Comments on: Frugality in Practice: Free is a Very Good Price http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/07/10/frugality-in-practice-free-is-a-very-good-price/ personal finance that makes cents Mon, 13 Oct 2008 14:03:24 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 By: Michele http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/07/10/frugality-in-practice-free-is-a-very-good-price/#comment-86904 Michele Sat, 19 May 2007 07:07:08 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/07/10/frugality-in-practice-free-is-a-very-good-price/#comment-86904 I love both Freecycle and Craigslist. I also love thrift store donating/shopping. I really enjoy being able to help people out and it helps me to not be too much of a packrat. When dealing with people you always should be careful. I love both Freecycle and Craigslist. I also love thrift store donating/shopping. I really enjoy being able to help people out and it helps me to not be too much of a packrat. When dealing with people you always should be careful.

]]> By: Frugality in Practice: One Man’s Trash ? Get Rich Slowly http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/07/10/frugality-in-practice-free-is-a-very-good-price/#comment-86849 Frugality in Practice: One Man’s Trash ? Get Rich Slowly Fri, 18 May 2007 14:51:01 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/07/10/frugality-in-practice-free-is-a-very-good-price/#comment-86849 [...] exchange system that exists in most neighborhoods. Last summer I wrote that free is a very good price: One step you can take to becoming more frugal is to overcome our cultural resistance to picking [...] [...] exchange system that exists in most neighborhoods. Last summer I wrote that free is a very good price: One step you can take to becoming more frugal is to overcome our cultural resistance to picking [...]

]]> By: Mary Jane http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/07/10/frugality-in-practice-free-is-a-very-good-price/#comment-80556 Mary Jane Mon, 05 Mar 2007 19:59:41 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/07/10/frugality-in-practice-free-is-a-very-good-price/#comment-80556 I have to say I have been very happy with Freecycle. I joined a community in Northern Virginia. Today I say a Senseo coffee maker with coffee, used just two times. She was also giving away a Aero Pilates Machine (something like that) they did not have room for. I was so mad that I did not respond fast enough! I have gotten a few clothes for kids - yes some of them were worn, and some were not - got some Polo sweaters and dress pants - and freecycled the rest I did not want. Saw a Sony 27" TV (working) and Harmon Kardon PC speakers - too! Didn't snag those that day either! They usually leave it out on the steps/porch at the time I say I am going to come. Joined about 2 months ago and no probs yet! I have to say I have been very happy with Freecycle. I joined a community in Northern Virginia. Today I say a Senseo coffee maker with coffee, used just two times. She was also giving away a Aero Pilates Machine (something like that) they did not have room for. I was so mad that I did not respond fast enough! I have gotten a few clothes for kids - yes some of them were worn, and some were not - got some Polo sweaters and dress pants - and freecycled the rest I did not want. Saw a Sony 27″ TV (working) and Harmon Kardon PC speakers - too! Didn’t snag those that day either! They usually leave it out on the steps/porch at the time I say I am going to come. Joined about 2 months ago and no probs yet!

]]> By: Kelly http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/07/10/frugality-in-practice-free-is-a-very-good-price/#comment-37072 Kelly Mon, 01 Jan 2007 02:30:23 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/07/10/frugality-in-practice-free-is-a-very-good-price/#comment-37072 A cautionary tale regarding freecycle... for the love of Pete, if you are thinking of allowing someone to come to your home to pick something up, get their full name and google them first. I've so far helped our local police department locate and arrest two absconders from the law. One for burglary and another for stalking. I helped our law enforcement catch these people simply by googling them and finding out there were wanted. A cautionary tale regarding freecycle… for the love of Pete, if you are thinking of allowing someone to come to your home to pick something up, get their full name and google them first. I’ve so far helped our local police department locate and arrest two absconders from the law. One for burglary and another for stalking. I helped our law enforcement catch these people simply by googling them and finding out there were wanted.

