For several years now, I’ve lived in a sort of financial sweet spot. After paying off my debt, I realized that Kris and I had everything we really wanted or needed, so we never had to buy much for the house (except when something broke). But now that I’m on my own, I’m finding all sorts of little things I need to buy again. And those little things add up.
Last Friday, for instance, I invited the neighbors across the hall to join me for a glass of wine. Great! Except that I apparently no longer own a corkscrew. Oops. Something else to add to my ever-growing list of things to acquire. (Other items on the list: slotted spoon, measuring cups, kitchen tongs, pill box, hangers, picture hooks, toilet brush, and so on.)
Some of these things can be obtained frugally. I’m happy to buy kitchen utensils — including a corkscrew — at local thrift stores. I don’t need fancy stuff. But sometimes I end up spending more due to necessity, or because I make a spur-of-the-moment decision.
A Quick Bite to Eat
I’m a creature of habit. Because of this I tend to eat one of two meals for breakfast: chicken sausage or Bob’s Red Mill organic high fiber hot cereal with flaxseed. I cook the chicken sausage on the stove, but I’ve always made the oatmeal in the microwave. I have a little two-minute routine that produces perfect oatmeal and makes me happy.
Well, the new apartment didn’t include a microwave. And I was fine with that. Besides my oatmeal routine, I’m generally anti-microwave. I’m perfectly happy preparing food on the stove or in the oven. (It’s my inner Luddite, I guess.) I resolved that I was going to live without a microwave, which seemed like a frugal choice.
That resolution lasted one week. During that week, I made oatmeal several times, and each time sucked. First of all, it took more than ten minutes to prepare each batch. (The electric range takes much longer to warm up than the gas range in the house.) Second, the quality of the oatmeal produced on the stovetop was awful: gummy, lumpy, and gross. ¡Que triste!
So, when I found myself in a local department store last weekend, I made an impulse purchase. I bought a microwave.
The Calculus of Convenience
The microwave I chose cost me $80. If I’d been in frugal mode, I would have done more research to find the best model at the best price. I probably would have used Consumer Reports as a tool. But I wasn’t in frugal mode. I was in “I have a new apartment and need to buy things” mode. (This is a dangerous thing in and of itself, and a subject for another time.)
On a long walk yesterday, I ran the numbers through my head. Was buying a microwave a poor financial decision? Of course not. Let’s make some rough assumptions:
- It takes ten minutes longer to make oatmeal on the stovetop than it does in the microwave.
- I eat oatmeal for breakfast twice a week — or about 100 times each year.
- Both devices use the same amount of power to make oatmeal. (I have no idea if this is true; this is just my way of saying let’s leave this factor out of the equation for now.)
One way to look at the cost-effectiveness of the microwave is to look at the “price per use”. In this case, if the $80 microwave makes 100 bowls of oatmeal in a year, that’s about 80 cents per bowl. (And the cost per bowl would continue to drop over time.)
Another way to look at this, however — and the way I prefer to look at it — is to see how much time I’m saving, and how that applies to the cost of the microwave. So, if I think I’ll save 1000 minutes during the first year of owning the microwave, that’s nearly 17 hours that I’ve recovered. And $80 divided by 17 gives us $4.71 per hour. If my time is worth more than $4.71 per hour — and it is! — then the microwave is a good deal. (Plus, the hourly cost will decrease the more the machine is used in the future.)
If I could quantify the quality of the oatmeal, I’d have a final way to compare costs. But I can’t. All I know is I much prefer the perfect microwaved oatmeal to the gummy gunk I had been eating. That’s worth a lot right there!
Conclusion
Obviously, I’m not fretting over this purchase. I can afford it, for one. For another, we all know how handy a microwave really is. I’m not about to lapse into “how much is my hot chocolate?” thinking. (I hope.)
There’s a balance to be had. Sure, it’s silly to spend on unnecessary (or unaffordable) appliances and gadgets. I wouldn’t use a KitchenAid upright mixer, so it would be foolish to buy one. Kris, on the other hand, uses hers all the time. It’s a valuable tool in her kitchen. And as much as I covet a $650 blender, that’s outside my budget. (It might be in your budget, but it’s not in mine.)
