Throw-Away Society

I truly believe we live in a throw-away society. You don't repair anything anymore, you just replace it. I am as guilty as the next one. Look at printers. It is cheaper to buy a new printer than new ink cartridges in many cases. Computers aren't much different. I bought a new laptop in June 2010 and it is already so antiquated, if it broke, I would probably just buy a new one. I often wonder about reconditioned laptops or reconditioned cameras. Do they work as well? Do they last as long? Considering the cost of new and our frequency in replacing, it is something to consider.

Money Pit

Our home came with a hot tub when we bought it 4 1/2 years ago. We were excited about the idea of a hot tub but it has become a hassle and huge money pit. Every year there is another new part needed that cost $400-500. Every year we have that conversation about whether this is when we quit throwing money towards it. Recently the pump quit and so the conversation happened again. I don't know how much hassle a pool is but I can't imagine it being worse than a hot tub. The parts can't be any more expensive, pool heat pumps are probably the same thing and cost as much as a hot tub heat pump.

What to do, what to do?

Money Trees

I confess. I have depended on credit in some form or another most of my life. But I am still saddened and surprised by the thoughtless efforts people put in to getting cash. "Cash" today stores show up on every street corner like lemonade stands of the 50's and pawn shops are beyond popular, they are now glorified on television shows. Did you know you can now basically "pawn" your car title for cash?

If you were in dire straits,various states allow you to apply for car title loans New Jersey being one. Well, I guess they don't really care if you are in dire straits. I just wish people gave more thought to their actions of today - money-wise and other. Myself included.

Position of Power

I wish once in my life I had a job that wielded power. I don't mean that demonic or hateful, just wish I had the opportunity to make some changes. I also don't mean a job like the CEO of AT&T where you are the first one that gets sacked when the stocks go down. That is much more of an ego job. I want a job that gives me the flexibility to change people's lives, even for a moment.

For example, a job with an airline where I can randomly choose who gets upgraded to first class for no reason. It is such a surprise when that happens. Or maybe Room Director Jobs where when you check in they put you in the Presidential Suite because it is available and you have been nice. What a surprise!

It reminds me of that movie "It Could Happen to You", where the cop and the waitress take their lottery winnings and do fun, surprising things for people like free subway tokens and rent Yankee stadium for the little leaguers.

Fantasy Island - maybe that is really what I want.

Investment Opportunities

With all this eBay posting, I wish there were an easier and faster way to post. When you are selling books or CDs, you can enter bar codes and it finds the info. Not so much for other type of products. The listing process is repetitive when you have as much stuff as I do.

But if I had a barcode scanner and the technology was on eBay - I could scan away and sell away.

And what will I do with an empty closet? Oh the possibilities are endless.

Clearance Sale

I am cleaning out the closets. My years as Southern Living at Home consultant left me with loads of product because I was my best customer.

I also did a lot of shopping at Crate & Barrel's clearance so I have lots of cute little plates and vases.

So if you are in the market for some brand new, still in box great decorating items and serving ware - check out my eBay page. More will be added until it is all gone.

What I Don't Know Won't Hurt Me....I Hope

We have always had that triple lettered roadside assistance club since we've married. I have never once needed it, but that is a good thing, right?

I made the comment to my husband this weekend about not receiving new cards for awhile. Apparently we haven't had the coverage for over three years. Sigh.

Would have been nice to know, or not. I didn't worry when I didn't know. Now....?

Folded

For years I have been an HP printer fan. When I wanted a wide-format printer (prints larger than 8 1/2" wide), I stayed with HP. I was a loyalist.

However, after fighting it for the past four years every time I wanted to print paper thicker than standard - I finally gave up and bit the bullet.

I bought an Epson wide-format printer. It operates on the CMYK color system, so instead of taking one ink cartridge, it lets you replace just the color that is out. Makes perfect sense to me.

I am glad I gave in, but now what to do with all my hp printers ink cartridges...

Suspicious

I recently had to send flowers to a distant friend who lost a family member. Wait a minute, I didn't mean I "had" to, I meant I should because I care. That sounded bad.


Anyway, when I send flowers long distance, I worry. I am probably paranoid but how do you know what you pay for arrives. You never see it? I'm sure something goes because they always say thank you but it could have been some puny carnation bouquet instead of a full spring basket full of flowers.


I am starting to sound like my mother, but I can't help but wonder what actually arrived for my Sidney OH flower delivery. It is tacky to ask. I guess this is really when it is the thought that counts.

Coupons!

I am not a serious couponer, but I feel somewhat giddy when I have a coupon for something I already planned to buy. I think you can spend way more than you save by purchasing only what you have coupons for because you get in that "oh no it is about to expire" panic and end up with a pantry full of junk. It also seems like most coupons are for processed foods.

However, when I have one for cheese, yogurt or something I actually buy and eat - yeah!

