tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18820173.post5782998424241292951..comments2023-10-26T03:26:53.959-07:00Comments on Suebob's Red Stapler: Life HintsSUEB0Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16301963922769609715noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18820173.post-32258525107480468182008-09-27T19:19:00.000-07:002008-09-27T19:19:00.000-07:00Oh, and I love the 'stop impulse buying' hint. BI...Oh, and I love the 'stop impulse buying' hint. BIG ONE.Jhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00653383372182667361noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18820173.post-61680420860517365662008-09-27T19:18:00.000-07:002008-09-27T19:18:00.000-07:00Great post. Your suggestions are all great, and m...Great post. Your suggestions are all great, and make me want to start a September resolution (why wait for New Years?) and floss my teeth. I'll start tonight, I promise.<BR/><BR/>We don't smoke, we don't drive like morons, we don't drink coffee from a coffee stand, we pay off our credit cards every month. Not always easy. Sometimes very difficult. My husband is currently unemployed, and I work from home, so we fill up our gas tanks about once a month, vs. 2x a week when my husband was commuting. We cook most days. I loved the hint by hoppytoddle regarding the roast. I'm going to check that out with my butcher. I like steak, but my favorite is about $16 a pound, so we don't get to eat it very often at all.<BR/><BR/>Hmmm. A hint that I haven't seen here yet? Let me think. Farmers' Market, if there's one near you. Often cheaper. Esp if you go about 1/2 hour before closing, when they slash the prices.Jhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00653383372182667361noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18820173.post-80517415255394270502008-09-26T20:20:00.000-07:002008-09-26T20:20:00.000-07:00Thanks for this post and all of the great reminder...Thanks for this post and all of the great reminders! I felt like I was reading a guest post on the Get Rich Slowly blog, which I use as my personal finance guide; but your post was more fun. <BR><BR>I also like all of the great comments and suggestions in the comment thread ~ especially SusanC's "Rule of Three" for running errands. I generally do that anyway, without thinking about it (because I am lazy!), but now I will really consciously plan my driving time according to the Rule of Three, to see where I can be even more efficient.<BR><BR>Graced's beauty care comment is SO TRUE and she provides excellent skin-care tips. I also just use Retin-A (insurance didn't cover the $60 tube but it lasts for months and months) + plenty of good sunblock + inexpensive wash, moisturizer, & a little makeup from the drugstore.<BR><BR>I am always so glad for great posts such as yours, and the helpful comments, because it all helps keep me motivated! I'm a public servant so I don't make a lot of money but I have a lot of debt. About 6 months ago, I put myself on "Operation Budget Lockdown" in an aggressive attempt to seriously pay down my overwhelming debt. <BR><BR>In 6 months, I finally started a (serious) savings account, paid off my car, paid off a low-balance credit card, am close to paying off another low-balance credit card, and put all my other debt on realistic yet aggressive payment plans. It was so liberating to take control of my spending, through a series of seemingly small steps.<BR><BR>The important thing for someone like me was <B>baby steps</B>. For example, I used to buy breakfast AND lunch <I>every</I> <I>day</I>(!). When I did the math, I couldn't believe how much money I was wasting. I stopped shopping at Whole Foods, except for a few crucial items, and started shopping at Trader Joe's to stock up on my favorite snacks, and breakfast and lunch foods. Now I bring breakfast and lunch to the office BUT I did NOT give up my coffee(!) The good news is that I really just like a single Americano every morning ~ which costs only one dollar! :) ~ Some days I only spend $1 all day! :)<BR><BR>I also did not want to give up buying books that I really want to own ~ so I joined BookMooch and now I get/trade books for FREE (and buy them used if I can't find them free).<BR><BR>Your neighbor recommendation is also excellent! I became close friends with about 5 of the neighbors in my apartment building ~ they really are all great people. One girl cooks a huge meal every Sunday and gives me dinner those nights. She's just nice like that. :) I travel a lot and paying for a pet-sitter would be really expensive. But my neighbors all have keys to my apartment and they sign up for pet-sitting shifts when I am away. In return, I pet-sit or plant-sit for them ~ and we all save money. We also share Netflix movies, groceries, laundry supplies, etc. :)<BR><BR>Sorry for such a lengthy comment ~ but it's because I really enjoyed your post, and the input from your readers. Keep up the great work!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18820173.post-66142618764403202912008-09-25T09:20:00.000-07:002008-09-25T09:20:00.000-07:00Carry an umbrella when the sun shines, and wear gl...Carry an umbrella when the sun shines, and wear gloves that cover your forearms when you drive.