For me, it’s fun — and motivating — to run the numbers on purchases like this from time to time, just to be sure they make sense. Now that oatmeal will taste even better because I know each batch saves me a little more money…or something like that.
SEARCH FOR RECENT ARTICLES
Late last summer I conducted a cooking from scratch experiment and posted daily on my blog – I costed out my main meals against buying pre-prepared. It was 42% cheaper to make at home. What I didn’t factor in was the extra time spent. Because time is money. Ultimately I was happy not to factor it in because it actually wasn’t that time-consuming (I’m a no-fuss simple cook). Also the benefits of what I was doing outweighed the time spent. I enjoy cooking. Time should be a consideration when making a purchase – however if you are happy to spend the time then there are savings to be had financially.
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J.D., I just wanted to add that if you can hold out on some of the kitchen stuff for a couple of months, housewares often start going on sale in the spring when graduation and wedding season starts.
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I personally am good at valuing my time for some things, and poor at it for others. For example I’ve never analyzed whether it is worthwhile to have my lawn mowed, so I continue spending an hour per week doing it. This post has got me thinking, thanks!
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J.D., regrets and best wishes to you and Kris. This is a huge difficult change and I appreciate how much you’ve been able/willing to share. Don’t apologize for keeping stuff private or for continuing to write about what’s on YOUR mind, and don’t let the a**holes get you down!
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On the oatmeal front, I make a week’s worth at a time on the stovetop (I eat it every day), put it in the fridge, and every morning I’ll spoon out a portion and nuke it, adding some fresh fruit and a splash of milk. It’s definitely been a time-saver.
As for the microwave purchase, it’s not just dollars and time to account for. Far better to have a tasty breakfast you’ll enjoy eating every day than trying to muscle through a crappy one!
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I really appreciate those posts and I would like to see the other site also (as I’m the one who stays behind – but as I’m male I think you’re the better source of inspiration, I definitely will not replace curtains and decorative tiny china figures)!
Just from reading the comments I just started to build a “shopping list” with all missing items. My strategy will be looking around in which stores I get the best price for all things together, rent a truck and get the first batch there. Due to the comparison I can spot extraordinarily expensive things and may decide to buy those elsewhere if the saving is significant (Read: If it really justifies the additional truck rent and day/hours off). Stuff I don’t get (no store will have everything) I’ll either buy at the first day elsewhere near, if urgently needed, but I think I’ll try to order as much of it online as possible (with proper research and price check)
So all the best to you and keep on posting. At least now I have a plan…
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I’m kind of surprised at this post. It seems to be just a justification for making an impulse purchase. I think you are conflating two decisions: 1) Should I buy a microwave? and 2) Which one?
The math you lay out answers the first question. Yes, in your circumstances, a microwave will probably pay for itself over time (not just in time saved, but in electricity also).
The answer to the second question, though, you rushed past because you weren’t in the “right mood” to think it through. Maybe Consumer Reports would have led you to a more reliable model, which would have saved you money in the long run. Or, even a cursory check on Craigslist could have found something used for less.
We shouldn’t agonize over every little purchase, but certainly appliances fall into the category of those items worthy of a bit of research. With any luck, you will have this appliance for a decade or more, and you may use it every day. It will probably be fine, but if there is something buggy with it it could bother you every day for the next 10 years. I would think that is at least worth a quick google search to read reviews, if only for the potential hassle factor.
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See the best article about oatmeal EVER. It’s from Mark Bittman’s column in the NYT. http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/02/22/how-to-make-oatmeal-wrong/
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I love Mark Bittman and he was spot-on as usual. Thanks for the link.
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I love Mark Bittman and I love oatmeal (though I can’t make it properly via stovetop) so I really wanted to follow his advice. I took rolled oats, added honey and milk, let them sit for 10 minutes and ate them. They tasted like … raw oats. Gloppy, coarse and not very good, although adding more honey helped. Wondering if I somehow messed up the incredibly basic instructions or if my palate just needs to get used to the delights of uncooked oatmeal.
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Kiernan, I suspect you didn’t let the combination sit long enough. I’ve had success with this: combine 1/4 cup oats + 1/2 c plain yogurt in a jar. I eat it after I get to work, so it’s been softening for about 45 minutes.