]]> By: Torben http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/07/10/frugality-in-practice-free-is-a-very-good-price/#comment-3195 Torben Wed, 19 Jul 2006 17:44:17 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/07/10/frugality-in-practice-free-is-a-very-good-price/#comment-3195 I like freecycle, I setup a gmail account and have a rule in my mail client so I don't get bombarded with all the emails in my regular inbox. While there is alot of "wanted" posts, I really don't see that it is any different than all the ads on craigslist that are out of my price range or search results on ebay that are over my budget, it's just part game. I have had no real issues with freecycle. My first interaction was my attempt of cleaning out my closet and I ended up with bag of white tennis socks....I don't wear white socks anymore. I didn't think anyone would come and pick up someone elses socks, not that they weren't clean or had holes but it just didn't occour to me someone would. I had a lady come within an hour of me posting it. She was thrilled about how many there were. I have picked up a remote control car from freecycle. it just needed a charger, granted I had to spent $7 on the charger but it fullfilled a childhood fantasy (RC cars were out of my parents budget when we lived in germany) and I didn't spent $80 on a toy that I really could not justify. My roommate picked up an old iMac incl a stylus pad. Over all I think our household(5) did probably 20 freecycle transaction this year. AB does make a good point though...I still wonder why my roommate really really wanted a 3 feet tall oversized lightbulb ;) Like wise I picked up a 10" table saw from craigslist, a good deal but I know I won't touch it until the winter when it is cool enough to work outside. I like freecycle, I setup a gmail account and have a rule in my mail client so I don’t get bombarded with all the emails in my regular inbox.
While there is alot of “wanted” posts, I really don’t see that it is any different than all the ads on craigslist that are out of my price range or search results on ebay that are over my budget, it’s just part game.
I have had no real issues with freecycle. My first interaction was my attempt of cleaning out my closet and I ended up with bag of white tennis socks….I don’t wear white socks anymore. I didn’t think anyone would come and pick up someone elses socks, not that they weren’t clean or had holes but it just didn’t occour to me someone would. I had a lady come within an hour of me posting it. She was thrilled about how many there were.

I have picked up a remote control car from freecycle. it just needed a charger, granted I had to spent $7 on the charger but it fullfilled a childhood fantasy (RC cars were out of my parents budget when we lived in germany) and I didn’t spent $80 on a toy that I really could not justify.
My roommate picked up an old iMac incl a stylus pad.
Over all I think our household(5) did probably 20 freecycle transaction this year.

AB does make a good point though…I still wonder why my roommate really really wanted a 3 feet tall oversized lightbulb ;)
Like wise I picked up a 10″ table saw from craigslist, a good deal but I know I won’t touch it until the winter when it is cool enough to work outside.

]]> By: College V2 - tips, tricks, and advice for college students. http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/07/10/frugality-in-practice-free-is-a-very-good-price/#comment-3148 College V2 - tips, tricks, and advice for college students. Wed, 19 Jul 2006 04:19:59 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/07/10/frugality-in-practice-free-is-a-very-good-price/#comment-3148 [...] Inspired by Get Rich Slowly: If you’re going away to college, no doubt you are looking for odds and ends like toasters and microwaves. Things that may not be insanely expensive, but can add up. So what are the best ways to stock your dorm room? [...] [...] Inspired by Get Rich Slowly: If you’re going away to college, no doubt you are looking for odds and ends like toasters and microwaves. Things that may not be insanely expensive, but can add up. So what are the best ways to stock your dorm room? [...]

]]> By: Charlie http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/07/10/frugality-in-practice-free-is-a-very-good-price/#comment-1674 Charlie Tue, 11 Jul 2006 11:14:59 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/07/10/frugality-in-practice-free-is-a-very-good-price/#comment-1674 For those of you with RSS feeds, you can set up a feed from your local Craiglist "free stuff" board. At the bottom right of the page, you'll see a link for the RSS feed for that page. You can add that to your bloglines (or whatever) and be good to go. For those of you with RSS feeds, you can set up a feed from your local Craiglist “free stuff” board. At the bottom right of the page, you’ll see a link for the RSS feed for that page. You can add that to your bloglines (or whatever) and be good to go.