<BR/><BR/>Will you look weird? Well, yes, if you don't live in Asia. <BR/><BR/>But skin cancer looks weirder, and cost a BUTTLOAD more. <BR/><BR/>Thus speaks a fat-blonde-chick-slash-melanoma-survivor who uses her umbrella and her elbow-length gloves... Every. Single. Day.<BR/><BR/>I'd rather look dorky than be dead.Caroliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11637418089860927715noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18820173.post-60580362304820248052008-09-25T09:02:00.000-07:002008-09-25T09:02:00.000-07:00SisterDavis, rad post. You rule. I love you, girl....SisterDavis, rad post. You rule. I love you, girl. Etc.<BR/><BR/>So - this is what I gots 4 u:<BR/><BR/>Stop buying the high end skin care stuff. A dermatologist pal's pet peeve is how the beauty/cosmetic industry mercilessly steals the precious earning of women with the seduction of skin care products with all bogus anti-aging claims. Dermatologist pal says none of this crap works except those retinoid products - with its cell turnover properties. And, even then, the departmeny store-bought anti-aging potions cannot and will never have the strength required to slough off cells. It takes a lot of those expensive little jars to achieve what really works - and that would be prescription strength retinoids (like Renova or good old Retin A).<BR/><BR/>Essentially, what Clinique, Lancome, Shisedo and others are selling are cell turnover agents with an active agent formulated well below the physician prescribed strength mixed in a vat of fancy emollients. This is bullshit in a jar.<BR/><BR/>Instead - ask your doc for a prescription of Renova, Retin-A. If you're pals with the doc, have her write it out for acne so your insurance will cover it (cosmetic use may not be in the plan). That tube of Renova may cost up to $30 depending on your co-pay, but a pea size amount of cream is enough for your entire face. <BR/><BR/>Next, buy yourself a great sunscreen, Neutrogena is a superb brand. Make sure you're getting at least 35 in protection factor - perhaps $3 bucks at the drugstore.<BR/><BR/>Then, you need a nice tub of Cetaphil moisturizing cream and cleansing lotion - the large industrial size can be purchased at Costco for $4 each. This is a superior product widely and heartily recommended by the derm docs. <BR/><BR/>Total cost range (again, depending on your Renova prescription co-pay) - $20 to $40. The whole skin care routine! Cheap yet effective! <BR/><BR/>The routine? Cleanse with the Cetaphil, rinse very well, apply the Renova/Retin-A, let it soak in for at least 10 minutes, apply sunscreen, do the wait thing again, then moisturize like a crazy woman with the second Cetaphil product on top of all of that. Add make-up to your pretty mug, if you choose. <BR/><BR/>Last step - walk into Macy's with your face a-glow and beautiful and proceed to the cosmetics department and flip the bird at all of them. Hahahaha, beauty/cosmetic industrial complex! I saved a crapload of money and I look bee-yoo-tee-full with no thanks to you!<BR/><BR/>All righty. My work here is done. I salute you, SisterSueBobDavis.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18820173.post-17275774924101010022008-09-25T07:44:00.000-07:002008-09-25T07:44:00.000-07:00I love my hobo lattes, skim milk, heated, add inst...I love my hobo lattes, skim milk, heated, add instant coffee and sugar for a delicious treat.Christinahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01272029310882278014noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18820173.post-29144303733010876892008-09-24T21:32:00.000-07:002008-09-24T21:32:00.000-07:00You got some great ideas. I don't have any hints.....You got some great ideas. I don't have any hints...not now. Gotta think them up for publication.<BR/><BR/>Feeling major guilty on the teeth-cleaning thing, though.Glennishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03681336164718681936noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18820173.post-49546897111689383072008-09-24T21:04:00.000-07:002008-09-24T21:04:00.000-07:00Going along with the dental tip, I'll also add: sp...Going along with the dental tip, I'll also add: spend 10 minutes a month to do a quick body check. Women, check your breasts for lumps. Do a skin check to look for abnormal moles or freckles or see if any are growing. Stretch a little and evaluate how you're moving. If anything doesn't seem right, get in to see your doctor. <BR/><BR/>The big problems in life almost always start small. Early detection is the best defense you have, and early detection is far cheaper and better for your health in the long run.Christinahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07345875955750219033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18820173.post-6585876191262075302008-09-24T15:29:00.000-07:002008-09-24T15:29:00.000-07:00I could never hope to make as much sense as you gu...I could never hope to make as much sense as you guys. Sigh.<BR/><BR/>Some of my default settings are fairly good though: I don't own a car, my building is so old it doesn't have A/C, no cable, prepaid phone (TOTAL control over that bill, nice) and I love Americanos. So when I do go to Starbucks, I rarely spend over two bucks.