[izme]

Originally Posted by WarC

My advice: Don't use credit cards.

Excellent advice! I've never had one..nor will I ever...like I need a credit card company taking care of my money...I mean stealing my hard earned dollars
If I cannot buy it outright..I must not need it all that bad

[poochee]

Originally Posted by Skivvywaver

Shhhh. do not share. This is the best soup ever. I promise you.

OK!

[Farmgirl22]

Originally Posted by izme

If I cannot buy it outright..I must not need it all that bad

You may not THINK you need it that bad, but what about those unexpected expenses that you don't have the money for??? Things you can't avoid, such as a baby? Or an unexpected hospitalization? Or your car suddenly decides to give up the ghost?? Sometimes you just have to spend money you don't have. Spending money that you have and avoiding it if you don't is all well and good, but sometimes you just have to spend it like you've got it, even if you don't!!

Izme, don't think I'm picking on you, several others have said something similar, yours was just closest to the end.... And realistically, you should avoid spending more than you have, my grandpa NEVER took out a loan in his whole life, other than when he borrowed $15 from his stepdad to buy a baby crib for my aunt when he first got married...he farmed for years and managed to buy nearly everything he had (some was handed down) in cash. Now he's going to retire with several million in the bank, and most of it was because he never spent what he didn't have, combined with being a tightwad. We sometimes refer to him as "Squeaky", he hates that nickname...LOL!!! I guess the moral of the story is don't be wasteful and avoid borrowing money with an interest rate attached...

Also, credit cards are the fastest and easiest way to get a high credit score to help out on those unexpected bills that have to be paid on credit. Just use common sense, and be sure to pay the full balance every month. I also like to get a new card every year (bargain "shop", credit companies are just like other companies, you can haggle a bit to get the best rates, etc.) and use it until the "no interest" part is up...then it gets cut, and I keep the account open (with a $0 balance) to build up my credit. It works pretty well, I have excellent credit and qualify for awesome interest rates should I need to borrow money later on. I read somewhere that your credit score actually goes DOWN if you don't have several credit cards...I think you have to have at least three or it goes down...not positive on that though, and I can't remember where I read that. Something to think about though.

[jonasdatum]

Originally Posted by Farmgirl22

You may not THINK you need it that bad, but what about those unexpected expenses that you don't have the money for??? Things you can't avoid, such as a baby? Or an unexpected hospitalization? Or your car suddenly decides to give up the ghost?? Sometimes you just have to spend money you don't have. Spending money that you have and avoiding it if you don't is all well and good, but sometimes you just have to spend it like you've got it, even if you don't!!

Izme, don't think I'm picking on you, several others have said something similar, yours was just closest to the end.... And realistically, you should avoid spending more than you have, my grandpa NEVER took out a loan in his whole life, other than when he borrowed $15 from his stepdad to buy a baby crib for my aunt when he first got married...he farmed for years and managed to buy nearly everything he had (some was handed down) in cash. Now he's going to retire with several million in the bank, and most of it was because he never spent what he didn't have, combined with being a tightwad. We sometimes refer to him as "Squeaky", he hates that nickname...LOL!!! I guess the moral of the story is don't be wasteful and avoid borrowing money with an interest rate attached...

Also, credit cards are the fastest and easiest way to get a high credit score to help out on those unexpected bills that have to be paid on credit. Just use common sense, and be sure to pay the full balance every month. I also like to get a new card every year (bargain "shop", credit companies are just like other companies, you can haggle a bit to get the best rates, etc.) and use it until the "no interest" part is up...then it gets cut, and I keep the account open (with a $0 balance) to build up my credit. It works pretty well, I have excellent credit and qualify for awesome interest rates should I need to borrow money later on. I read somewhere that your credit score actually goes DOWN if you don't have several credit cards...I think you have to have at least three or it goes down...not positive on that though, and I can't remember where I read that. Something to think about though.

Having too much credit can be a bad thing. It's something an older coworker and me argued about 5 times. LOL, If I find the articles I'll post them. I have only two credit cards. Their interest rates are high, but the last time I checked my score it was above 700. For you see a credit card isn't bad if you "PAY IT IN FULL." Many people fall into that “I'll pay the minimal junk.” No matter credit card(s) you have pay it off and if you know you're going to use it frequently; then over pay the bill! If you owe $100, pay $300 if you know you're going to use $300 on the card in the near future.

As I've stated in other threads, I laughed when the credit card company would call or would ask when I called if I'd like to buy their credit protector. "If I am smart enough to make sure you owe me money..."

However, all things considered I might get a lower rate card. That is only if it increases my credit score. Another factor to consider is your income. Even if you're credit is 700 or higher, your income could be a bottleneck.

A question I have what did your Grandpa do for a living to have 7 million in the bank? Money = power = health = food * water = better health = better shelter! HOW? WHAT DID HE DO? Please tell me, I have to know. Thank you.

