Sometimes I’m slow on the uptake. It took me a long time to start using Facebook to stay in touch with my friends, and it took even longer to set up a Facebook page for Get Rich Slowly. And it’s taken me even longer to mention the page exists here on the blog! Sheesh. How dumb can one guy get?
If you’re active on Facebook, “liking” the Get Rich Slowly page is a great way to keep up-to-date with the latest posts. It’s also a fun way to interact with other readers, and to find occasional small (and interesting) bits posted by the GRS social-networking elves. (Did you know there are social-networking elves here at GRS? There are. I can’t do all of this myself!)
Meanwhile, here are some interesting personal-finance articles I’ve found recently in other corners of the web:
I can’t recall that I’ve ever written about dealing with debt collectors at Get Rich Slowly. Fortunately, I have no experience with this subject. Still, I know that many people who are struggling to get by need tips on how to handle collections effectively. If you’re one of these folks, check out Laura’s article on how to handle debt collectors over at Five Cent Nickel. (On a completely unrelated note, some of you may also be interested in the FCN post about where to buy last-minute sports or concert tickets.)
Over at The Simple Dollar, Trent did a handy round-up describing how once-a-month cooking works. This isn’t something I’ve tried myself, but I know some people who have and liked the results. (In fact, my brother shared his experience with once-a-month cooking back when this blog was young.)
Jeremy at Gen-X Finance recently posted 8 ways to save money when going out to eat. His tips are good, but my favorite is to plan for leftovers. Restaurant portions in the U.S. are gigantic, especially when compared to similar meals in Europe. If you can stretch your expensive dinner into an additional meal or two, the cost becomes much more affordable.
I don’t generally link to online “slide-shows”, but I thought this one at SavingsAccounts.com was kind of amusing — and appropriate for the season. In scary credit-card tales, readers share their nightmare stories of credit cards gone awry. Spooky!
Finally, Kiplinger has a fascinating little article that tries to answer the question, “Where do you rank as a taxpayer?” Based on data from the IRS, the article explores the relationship between income and tax burden. Kiplinger also has a simple calculator to show how your income stacks up when compared to other taxpayers. (Related: past GRS articles on understanding the federal budget and the truth about taxes.)
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I was the same way with Facebook. It took me a while to get on. Once I did I realized I should have done it sooner. I have been able to build some solid relationships.
Also, thanks for your tips and advice. Greatly appreciated.
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“Still, I know that many people who are struggling to get by need tips on how to handle collections effectively.”
JD, many claims with no validity whatsoever get turned over to collections, too. I have had to deal with an agency twice in my life, and neither had any basis in fact or law. What a hassle! Thanks for the link.
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Adding to great links – Last weekend’s marketplace money on NPR was excellent , it dug into if/ when/how $250,000 is considered rich – or under what conditions it is not.
marketplace.publicradio.org/show/money/
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Thanks for the mention, J.D.
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I didn’t have any problems adopting Facebook, but I just can’t get into any other social networking sites like Twitter.
It’s not that I don’t understand how they work, it’s just that I don’t understand the point.
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“Over at The Simple Dollar, Trent did a handy round-up describing how once-a-month cooking works.”
I’ve tried it. Loved the convenience but it was very expensive. Eating out the other 30 days of the month nearly broke me.
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Thanks so much for the mention JD!
I’m still learning about FB and using it to connect rather than broadcast.
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I was turned in to collections once, by Blockbuster Video. Instead of simply calling me to alert me I forgot to put the DVD back in the case, they sent my account to collections! I’ve never set foot in a Blockbuster since.
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#8 And they got their comeuppance–I believe they’re no longer in business.
Regarding restaurant tips, I often stick a storage container in my bag and when the meal comes, I put half (2/3s?) of it in the container immediately. Helps with the waistline as well as the budget, and makes me feel “green.” And the owners of several restaurants have thanked me for bringing my own container and saving them $.
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I like the Kiplinger links. I am always suprised that about 50% of earners (the bottom half) are only 3% of the income tax base, whereas the other 50% (the top half) of earners are 97% of the income tax base. That’s really a huge difference.
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