]]> By: Amberlynn http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/07/10/frugality-in-practice-free-is-a-very-good-price/#comment-1596 Amberlynn Tue, 11 Jul 2006 02:50:34 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/07/10/frugality-in-practice-free-is-a-very-good-price/#comment-1596 I forgot to mention that I don't get the emails from freecycle. I have it set so that nothing comes to my inbox, I only go visit posts when I have a need, so I never even see all the gimmie gimmie you mention. I love that I can de-clutter my life without doing the work of hauling things off somewhere. I forgot to mention that I don’t get the emails from freecycle. I have it set so that nothing comes to my inbox, I only go visit posts when I have a need, so I never even see all the gimmie gimmie you mention. I love that I can de-clutter my life without doing the work of hauling things off somewhere.

]]> By: Amberlynn http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/07/10/frugality-in-practice-free-is-a-very-good-price/#comment-1588 Amberlynn Tue, 11 Jul 2006 01:38:51 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/07/10/frugality-in-practice-free-is-a-very-good-price/#comment-1588 I love freecycle. I got a whole bag of maternity clothes, and gave away a couch, a mattress, two bags of baby clothes, and more. I love freecycle. I got a whole bag of maternity clothes, and gave away a couch, a mattress, two bags of baby clothes, and more.

]]> By: Betsy http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/07/10/frugality-in-practice-free-is-a-very-good-price/#comment-1584 Betsy Tue, 11 Jul 2006 01:06:51 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/07/10/frugality-in-practice-free-is-a-very-good-price/#comment-1584 I used to subscribe to Freecycle, but got turned off by the 'i want, i want, i want' posts. Instead, I selectively give stuff away, or do the 'leave things by the curb with signs' thing. I was stunned that someone actually took my old gas grill away last weekend; it was clearly on its last legs and I'd assumed it wouldn't get a taker - but it was gone overnight. I'm having a yard sale next weekend - easily 1/3 of the things will be stuff we're giving away; I'll haul whatever's leftover to Value VIllage (if there's anything left over, that is.) I used to subscribe to Freecycle, but got turned off by the ‘i want, i want, i want’ posts. Instead, I selectively give stuff away, or do the ‘leave things by the curb with signs’ thing. I was stunned that someone actually took my old gas grill away last weekend; it was clearly on its last legs and I’d assumed it wouldn’t get a taker - but it was gone overnight.

I’m having a yard sale next weekend - easily 1/3 of the things will be stuff we’re giving away; I’ll haul whatever’s leftover to Value VIllage (if there’s anything left over, that is.)

]]> By: Rodney Olsen http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/07/10/frugality-in-practice-free-is-a-very-good-price/#comment-1573 Rodney Olsen Mon, 10 Jul 2006 23:13:27 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/07/10/frugality-in-practice-free-is-a-very-good-price/#comment-1573 We've had great success with Freecycle. We've been able to give away a few items that we no longer needed and collect a number of very useful bits and pieces. The computer our kids use came from Freecycle. We got an acoustic guitar for our daughter. We've also been able to get some good quality second hand clothing for the kids. It's all a matter of choosing wisely when you see the offers come up. As for the road side rubbish collection, here in Western Australia it's 'technically' stealing to take items that are put out as rubbish. A lot of people still just take items but the simple answer is to knock on the door and ask if the home owner would mind you taking whatever it is they've put out there to be collected. They're extremely unlikely to say no. We’ve had great success with Freecycle. We’ve been able to give away a few items that we no longer needed and collect a number of very useful bits and pieces.

The computer our kids use came from Freecycle. We got an acoustic guitar for our daughter. We’ve also been able to get some good quality second hand clothing for the kids. It’s all a matter of choosing wisely when you see the offers come up.