It’s definitely not oatmeal but I think it’s yummy and it’s very easy. You can add jam or honey or whatever you want to add flavor (or use flavored yogurt). I’ve done the same thing with milk + oats.
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I’d highly suggest a cork screw like this one (http://www.amazon.com/Brabantia-297625-Classic-Corkscrew-White/dp/B00008WUQD/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1327429621&sr=8-3) We love our Zyliss one and it is just so easy – turn until cork is out and then turn the other way to get the cork free.
As for analyzing your microwave purchase, that is way better than me. I just buy what I need and figure the time saved is worth it – of course, I usually use Amazon so I can look around for a few minutes really easily.
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Omg, I have to jump in on this whole oatmeal business — it’s not exactly a well-kept secret that oats *do not need to be cooked!* I eat raw oats every other day moistened in water. I throw in some raw pumpkin, walnuts, raisins, and cinnamon. You don’t need a pot or a microwave or a stove, plus you are getting more health benefits by not heating the oats, and saving time, utilities, etc.
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This post just made me laugh. From the luddite link to the hot cocoa reference. It can be so frustrating to figure out what you need when you’re on your own, may I suggest a piece of paper that you stick to your fridge with magnets (you do have magnets, right? If not, TAPE. You do have tape, right? If not those both go on your list!) and just add to it for a while. Take the list to the thrift store and to the dollar store. You’ll be set
Keep on keeping on JD 
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If Kris isn’t up to writing about her experience converting finances, utilities and shared possessions to a single-person household, I’ll jump in and do it. I kept the house and almost all of our stuff, but it’s still been a lot of work to untangle everything and set it up so that it’s manageable for me on my own. I’ve been working through the process for about six weeks at this point, and have had both positive and negative surprises. (Energy use way down. Yay! Losing multi-car discount on insurance. Boo! He left the flatware but took all of the cheese knives?! Grrrrr…)
Don’t buy the blender right away. You’ll regret spending that much money on it. Here’s a chance to do your research and think about how much you need a blender to do. Does it have to cost $600 for it to serve your needs?
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I think a restaurant supply warehouse might have some good deals.
Although I enjoy reading about how to save a buck here and there, for now I find myself more interested in Roth IRAs (is the info about Roths on GRS still appropriate?), new avenues of making money, self-employment, etc.
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Thanks for the reminder! There’s a restaurant supply store within walking distance of my apartment. I’ve been there once before, and I’m going to check it out again…
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Our local restaurant supply stores sell high-end appliances at high-end prices. I prefer estate sales.
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My “oatmeal convenience” was substantially improved when I discovered that a rice cooker does a Fine Job on oatmeal.
So, I throw a dose of Bob’s Oatmeal and water into my rice cooker, press a button, and when it “dings” 15-ish minutes later, it’s nicely done. That may not be quite as quick as the microwave, but the effort level is mighty low.
When I first got a $30 rice cooker, I thought this was a bit of a dodgy “single tasking” item; after the oatmeal discovery, I concluded it was worth upgrading to the $60 one, which is also a mighty fine way of steaming a tray of vegetables in ~10 minutes.
Much preferable, in my mind, to a microwave.
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The microwave issue isn’t about the time saved. It’s about enjoying your oatmeal. You’re going through a hard time, so go ahead and let yourself enjoy the small things. In the long run, if spending $80 on a microwave makes you happy, then it was a good investment.
And buy a decent can opener! Get a 20% coupon for Bed Bath and Beyond or go to Target and buy one you like. $12 is worth the saved frustration. I’ve recently realized it’s time to replace my can opener. It makes me angry each time I use it. I have enough stress in my life without being angry about my can opener.
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I totally agree with this. Not every spending decision should be made on the basis of whether it saves you enough time or money to pay for itself. If that were the case, you’d probably spend very little money on, say, travel. If you’re managing your money well and you’re not in debt, it’s ok to make some purchases based on the intangible value they will bring to your life, like the quality of your breakfast.
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There is a quick, easy and no mess way to make oatmeal using an electric kettle. Not sure about the energy usage on that, but we switched to an electric kettle a few years back after I read about the energy savings. It heats up water much faster than the stove or microwave. Great for quick hot chocolate, too.
I heat the water, put a 1/3 c of quick oats in a bowl, pour in twice the water (2/3), put a plate over it and let it sit for 5 min. Quick oats, add whatever you want and no extra pots to clean. “Instant” oatmeal.