Read up on Credit Scores (and FICO):

http://www.investopedia.com/terms/f/ficoscore.asp
http://money.howstuffworks.com/credit-score.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Credit_score

[izme]

Originally Posted by Farmgirl22

You may not THINK you need it that bad, but what about those unexpected expenses that you don't have the money for??? Things you can't avoid, such as a baby? Or an unexpected hospitalization? Or your car suddenly decides to give up the ghost?? Sometimes you just have to spend money you don't have. Spending money that you have and avoiding it if you don't is all well and good, but sometimes you just have to spend it like you've got it, even if you don't!!

Izme, don't think I'm picking on you, several others have said something similar, yours was just closest to the end.... And realistically, you should avoid spending more than you have, my grandpa NEVER took out a loan in his whole life, other than when he borrowed $15 from his stepdad to buy a baby crib for my aunt when he first got married...he farmed for years and managed to buy nearly everything he had (some was handed down) in cash. Now he's going to retire with several million in the bank, and most of it was because he never spent what he didn't have, combined with being a tightwad. We sometimes refer to him as "Squeaky", he hates that nickname...LOL!!! I guess the moral of the story is don't be wasteful and avoid borrowing money with an interest rate attached...

Also, credit cards are the fastest and easiest way to get a high credit score to help out on those unexpected bills that have to be paid on credit. Just use common sense, and be sure to pay the full balance every month. I also like to get a new card every year (bargain "shop", credit companies are just like other companies, you can haggle a bit to get the best rates, etc.) and use it until the "no interest" part is up...then it gets cut, and I keep the account open (with a $0 balance) to build up my credit. It works pretty well, I have excellent credit and qualify for awesome interest rates should I need to borrow money later on. I read somewhere that your credit score actually goes DOWN if you don't have several credit cards...I think you have to have at least three or it goes down...not positive on that though, and I can't remember where I read that. Something to think about though.

It's very rare now to have someone believe in staying away from credit cards and saving money. Most people I have talked with are astonished that I have never had a credit card nor do I intend on having one, instead saving and investing my money for dark days or what have you...of course having the income to allow that...And I get by very well without using credit cards. But that's rare this day and age and requires planning. It all depends on the person I guess. I see many people including friends and family neck deep in debt from credit cards and buying stuff not within their means...friends included. That cycle of buying most everything on a credit card. It all seems so senseless to me.
I live within my means and keep a nice rainy day account. Every dollar I have I can use without giving a percentage of it to someone extending me a line of credit at mostly a high rate. My credit is not at bad standing, although I have on a few occassions bought cars on payments, and a house etc without the major issue being high credit ratings... So to each their own..it works for me...I still suggest to most to use credit cards as just rainy day accounts, and maybe only one. People are so mired in this whole credit card thing. It's just not a big issue with me. I think I'll go another route and save some money If credit cards work for many that possibly believe that life cannot be good...without credit cards...more power to them

I think that the money that I have saved through my life has far outweighed any positive aspect of owning a credit card, and I think it's a better way of life not having that burden or responsibilty...which some have to hit rock bottom through financial failure with credit cards..to come to that epiphany

[Davec]

Originally Posted by Farmgirl22

Things you can't avoid, such as a baby?

You don't look old enough to have gone to school before sex ed..........

[Farmgirl22]

Originally Posted by jonasdatum

A question I have what did your Uncle do for a living to have 7 million in the bank? Money = power = health = food * water = better health = better shelter! HOW? WHAT DID HE DO? Please tell me, I have to know. Thank you.

It's SEVERAL not seven...and GRANDPA not my uncle...like I said, he FARMED his whole life (which isn't the best money making career to have anymore). I think he's mostly got money because he never spent it unless he had to. Everything that wasn't needed to survive (which they were VERY spendthrifty) he would put into CD's in the bank so that he couldn't spend them. Of course, that was when interest rates were a bit higher, CD's don't make as much money now. However, even if you just put in like $100 into a CD every month, even you could have a decent amount of money when you retire. The secret is to not be wasteful, and avoid thinking about all the "wanna haves". I.E. "I wanna have a big new boat or a new truck or a month long vacation to the Bahamas..." Keep those goals in mind for when you retire, and if you have enough money then, go for it, but don't spend so much you have nothing left to live on...

[Farmgirl22]

Originally Posted by Davec

You don't look old enough to have gone to school before sex ed..........

LOL!! Sometimes even the most prepared are caught off guard.

[jonasdatum]

Originally Posted by Farmgirl22

It's SEVERAL not seven...and GRANDPA not my uncle...like I said, he FARMED his whole life (which isn't the best money making career to have anymore). I think he's mostly got money because he never spent it unless he had to. Everything that wasn't needed to survive (which they were VERY spendthrifty) he would put into CD's in the bank so that he couldn't spend them. Of course, that was when interest rates were a bit higher, CD's don't make as much money now. However, even if you just put in like $100 into a CD every month, even you could have a decent amount of money when you retire. The secret is to not be wasteful, and avoid thinking about all the "wanna haves". I.E. "I wanna have a big new boat or a new truck or a month long vacation to the Bahamas..." Keep those goals in mind for when you retire, and if you have enough money then, go for it, but don't spend so much you have nothing left to live on...