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18820173.post-29672839187166912302008-09-24T15:17:00.000-07:002008-09-24T15:17:00.000-07:00I donate my used magazines (tax write-off) to the ...I donate my used magazines (tax write-off) to the Friends of the Altadena Library and purchase others for ten cents each. I can often pick up current issues of my favorite mags. <BR/><BR/>Others have mentioned the library and freecycle - two of my faves.<BR/><BR/>For fuel and time efficiency, I try to follow the "rule of three" - grouping three geographically close errands or outings together. For example, when I go to San Gabriel (20 minutes away), I can get a Vietnamese meal, a $15 massage and a manicure on the same block. (If I was truly frugal, I guess I would give up the manis and the massages.)<BR/><BR/><BR/>If there's something I really want to buy, I check to see if it's available on ebay.Susan Chttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12178330935523896363noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18820173.post-3423266480605369732008-09-24T14:07:00.000-07:002008-09-24T14:07:00.000-07:00Quit buying clothes that will fit you "as soon as ...Quit buying clothes that will fit you "as soon as i lose a few pounds."menohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18065283682414369608noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18820173.post-6300464664714433332008-09-24T13:53:00.000-07:002008-09-24T13:53:00.000-07:00In addition to most of what's on your list, I also...In addition to most of what's on your list, I also dilute EVERYTHING. Shampoo, juice, honey, you name it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18820173.post-3925249189905293002008-09-24T13:48:00.000-07:002008-09-24T13:48:00.000-07:00Quit Drinking Alcohol. Yeah, me as a raging alcoh...Quit Drinking Alcohol. Yeah, me as a raging alcoholic, not so attractive!<BR/><BR/>As for #2- Agree 100% Long, slow, painful, inevitable death....I quit 10 years ago!<BR/><BR/>#3! I can't stand bad drivers!<BR/>Unfortunately, one is my son!<BR/><BR/>#4 Taco Bell is $26.00 for a family of 6. Yikes!!<BR/><BR/>We're eating Top Ramen tonight. Hubby is out of work!<BR/><BR/>Hugs!!Green-Eyed Momsterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10175981627284967050noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18820173.post-18586092113891990912008-09-24T11:59:00.000-07:002008-09-24T11:59:00.000-07:00Best money saving hint? Do NOT have children.(too...Best money saving hint? Do NOT have children.<BR/><BR/>(too late for me, but maybe I can help someone else.)<BR/><BR/>:)Gwenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12526629366170486737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18820173.post-53047526275913672702008-09-24T10:10:00.000-07:002008-09-24T10:10:00.000-07:00I buy the family size meat packages and re-wrap th...I buy the family size meat packages and re-wrap them to store the the freezer. Chicken breast(boneless) especially, they thaw out quickly and are hard to mess up- if you have some greens or rice in the pantry that always a quick meal. I also buy my paper products in bulk- toilet paper, napkins. I save so much money just from not having to run out and buy some since there's always a few extras in my basket at check out when my intention was only to buy toilet paper. Toothpaste, soap and laundry detergent in bulk as well. I hang dry most of my clothes-saves energy and they last longer. I LOVE the library!!! It's free, it's a wonderful place to go for some good quiet time-way better than a busy Starbucks. I'm so with you on the coffee. I love to treat myself once in a while but for the most part I prefer my own in a travel mug.LittlePeahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17890731735785145148noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18820173.post-25912170032456481402008-09-24T09:05:00.000-07:002008-09-24T09:05:00.000-07:00Buy a new used car. When we buy a car, we buy one ...Buy a new used car. When we buy a car, we buy one that someone bought and traded in after a year. Generally less than 12k miles and always in great condition. Plus, at least 6k cheaper.<BR/><BR/>Also, never use a credit card unless you can pay it off at the end of each month. If you buy a $300 dollar purse (or tire, whatever) and just add it to your debt, you will pay for it three times over by the time you pay it off.<BR/><BR/>I can't do instant, but I buy my own Starbucks and make it at home.Issahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11309906249557761472noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18820173.post-15623362061583400282008-09-24T07:50:00.000-07:002008-09-24T07:50:00.000-07:00Excellent tips. This will be very unpopular, but ...Excellent tips. This will be very unpopular, but I save oodles of money by not drinking alcohol.Suzanne Reismanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11420997475301130597noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18820173.post-22549503344899541612008-09-24T07:11:00.000-07:002008-09-24T07:11:00.000-07:00Dry your clothes on a clothesline whenever possibl...Dry your clothes on a clothesline whenever possible. It's easier on your wallet, the environment AND your clothes.