Anyway, the microwave will be helpful, too.
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That’s how I usually make oatmeal too!
I drink tea in the morning so I’m boiling water anyway.
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JD, have you tried steel cut oatmeal? They are much better than the regular oatmeal, but they do take longer to cook. There is an easy way to cook overnight though. Just wait until the pot boils (?) and then leave them on the stove. It will be ready in the morning.
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I think the calculations in the post are completely wrong.
Not wrong math, but the wrong comparison.
The comparison to make is not this microwave versus no microwave (well, I guess that’s a valid comparison, but not really the most salient) but this microwave versus other microwaves. Sure, it saves you several minutes a day at a cost of $4.71/hour amortized over the first year. But you might have gotten just as good a microwave for $20 less. Or this might be a really shoddy model that won’t even last a year.
Your calculations are based on buying this microwave or no microwave, but that wasn’t really the choice you faced.
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Agreed. And I meant to make that point more fully, but see that I didn’t. If I’d waited instead of buying a microwave right now, I could have (a) bought a smaller microwave and (b) bought a cheaper microwave. I’m not perfect, and I know it. Fortunately, this isn’t a terrible mistake. But it’s a sign that I need to be careful, that’s for sure.
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It IS a terrible mistake and I am totally judging you.
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I wouldn’t stress about it JD. Yeah, you might have been able to get a cheaper microwave if you had done a bit of research first but what’s done is done. As long as it doesn’t put me in debt or compromise my savings goals, I try not to over analyze every thing I spend $ on. I would drive myself mad if I did that.
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This might not be possible depending on your situation but would it be possible to request a few kitchen items from your house? I am single and have two corkscrews. I’m imagining that there’s multiples of things at your place that you could, if you asked politely, have one of. Of course that may not be possible.
So I would make a list of things you like to cook/prepare and the items you would use to make these things. Compare this list with what you currently have. Now you know what you are lacking and hopefully, you’ll see how ‘highly prized’ each item is – will it be used often or every few months? It might be a good idea to consider this in light of any hosting you think you might do and put specialty items on the list to keep an eye out for when you’re shopping.
Of course you already know this, but there’s thrift stores, freecycle, craigslist and garage sales a plenty to shop from in Portland, right? I’m out in the ‘country’ myself so finding useable things second hand is hard. Cash in on the fact that you’re in a city where even a Goodwill might be a boutique store in its own right.
Good luck to you.
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JD
I have noticed a few people hammering away regarding the divorce. I was tempted to comment on that thread, but declined.
The reason I am bringing it up on THIS thread is this is the first post you have done since the announcement…and then the other announcement.
I really don’t care about the divorce. That is your deal. It happens to lots of people and the best to you both. Should bring some new insights on finance which would be interesting.
The other announcement regarding the sale was a bit more concerning, but apparently you are addressing that. Which is good. I’ll reserve my comments for that on that post.
Which leans me to this post, and the point.
Get back to what made you appealing. No sugar coating. No BS. Lately the site has lagged. Guest posts did not make this site popular. You did.
We like your voice. Your posts and opinions and questions. Your stories. Watching you fail, grow, succeed, trip, get back up, learn, etc.
It’s not about the different stages of personal finance and who relates, it’s about the authenticity of what is being said. That has been missing for some time.
Bring it back. That is what the readers really want.
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De acuerdo. I agree with you, Troy, and it’s what I want too. For too long, I’ve let myself get backed into a corner where I couldn’t talk much about anything that was going on in my life. I’m taking care of that, I hope. And it’ll let me get back to writing about the things I’m experiencing and the things I’m learning. As I say, it’ll take a bit of time — I don’t think I’ll be back to full force until I return from South America in early March — but I’m eager to be back. Thanks for your comment.
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JD,
From a business standpoint, have you consulted with a professional on how to present and manage all these changes in your life?
I am afraid you are alienating a lot of your readers, including me, because of the decisions you are making under stress. I am not even talking about the divorce. First, re: your decision to sell your blog. Yes, I understand you are under NDA, but you should have made arrangements for at least a one-time disclosure much sooner.
Secondly, people have been asking for your voice back. And then the best you can say is that it would probably be after March.