As for the road side rubbish collection, here in Western Australia it’s ‘technically’ stealing to take items that are put out as rubbish. A lot of people still just take items but the simple answer is to knock on the door and ask if the home owner would mind you taking whatever it is they’ve put out there to be collected. They’re extremely unlikely to say no.

]]> By: esoos http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/07/10/frugality-in-practice-free-is-a-very-good-price/#comment-1572 esoos Mon, 10 Jul 2006 23:13:17 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/07/10/frugality-in-practice-free-is-a-very-good-price/#comment-1572 I have a friend who found a complete bed and mattress somebody left out on the curb. Took it home, a week later he and his girlfriend had a lovely case of scabies. Turns out that bed was on the curb for good reason ;) I have a friend who found a complete bed and mattress somebody left out on the curb.

Took it home, a week later he and his girlfriend had a lovely case of scabies.

Turns out that bed was on the curb for good reason ;)

]]> By: dokaben http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/07/10/frugality-in-practice-free-is-a-very-good-price/#comment-1555 dokaben Mon, 10 Jul 2006 21:18:50 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/07/10/frugality-in-practice-free-is-a-very-good-price/#comment-1555 We're in the processing of de-cluttering our smallish house. Rather than building an addition we're trying to simplify and make more effective use of the space we have. This past weekend I put out several things that I thought were virtually worthless. The kind of stuff the local Salvation Army wouldn't even take: - PC (233mhz) - PC (300mhz) - cordless drill (missing battery) - old semi-rusty CD rack - 2 old DirecTV receivers - old stereo receiver, no speakers All gone within an hour! (Of course the yard sale up the street probably helped.) I agree with the comments on free/cheap stuff. We've acquired a lot of furniture through classified sites and work/friend giveaways. We're starting to realize that many were impulse grabs that often didn't fit our 'real' needs. The new plan is to think through what each room will be used for and try to get rid of things that take up a lot of space without serving a purpose. It's tough parting with stuff, but seeing the freed up space is worth it. We’re in the processing of de-cluttering our smallish house. Rather than building an addition we’re trying to simplify and make more effective use of the space we have. This past weekend I put out several things that I thought were virtually worthless. The kind of stuff the local Salvation Army wouldn’t even take:

- PC (233mhz)
- PC (300mhz)
- cordless drill (missing battery)
- old semi-rusty CD rack
- 2 old DirecTV receivers
- old stereo receiver, no speakers

All gone within an hour! (Of course the yard sale up the street probably helped.)

I agree with the comments on free/cheap stuff. We’ve acquired a lot of furniture through classified sites and work/friend giveaways. We’re starting to realize that many were impulse grabs that often didn’t fit our ‘real’ needs. The new plan is to think through what each room will be used for and try to get rid of things that take up a lot of space without serving a purpose. It’s tough parting with stuff, but seeing the freed up space is worth it.

]]> By: pearlandopal http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/07/10/frugality-in-practice-free-is-a-very-good-price/#comment-1553 pearlandopal Mon, 10 Jul 2006 21:11:35 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/07/10/frugality-in-practice-free-is-a-very-good-price/#comment-1553 Freecycle's gotten a bad rep lately, with good reason: my experience was full of "gimme gimme gimme" with people asking for silly things like <i>I want a dog for my kids because we can't afford to buy one</i> [keep in mind that someone who can't afford a dog certainly can't afford the upkeep] or <i>I want a Playstation 2/car newer than 2003 in good condition/brand new whatever</i>. Those are actual quotes. I also got ripped off by the charity scam someone else mentioned above. Last I heard the local police were taking that one on, but the things I donated were gone forever. If you can put up with all the whiny gimme emails, then go for it. Oh, and be prepared for people to not show up to collect things you're giving away. Otherwise, avoid Freecycle. Freecycle’s gotten a bad rep lately, with good reason: my experience was full of “gimme gimme gimme” with people asking for silly things like I want a dog for my kids because we can’t afford to buy one [keep in mind that someone who can't afford a dog certainly can't afford the upkeep] or I want a Playstation 2/car newer than 2003 in good condition/brand new whatever. Those are actual quotes. I also got ripped off by the charity scam someone else mentioned above. Last I heard the local police were taking that one on, but the things I donated were gone forever.