Another thing I do to save a few bucks is check for promotional codes/coupons when I purchase something online. Just google the merchant and promotional code and voila! I rarely come up with none at all. At the minimum, 10% off and hey that usually pays for shipping. I have used that for Kohls, Zazzle, and even found ProFlowers.com coupons to use for a recent birthday gift.

I love saving money when I can. Because then I can spend more...hee hee.

Vacation Home

I, like so many other people, would like to be wealthy enough to have a vacation home on some beach somewhere. A place to spend cold winters, a place to soak up the sun with refreshing waters when the temperature creeps upwards of 90 degrees.

Of course if I was wealthy enough to purchase one, would I be wealthy enough to not work so I could enjoy it? There always seems to be a catch 22.

In the recent economy downfall, I am sure there are many vacation homes up for sale at ridiculously low costs or even deals like Nags Head foreclosures or Hilton Head condos up for auction.

But do they allow four dogs?

Ticket Free

It has been five years since I had a speeding ticket. Thank God.

I'll admit it, I have a heavy foot. I inherited that from my father. I can't stand going slow as though I don't have a care in the world. I like driving fast and I like getting to my destination with a purpose. Fair warning if you are in front of me on the road.

But I had to make some changes in how drove to keep the car insurance down, so I made a rule. I use the cruise control all the time and set it for no more than 12 miles over the speed limit. That works for me better than the best radar detector 2010 or 2011.

I hope I just didn't jinx myself.

Money Money Money

I just choke every time I have to write a check for my car insurance. I am sure our home insurance is just as pricey but since it comes out of escrow and the hubby pays that whopping bill each month, it doesn't seem to bother me. I have lots to be thankful for so I try not to whine. I have a car and I have a job. Those two alone right now are worthy of being grateful. I guess I should stick to wine, instead of whine.

Seriously?

I was walking through a cutesy little gift shop the other day and on one of the counter displays was some rhinestone studded reading glasses. Now first, let me say that I immediately thought "oh how cute" and then immediately followed with "Wonder how Oscar would digest that?"

So obviously I won't be purchasing these any time soon, but when I looked at the price tag I thought I would choke. They wanted over $40.00 each....for reading glasses?

I'll stick with CVS 3 for $15.00. It is cheaper, especially at the rate Oscar is devouring them.

Welcome 1-1-11

That is a lot of ones. Is it a precursor for this year being the first for many things? I hope so.

No resolutions here, but I do hope 2011 brings us peace on all levels, improved health, better financial situations, and joy. Simple joy.

Of course, winning the lottery wouldn't hurt either.

Dogs are expense, but...

...not near as expensive as babies.

I was surfing the web today - because I am off work and I can - and just about choked at the cost of various items, like bugaboo strollers and ergo baby carriers. Seriously - I don't know how new parents do it.

I'll pay for a dog crate, neutering or teeth cleaning any day of the week compared to those costs.

How often do you?

I started putting together some tax information this past week in preparation for those nasty words - income tax filing. With more freelance work this year, I need to be even more attentive to potential deductions, etc.

So as I was sorting through receipts, it seemed I had an extremely large amount of receipts for doctor's office visits. Now I have pretty good insurance, not necessarily the cheapest health insurance in deductibles and co-payments, but I don't have to pay any premiums -- so it is hard to complain.

But how many times a year do you go to the doctor? I need some comparison numbers here to make me feel better -- or worse.

Couponing

I never have been one to use coupons. I honestly never felt they were worth my time. However about 6 months ago I took a coupon class with a friend and was enlightened to their benefit.

I will never be the one who can purchase $150.00 worth of groceries for $5.00. But if I can knock off $10-15 off my bill each week - hoorah.

I don't clip coupons I won't use, i.e. vitacost coupons, liquid yogurt coupons (ick), or pregnancy test coupons (god no). But I do clip and I do use. My apologies if you are behind in me in line, but honestly it doesn't take very long if the clerk is the least bit intelligent.

What next?

I saw an advertisement for ipad insurance the other day. Really? I don't get that or cell phone insurance. They aren't that expensive and it seems the insurance would cost as much as replacing the item. What am I missing?

Maybe I am just cheap.

Yes, I am cheap. I already know that.

You can stop thinking what you are thinking.

Doesn't Match Up

In my experience (as limited as that may be), banking jobs have always required a certain level of conservative and possibly expensive attire. Which is ironic since they are notoriously underpaid.

I rarely go inside a bank. When I am forced to, I will drive through a bank to deposit a check. Since the evolution of Paypal, that is few and far between.

However, I had to actually go inside the other day and was a little shocked at the wardrobe. It wasn't jeans day - that would have made more sense - this was just khaki pants and polo shirts, with the occasional button down shirt here and there.

Has this change occurred everywhere and I have been living under a rock, or was this was a special situation?