Finally, about the divorce, is this really the first post you wanted to tell us after the announcement?
I think all three points are critical to the business model you are running. The first questions authenticity, the second is about retaining connections, and the third is about managing changes. While other companies should not worry about this, yours is very dependent on the personality you project to your readers. While you are in a state of flux, your readers are expected to hang tight for the ride.
I wouldn’t have sweated the costs of the microwave. But if this post shows how you make decisions right now, then probably best to consult with a professional so you would have a better plan in place on how to move forward.
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I imagine that running a successful blog is like running a small business. It must be stressful to stay on top. A lot of successful bloggers say that coming up with new amazing content is one of the hardest challenges of staying relevant.
So give the guy a break!
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Ironically, I feel differently than this now. I was one reader that desperately wanted the JD voice back, and I was disappointed with many of the rather unhelpful guest posts. Even six months ago, I would have agreed with this comment. But I think the guest posts have a lot gotten better as of late, and I am less interested in the voice and opinions of the “new JD”. Not trying to be snarky or anything, but I do think the community has changed somewhat, and I don’t mind the multitude of guest posts.
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I prefer the personalised posts though the divorce issue is stale news.
On the subject of microwaves, I got rid of mine about 15 years ago…why? Because they leak radiation and they are particularly harmful in small kitchens as radiation can ricochet off the walls – no kidding!
The best thing about living on your own is that you can simplify…your meals, your utensils and just about anything. JD, bet you won’t be eating that breakfast in another 6 months. After my divorce, I gave up breakfast completely and now have brunch at 11am and dinner at 5pm.
There’s a different rhythm when you only cook for one. There’s no need to have 3 meals a day and, in middle age, you should be cutting down drastically – that’s frugality!
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Ha! I love that a large portion of the comments are on how to cook oatmeal. I soak mine the night before to neutralize the phytic acid and enzyme inhibitors a la Weston Price / Sally Fallon. An added bonus is that they cook up really quickly after they are soaked.
http://thenourishingcook.com/rediscovering-real-food-old-fashioned-oatmeal/
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What about making it in a slow cooker (prepping the night before)? I don’t do it personally since I don’t like oatmeal or any kind of hot cereal (maybe because I’m one of those 2 meal a day people), but some people I know rave about slow cooker oatmeal.
I’m more of a fan of a “6 week fridge muffin” recipe that I’ve used for years (although 6 weeks is pushing it – maybe a month tops – if they last that long):
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/six-week-bran-muffins/
Perfect recipe for cooking while you shower.
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I used to make slow-cooker oatmeal when 4 or 5 grownups (all bike commuters) lived here, but I haven’t found a way to successfully make it for my small family – the smallest recipe I can make in my crockpot without it burning makes almost 5 cups, we had to have the same oatmeal every day for a week.
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I’m surprised the toaster from Williams Sonoma didn’t cost more than that. Most of their stuff is ridiculously expensive.
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J.D…about the oatmeal…try baked oatmeal…it is great and you can make it in bulk and eat it all week. Just put it in the microwave with some milk and add toppings of your choice…brown sugar…nuts…fruit etc.
This recipe is my favorite:
http://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com/apple-cinnamon-baked-oatmeal/
And about the divorce….*sigh* I definitly have my opinion..but you know what…what I think is not really important. I am not pefect…have made mistakes in my life…I have NEVER lived in a glass house…and try as best I can to NEVER throw stones (not that the stray one doesn’t umm…. sometimes “slip” from my fingers-LOL) I just wish you and Kris both happiness, peace, and contentment:-)
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A good microwave will cost you anywhere from $100-500 or higher depending on what you want. I think you did a great job by buying it for $80.
I get the you are this PF writer but you don’t always need to be in frugal mode. I try to be frugal but I’m not frugal 24/7. In the long run you’re better off buying a quality item that cost you a little more than a cheap item that will break in 6 months.
When I first moved out I bought a lot of stuff at Wal-Mart well it was a huge mistake because I went for all the cheap stuff, and while Wal-Mart does sell brand name items I avoided those. My mistake.
I ended up replacing all the cheap stuff in about 8 months. Now when I go to Wal-Mart or any store I look for quality items and brand names, I get a lot on sale, but sometimes I don’t.