If you can put up with all the whiny gimme emails, then go for it. Oh, and be prepared for people to not show up to collect things you’re giving away. Otherwise, avoid Freecycle.

]]> By: J.D. http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/07/10/frugality-in-practice-free-is-a-very-good-price/#comment-1535 J.D. Mon, 10 Jul 2006 19:35:48 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/07/10/frugality-in-practice-free-is-a-very-good-price/#comment-1535 AB makes some excellent points: remember that the art of frugality is acquiring only what you need. That shouldn't change just because you can have stuff for free. Finding stuff you <b>need</b> for free saves you money. But taking in stuff you don't need creates physical and psychic clutter than can really degrade quality of life. Don't become a junk collector. But be aware of the free stuff that's around you so that you can take advantage of money-saving opportunities when they're there. AB makes some excellent points: remember that the art of frugality is acquiring only what you need. That shouldn’t change just because you can have stuff for free. Finding stuff you need for free saves you money. But taking in stuff you don’t need creates physical and psychic clutter than can really degrade quality of life. Don’t become a junk collector. But be aware of the free stuff that’s around you so that you can take advantage of money-saving opportunities when they’re there.

]]> By: AB http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/07/10/frugality-in-practice-free-is-a-very-good-price/#comment-1531 AB Mon, 10 Jul 2006 19:23:51 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/07/10/frugality-in-practice-free-is-a-very-good-price/#comment-1531 The one caveat I would note--and in my mind, it's a big caveat--is that you should be careful to train yourself to only get stuff you actually need. Maybe it's just my residence in a big city where real estate is expensive, but there's no such thing as "free" stuff. You still have to pay to store it (yes, needing an 800 sq ft apartment for all your stuff instead of a 600 sq ft apartment counts), not to mention fixing stuff that only need this or that done (read: $5 here, $5 there) to make it perfectly good. Plus, I find that regularly looking at things like freecycle or craigslist can really put you in an acquisitive mindset. It's like constantly window-shopping: yes, it may be free, but when you start to get in the habit of thinking "oh, I could totally use that!" it's not a far slide to start buying more stuff than you need. In my opinion, if you want to be frugal, it's better to cultivate the habit of just not getting stuff at all (except for the few things that you really, really enjoy and use often). The one caveat I would note–and in my mind, it’s a big caveat–is that you should be careful to train yourself to only get stuff you actually need. Maybe it’s just my residence in a big city where real estate is expensive, but there’s no such thing as “free” stuff. You still have to pay to store it (yes, needing an 800 sq ft apartment for all your stuff instead of a 600 sq ft apartment counts), not to mention fixing stuff that only need this or that done (read: $5 here, $5 there) to make it perfectly good.

Plus, I find that regularly looking at things like freecycle or craigslist can really put you in an acquisitive mindset. It’s like constantly window-shopping: yes, it may be free, but when you start to get in the habit of thinking “oh, I could totally use that!” it’s not a far slide to start buying more stuff than you need. In my opinion, if you want to be frugal, it’s better to cultivate the habit of just not getting stuff at all (except for the few things that you really, really enjoy and use often).

]]> By: dieselboi http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/07/10/frugality-in-practice-free-is-a-very-good-price/#comment-1528 dieselboi Mon, 10 Jul 2006 18:56:36 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/07/10/frugality-in-practice-free-is-a-very-good-price/#comment-1528 where was the bike? i want it! where was the bike? i want it!

