everyone,

    If its TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE, ITS USUALLY TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE! Think about it. If you have the money to gamble and splurge, when you don't win then it might be fun, but if you can't afford to gamble use that money you would have gambled with place in a cup or safe place and go to dinner or do something special for yourself or a loved one. Whatever you decide GOOD LUCK.

  • Budgeting Tricks for Parents   16 years 33 weeks ago

    I have to agree with Greg - refilling cereal boxes and putting trinkets inside re-inforces the idea that brand names are better and that every meal should come with a present.

    What's wrong with the truth?

    When I was barely making it for a few years, my 5 year old son was told straight out that there would be no happy meals, no special cereals or new toys for quite a while. He was a little miffed, but got over it.

    Instead of leaving him home, he went (and still goes) shopping with me. So he learned about unit prices and how the same kind of cereal comes in expensive and not so expensive boxes. He learned how to get more for his money when he sees a pre-cooked chicken from the grocery store costs as much as a happy meal, but fed us a couple of dinners and a lunch.

    Fooling the kids at breakfast and keeping them out of the store seem to be tactics used by parents who lost contol. There are valuable budgeting lessons to be learned while grocery shopping, and the sooner the kids learn them, the wiser they'll spend their own money someday.

  • Is living on one income a status symbol?   16 years 33 weeks ago

    I would love to be able not to work because of my health. I have multiple health problems, but all of my doctors want me to work until I can't. My husband would love for me to be at home, but he tells me that we just can't make it on his income right now; I still have credit card bills to pay off.

    Before the job I have now, I was between jobs and home for two months. I felt better, my house and yard looked better; all of you know what I mean.

    I quickly went through some of the responses before posting, and I agree with the person who said that a woman doesn't have to pop out a child to justify being at home. I think that it is a jealousy thing on the part of the women who have children; we childless(not by choice) women do have housework, a husband to cook and clean after, a yard to keep nice, in-laws who require attention because of health issues, etc. I would love to be home to take care of my husband better, while I still can, before he has to take care of me full-time because of my health.

  • Check Out Wise Bread's New Podcast & Win $100   16 years 33 weeks ago

    I loved the content of the podcast. It covered a topic that I was very familiar with, but gave me a few tips I hadn't thought of and a new website to review. Will definately keep my subscription.

  • Learn good financial habits from your parents. Or not.   16 years 33 weeks ago

    From my own personal experiences I can testify financial habits start at home from an early age. Some parents (like my own) feel or felt like giving their kids everything is the way to show love. What happens is kids grow up without really understanding the value of money. For spoiled kids, figuring out what to do in life can be a real challenge.

    For me, it was about learning "money doesn't buy happiness" and excessive debt means excessive stress. This realization is what changed me from "money driven loan officer" to "passionate financial fitness coach."

    For kids growing up I think it's important first to be brought up with high self esteem and confidence knowing "you can accomplish anything you want in life" and "money is a tool, not the definition of who you are." Parents, please tell and teach your kids more about what they "can" do instead of what they "can't" do. Positive vibes go a long way!

  • How Much Does a Flu Shot Cost?   16 years 33 weeks ago

    Doh! That's a big one, Dawn.  Thanks for bringing that up.  I've been self-employed for so long, that I often don't consider it, and when I WAS employed, they usually had a special day at the local clinic that we could take advantage of.  It wasn't through my work, per se.

    I'd love to hear pricing info on employer-based flu shot programs!  Anyone care to share?

    Linsey

     

    Linsey Knerl

  • Learn good financial habits from your parents. Or not.   16 years 33 weeks ago

    I think you're right about parents modeling financial behavior. You can read about it in a book, or learn of it at a seminar. but nothing has quite the impact of seeing it lived out.

    Some things can be learned in a classroom setting, but others, like money management can only be learned by doing.

  • Check Out Wise Bread's New Podcast & Win $100   16 years 33 weeks ago

    These are really detailed treatments of very specific things - not every episode is relevant (or interesting) to me, but the ones that are, are full of good information. The host needs to add some personality to her narration, you know, make it more conversational.