<BR/><BR/>Don't use credit cards unless you can pay the balance off every month. Just don't.lizgwizhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10907508137794025189noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18820173.post-30595532902747353562008-09-24T03:41:00.000-07:002008-09-24T03:41:00.000-07:00Learn to fix and mend. My husband taught me this ...Learn to fix and mend. My husband taught me this and with a little ingenuity, we tend to use things around the house to patch and fix things - making sure they still look nice and presentable - and avoid buying new and adding to the dump.Lynneahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08255266354171825474noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18820173.post-88868317085253694022008-09-23T21:59:00.000-07:002008-09-23T21:59:00.000-07:00I am a nut about flossing. I have floss stashed a...I am a nut about flossing. I have floss stashed all over the place - in my car, at my desk, in the bathroom. My gums LOVE me. I've had a root canal. I don't want to have another one. <BR/><BR/>Turn the heat down and put on a sweater. <BR/>Put that plastic stuff over your windows in the winter. <BR/>Buy used books, if you must buy books. <BR/>Freecycle - I got a breadmaker off Freecycle a few weeks ago. <BR/>Buy bulk - even at Whole Foods, it's cheaper to buy bulk there than it is at the discount market. <BR/>Join a CSA and learn how to cook new food with all that produce. <BR/>When berries go on sale, you can freeze them. Put them on a cookie sheet and stick them in your freezer for a few hours and come January, you'll have frozen berries to use on pancakes, in muffins or just to stir into your yoghurt. <BR/>Hunt down the Salvation Army that's in a college town. You'll find great deals on practically new clothing and housewares. <BR/>Check out hypermiling. <BR/><BR/>That's all I can think of for now....Major Bedheadhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17669161302510096751noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18820173.post-35129329935073938332008-09-23T21:21:00.000-07:002008-09-23T21:21:00.000-07:00I have to bow out on #7, lady. They have cost me ...I have to bow out on #7, lady. They have cost me more than I ever expected in the last 4 days.<BR/>But I whole heartedly agree with the rest.Karen Bodkinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02648840299789088421noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18820173.post-38138644924863479502008-09-23T21:17:00.000-07:002008-09-23T21:17:00.000-07:00meal planning has saved me a bunch on groceries. ...meal planning has saved me a bunch on groceries. That and always shoping with a list. That and remembering that it's more important to do research and price shop/haggle for big purchases (appliances, furniture, cars, vacations) than it is to sweat the small stuff. <BR/><BR/>I haven't bought coffee outside my home even once this whole year!Mandajuicehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09742183879544681835noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18820173.post-51820518706782136752008-09-23T21:08:00.000-07:002008-09-23T21:08:00.000-07:00I shop at the warehouse grocery store, and plan my...I shop at the warehouse grocery store, and plan my meals at the end of the week so I just buy what I need.<BR/><BR/>I applaud the rest of your list - we live by them too!Angellahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04084789720358907986noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18820173.post-52780840846192368412008-09-23T20:03:00.000-07:002008-09-23T20:03:00.000-07:00I special order an eye of round roast from the gro...I special order an eye of round roast from the grocery store once a month & cut it into steaks rather than buy steaks. Even the organic grass fed comes out to less than $5/pound, vs like $12/pound for the precut ones. So, I get like 9 steaks for $20. Oh, & my butcher likes me because he knows how smart I am.hoppytoddlehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01908238288294828258noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18820173.post-61851921321377475322008-09-23T19:23:00.000-07:002008-09-23T19:23:00.000-07:00I second the library card. Frankly, I haven't canc...I second the library card. Frankly, I haven't canceled cable, BUT I live well below my means in almost every area in life. I drive oldish cars, I don't shop a lot (or ever), I eat in whenever I can (or, in the case of pregnancy, not much at all, I intentionally pay about half of what my contemporaries pay in housing in exchange for a smaller place, and OH MY GOD, I FLOSS.<BR/><BR/>Can I also add to the flossing bit that it's cheaper (WAY CHEAPER) in the long run to go to the dentist REGULARLY, rather than wait every few years and get a huge, honking bill? Even without dental insurance, you're better off paying for regular cleanings and fillings as needed out of pocket, rather than waiting several years (EVEN IF YOU ARE INSURED) and needing root canals. Most dental insurance has a limit, and one root canal blows it out of the water by as much as a thousand bucks or more. <BR/><BR/>Floss. Go to the dentist regularly. This may cost you a little at the outset, but it WILL save you money in the long run.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com