My bf bought a $400 Dyson vacuum cleaner at Wal-Mart but it was worth it, we read online reviews and it seemed like a good one. My bf and I didn’t sweat over the purchase because we like to have items that last us for years so it was worth it to us to get it.
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Thanks for sharing J.D. I’ve been thinking a lot about the cost of little essential things lately, as my husband and I plan to move to Hawaii in 2 or so months, and are planning on taking only the absolute necessities and selling everything else, then re-buying at garage sales and on craigslist. I have however been wondering if it’s worth bringing little things such as spatulas, screwdrivers and certain art supplies that we won’t get much for selling here, and will inevitably be replacing shortly after arrival. I was going to calculate shipping them by flat rate mail, but just may be wasting brain cells on cents when I have much bigger things to worry about…
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Barb, if I were you I’d put it all in a box and ship it there. In my experience, there is rarely much difference in shipping vs replacing things like that. And I think that the time and hassle you will save by having it all there, rather than scouting around for a hundred small bargains is invaluable.
It’s nice to just open a box and have all those little things that it took you so long to accumulate in the first place, and will also help you feel like the new place is home far more quickly.
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Thanks so much for your advice Kate, I really appreciate it. You’re right that makes total sense. I think I’ve been making so many decisions lately I suffer from decision fatigue and can’t seem to simple ones like this, so thank you!
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We go through something similar quite often. My wife’s a travel nurse, so we often find ourselves in a completely new environment, and need to setup house quickly (when you’re going to be in one place for 3-6 months, you don’t want to take months to find the best deal). We hit up the thrift stores and try to figure when things go on sale; we did pretty good at Value Village in Alaska (w00t for dollar Mondays!).
Most recently, we moved (temporarily, permanently, we don’t know) to Australia. We brought three checked bags (one carry-on size), two carry-ons, laptop bag, two backpacks (for the kids), purse, two car seats and a stroller. We managed to bring quite a bit (dishware for 6, measuring cups, sponges, Wii, WDTV Live Hub, Roku, two laptops and one netbook, voltage converter, plus clothing of course), but still had LOTS that had to be bought. It’s hard to balance what to buy now, and what should wait. Should I wait until air conditioners go on sale and suffer now (we have one a/c, but not enough for the whole house)? Or realize that I may only be here for one more summer, and it’s silly to suffer for 50% of the time to save a couple hundred? Wait to score a great deal on a microwave, or just buy the $49 at Kmart (we did the latter)? Do I spend just over $4k for a 97 Ford Falcon station wagon, or see if I can get a better deal in a month or two (and lose much of the savings due to renting a car instead)?
I don’t have the best answer. I kick myself sometimes because right after we pay for something, we find a much better deal elsewhere (like paying $50 for a fridge or $100 for a washer, then finally seeing them on freecycle). But we can’t wait forever for a fridge, and washing clothes in the utility sink is tiring.
Anyways…what we do is make a list of what we need RIGHT NOW, and try to find the best deal we can. Things like a bed and fridge would fit in this category (we tend to include a tv in that category, though we probably shouldn’t). Then there’s the things we need soon, but don’t have to have immediately. Items like couch and chairs, pots/pans, microwave, silverware (yeah we need that right away, but sometimes make do with a few plastic pieces), washer, printer/scanner, and a second tv fall in that category. Then you have the “everything else” category. These are things you’d like, but aren’t that necessary. Often only get if it’s free or very cheap. For example, a bread machine, george foreman grill, electric griddle, third tv, etc.
And when we leave, we make several big trips to the local thrift store to re-donate everything. Sometimes with price tag still attached. Wouldn’t mind trying to sell some stuff back on craigslist (or the Australian equivalent, which seems to be gumtree), but never seems to quite work out. The last days/weeks are already a bit hectic, the big items we need until just before we leave, and the small stuff just isn’t worth it.
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While you would not be able to do anything too involved while cooking oatmeal on the stove, you don’t have to sit at the stove stirring the entire time either. You could have a few quick one-off tasks lined up for situations like this. I often catch up on email/reading other blogs while cooking on the stove.
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I’ve been too busy with year-end at work to catch up on GRS (for the first time in a while) so I had to do some back reading to find the announcement.