]]> By: Brian Restuccia http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/07/10/frugality-in-practice-free-is-a-very-good-price/#comment-1524 Brian Restuccia Mon, 10 Jul 2006 18:42:42 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/07/10/frugality-in-practice-free-is-a-very-good-price/#comment-1524 You may want to check out sites such as http://absurdlycool.com/ or other places that aggregate freebies online offered by companies. Granted a lot of it may be useless, so pick and choose, but often times companies give away something free during its launch. With a little time you can come away with a useful freebie and keep on being the trend setting maven that you are. You may want to check out sites such as http://absurdlycool.com/ or other places that aggregate freebies online offered by companies. Granted a lot of it may be useless, so pick and choose, but often times companies give away something free during its launch. With a little time you can come away with a useful freebie and keep on being the trend setting maven that you are.

]]> By: Kyle http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/07/10/frugality-in-practice-free-is-a-very-good-price/#comment-1506 Kyle Mon, 10 Jul 2006 17:23:49 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/07/10/frugality-in-practice-free-is-a-very-good-price/#comment-1506 For what it’s worth, I’ve had a LOT of bad experiences with Freecycle groups. Almost all of the offers on the site are for absolute garbage. Half used cans of baby formula, already-cut bathroom tiles, rotten lumber, etc… While I understand that one man’s trash can be another’s treasure, trying to find something like a bike on Freecycle is next to impossible. Worse yet is that people will consistently lie to you in order to try to get your stuff. “I work for a charity and we could really use that ______” sounds good in theory, but when a meth addict shows up at your door for that Dreamcast, any impression you had of Freecycle being a good deal is pretty much out the window. Of course, this is just my personal experience, and as always YMMV. For what it’s worth, I’ve had a LOT of bad experiences with Freecycle groups. Almost all of the offers on the site are for absolute garbage. Half used cans of baby formula, already-cut bathroom tiles, rotten lumber, etc… While I understand that one man’s trash can be another’s treasure, trying to find something like a bike on Freecycle is next to impossible. Worse yet is that people will consistently lie to you in order to try to get your stuff. “I work for a charity and we could really use that ______” sounds good in theory, but when a meth addict shows up at your door for that Dreamcast, any impression you had of Freecycle being a good deal is pretty much out the window. Of course, this is just my personal experience, and as always YMMV.

]]> By: Melissa A. http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/07/10/frugality-in-practice-free-is-a-very-good-price/#comment-1502 Melissa A. Mon, 10 Jul 2006 16:58:08 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/07/10/frugality-in-practice-free-is-a-very-good-price/#comment-1502 I see furniture on the streets all the time. Unfortunately, I don't have a car or know anyone who has a car or truck, so I always have to pass. I have used the local freecycle group before, though, I find it a pain in the butt most of the time. The "WANTED" postings far outweight the offers, but I have used it to get rid of stuff. Most of the offered stuff is junk to me, but I'm sure people find it useful. I see furniture on the streets all the time. Unfortunately, I don’t have a car or know anyone who has a car or truck, so I always have to pass. I have used the local freecycle group before, though, I find it a pain in the butt most of the time. The “WANTED” postings far outweight the offers, but I have used it to get rid of stuff. Most of the offered stuff is junk to me, but I’m sure people find it useful.

]]> By: Michael Moore http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/07/10/frugality-in-practice-free-is-a-very-good-price/#comment-1499 Michael Moore Mon, 10 Jul 2006 16:50:11 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/07/10/frugality-in-practice-free-is-a-very-good-price/#comment-1499 I'll second the freecycle recomendation. We've gotten free baby formula, a high chair and rasberry bushes from the list, and gotten rid of several items we didn't need anymore. My only regret is that someone else snagged the Honda 650 before I got it. I’ll second the freecycle recomendation. We’ve gotten free baby formula, a high chair and rasberry bushes from the list, and gotten rid of several items we didn’t need anymore.

My only regret is that someone else snagged the Honda 650 before I got it.

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