Lady, when you use "7" instead of several, it is read that way. LOL, I DIDN'T SPELL OUT SEVEN - I used the arabic number lady. Also, I corrected my earlier post. I put away money in federal CDs periodically. As you may or may not know, I am on an extremely limited income. Last year I put some money in federal bonds. Haven't put anything in yet, but will soon because the intrest rates for the bonds will change in a matter of months. I like to wait, see which bond gets the better intrest rate.

$7,000,000 that is some nice change. Unfortunately federal [and sometimes state taxes] take a large chunk out cake. I hope Grandpa distributed the funds prior to his death to protect it from "the death tax?!"

Now, moving on. How much (give us a range) do you make a year? I myself don't spend much on thrills, but everybody has to spend money on some form of entertainment. For example I haven't brought a new game since planetside. That cost me about $120 a year, and I am almost on year 2. Then there is www.netflix.com. If all you do with cable is watch movies, then why not just rent them; I recommend that you terminate your service. I haven't had cable in about 3 years and don't regret it much. I read more and focus more on gettin' back in shape [in all areas of life] and read more! Just updated my plan from the basic 2-movie a month at $5.99 to "unlimited - 1 movie at a time." That cost about $9.99 a month. So that rounded off is about $250 a year.

The only exception to this is when Halo 3 comes out... xbox 360 here I come. Along perhaps with a 32 inch plasma? Of course I'll have to go refurbished, but if it works and comes with a warrenty, then why not?

[Schnitzu]

Check out Tightwad Central - it's chalked full of tips, deals, savings, freebees and links to other sites:

http://www.tightwad.com/index.htm

[poochee]

Originally Posted by Schnitzu

Check out Tightwad Central - it's chalked full of tips, deals, savings, freebees and links to other sites:

http://www.tightwad.com/index.htm

Hi there, how goes it!

[jonasdatum]

Originally Posted by Schnitzu

Check out Tightwad Central - it's chalked full of tips, deals, savings, freebees and links to other sites:

http://www.tightwad.com/index.htm

“I went to this site last night and read an article on using shredded paper for product mailing. Using it instead of Styrofoam. Reduce, reuse, and recycle. Makes sense to me, but the corporations would rather spend money on their junk - just a case in point.”

Just think about how much money all the online retailers [offline as well] would save if they simply thought about the earth and their own wallets more.
Conventional actions can server, but can also hinder development. Many people say a cross-cut shredder would provide maximum security, but diamond is just as good in my assessment. Read this article to make up your own mind:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paper_s...s_of_shredders

[jonasdatum]

Savings and wise investment are as old as money itself! You may want to take a look at www.treasurydirect.gov. Pick out a few bonds and/or bills. Also, check out bank interest rates on some CDs. I've seen some for above 5%, but you have to have a sizable amount of cash. "Poor sucks, money good."

Remember what I said about rebates? Well here are two sites I've found, but haven't investigated completely:

http://www.rebateplace.com/
http://www.mrrebates.com/

Yes, rebates take a "long" time to pay off, but they do. Also take care to read the directions for the rebate very carefully; for if you fail in even the slightest, you're doomed.

If you are looking for computer hardware, this site has helped a lot during the years:

www.pricewatch.com

"Paid to surf" programs. Most don't do anything and are scams. I used to be sucribed to a bunch of them years ago. The only one that I ever made money on was a now dead company called "Alladvantage." My advice is DON'T waste your time. The most I made I think was about $30.00.

[poochee]

Originally Posted by jonasdatum

“I went to this site last night and read an article on using shredded paper for product mailing. Using it instead of Styrofoam. Reduce, reuse, and recycle. Makes sense to me, but the corporations would rather spend money on their junk - just a case in point.”http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paper_s...s_of_shredders

When I was a kid, we used balled up newspaper.

[LuckyStrike]

Originally Posted by Skivvywaver

Sure. Take one pound of beef tips, brown them in a pot. Turn off the flame.

Now, take one stalk of celery, one bag of carrots, one head of cabbage, two onions , and five or six potatos. Peel the taters and onions. Slice the taters, dice the onions. The carrots and celery just chop into 1/4 inch pieces.

The head of cabbage just shred it into the smallest you have the patience for. Chop your vegetables OK?

Now, just barely cover the fresh vegetables with water and boil until tender. Turn off the heat. Add two cans of corn (drained, all of these are drained) two cans of green beans, and two cans of peas.

Now add two quarts of either tomato juice or V-8. I prefer one of each. Start tasting and salting this mixture. When the salt tastes right on, just wait until the whole thing simmers for 1 hour. (My little girl has her first bowl now)

It is the cabbage that makes the difference. Veggie soup is not the same without it. Our recipe is pretty much the same as yours, except I usually toss in a few beef bullion cubes for extra flavor.