I am saddened if not completely shocked as many of us surmised difficulties when you announced you were traveling alone this year and planned to do more of it. My heart breaks for you and Kris; you both were kind of a champion to me for child-free couples living together and keeping separate finances but also being happy. Role models to me for sure.
I am much more concerned with the sale of the website and lack of disclosure thus far. I’m not sure I’ll be visiting as often; I kind of liked it when you were more like me and the website reflected that. A person who sells their business and makes 7 figures on the sale (purely speculation based on what other said, if this is wrong I apologize profusely!) is no longer similar to me in anyway financially.
In fact, since the website has only been around since 2007(?) or so in earnest, the title has now become false. You’ve in effect Gotten Rich Quickly. Not the lottery, but not slowly either.
Kudos to your financial success, thank you for helping me with my problems over the years both directly and indirectly. Final note, if you did make 7 figures on the sale then you need not worry at all about spending $80 on a microwave to make your breakfasts more conveniently.
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I’m not surprised that you actually calculated out the cost per use but honestly, just carry $20 cash when you’re out and leave the plastic at home to prevent impulse buys. Then you won’t need to spend time calculating per cost use. If the store has a better price, you’ll be back. If online where you can get additional points/mileage for your purchase offers a better deal, you’ll probably save some money and further your travel goals.
The calculus of convenience is not having to stand in the middle of a store pricing all this stuff out or sitting at home with an obviously overpriced item and attempt to fuzz the math to justify your purchase.
By the way, a thermal food jar or a small crock pot might do the trick for your hot breakfast cereal. The thrift store should have both.
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I have been eating old-fashioned rolled oats for breakfast nearly every morning for over 35 years. I buy it in a 50# bag–costing $30.00, or $.05/meal. My cooking method is as follows: The night before, I put one cup of dry oatmeal into a 1 qt. Pyrex mixing bowl. Then I boil 2 cups of water in the microwave, pour it over the dry oatmeal and place a small plate over the bowl. Next morning I just rewarm it in the microwave and add honey and milk.
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A fellow Portland blogger, The Non-Consumer Advocate is a pro at finding quality household items second hand. Perhaps you could team up with her and blog about setting up your new apartment?
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Heh. Katy and I are trying to set up another lunch date even as I type.
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If not already mentioned, you could have grabbed a 2nd hand microwave that “doesn’t work” and replaced the fuse really cheaply.
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I’ve been apartment living for a long time, and I am currently in an apartment that I hate and really have no interest in turning into home. This is probably in the long run a horrible descision, but I don’t really want to spend money on prettying it up when I don’t want to stay there (but it’s cheap!).
My bigger problem is with storage and counter space, mostly in the kitchen. I find that I have to choose between certain things that I want to cook because I don’t have room to have every kitchen gadget on the planet. I currently don’t have a blender, so my favorite enchilada sauce has been crossed off the list (as well as those smoothies that I’m convinced I might actually try if I had one – although I don’t use the ice maker either becuase the water that runs through the fridge tastes horrible).
I spend so much time trying to rationalize both the expense and the the space needed, I find that I think about things forever. So for now I’m blender and enchilada-less.
And as horrible as this sounds, I’m looking forward to your new living situation as it is more a reflection of how I am living (although I have far less income).
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I don’t have one of those refrigerators – there is no plumbing on the side of the kitchen where the fridge is – but maybe there is mold somewhere in the system. Perhaps cleaning the water tank would improve the taste.
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I think you’re forgetting to factor in the happiness aspect when it comes to the microwave. (Don’t think that’s worth it? Think about all the money people spend on psychologists, happy drugs, and so on!) First, you’re practically guaranteed consistent oatmeal every day — so you nix out the negative emotions that could come from waiting in front of your stove and the possibility of having burned oatmeal. Frustration, urg – you’ve totally blocked that from coming your way. This, alone, can put your day off to a positive start. Who knows what else these positive feelings could imbue over the day? The point is these few moments of contentment are worth the $80 when you spread that over the lifetime of the microwave. Don’t think I know what I’m talking about? I just laid down $50 for a new vacuum after having used a previous model for the past 10 years. I’m kicking myself for not doing it sooner. My low-model vacuum does a far superior job that my old model every did and the happiness that comes from having a well-functioning vacuum and not thinking about how I would so like a new one is worth every cent spent!
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