Comments on: How to Do a Wallet Audit http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2012/05/09/how-to-do-a-wallet-audit/ Common sense advice on money saving tips, how to get out of debt, high interest savings accounts, cd rates, money market accounts, mortgage rates, money management and more. Thu, 23 May 2013 00:17:28 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 By: Donna Freedman http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2012/05/09/how-to-do-a-wallet-audit/comment-page-1/#comment-2721862 Donna Freedman Sun, 20 May 2012 19:37:38 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=132292#comment-2721862 We don't all live in ivory towers. Some of us take the bus and the train to get to the airport. We don’t all live in ivory towers. Some of us take the bus and the train to get to the airport.

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]]> By: robertpri http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2012/05/09/how-to-do-a-wallet-audit/comment-page-1/#comment-2719812 robertpri Sun, 20 May 2012 00:30:44 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=132292#comment-2719812 We have been doing that for years. You can get about 10 cards per printed page. But not only copy them, but scan them to a jpg format. Now email those pics to yourself, so you have them from any computer in the world. We have been doing that for years. You can get about 10 cards per printed page. But not only copy them, but scan them to a jpg format.

Now email those pics to yourself, so you have them from any computer in the world.

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]]> By: John http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2012/05/09/how-to-do-a-wallet-audit/comment-page-1/#comment-2719782 John Sat, 19 May 2012 23:53:26 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=132292#comment-2719782 Wow! Mensa! I didn't think anything bad ever happened to you guys! Wow! Mensa! I didn’t think anything bad ever happened to you guys!

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]]> By: Samuraiko http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2012/05/09/how-to-do-a-wallet-audit/comment-page-1/#comment-2706942 Samuraiko Tue, 15 May 2012 16:58:28 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=132292#comment-2706942 About twenty years ago, my parents went to Italy, and my mom's bag got swiped by one of those guys who zooms by on a Vespa or something, right off her shoulder. She immediately called me back in the States, who was able to give her the numbers for her traveler's checks, but stuff like credit cards, etc, I couldn't help her with. (And she carried a TON of stuff in her bag. Oy.) Amazingly, a day later, a woman called me from Rome, saying she had found my mother's bag, with EVERYTHING in it (sans the cash and traveler's checks)... credit cards and all. I called Mom, she promptly started crying, then met up with the woman and thanked her. She's pared down a bit, but still... I shudder to think of what would happen if it happened again. About twenty years ago, my parents went to Italy, and my mom’s bag got swiped by one of those guys who zooms by on a Vespa or something, right off her shoulder. She immediately called me back in the States, who was able to give her the numbers for her traveler’s checks, but stuff like credit cards, etc, I couldn’t help her with. (And she carried a TON of stuff in her bag. Oy.)

Amazingly, a day later, a woman called me from Rome, saying she had found my mother’s bag, with EVERYTHING in it (sans the cash and traveler’s checks)… credit cards and all. I called Mom, she promptly started crying, then met up with the woman and thanked her.

She’s pared down a bit, but still… I shudder to think of what would happen if it happened again.

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]]> By: Shima Ohana3 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2012/05/09/how-to-do-a-wallet-audit/comment-page-1/#comment-2706162 Shima Ohana3 Tue, 15 May 2012 05:40:57 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=132292#comment-2706162 Hi Tom, Great idea and one that I do by keeping my medical info, emergency contacts and allergy info behind my license. Donna, I love this post and have shared it with my friends on Facebook and via email. Thank you! Hi Tom, Great idea and one that I do by keeping my medical info, emergency contacts and allergy info behind my license.

Donna, I love this post and have shared it with my friends on Facebook and via email. Thank you!

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]]> By: yourmoneytalks.com http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2012/05/09/how-to-do-a-wallet-audit/comment-page-1/#comment-2701952 yourmoneytalks.com Sun, 13 May 2012 13:29:57 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=132292#comment-2701952 My wallet contains everything important to me from credit card to atm cards to discount cards. I have my money in there, my id's so I will not really like it if i will lose my wallet. I also have a collection of different kinds of money from different countries so I would really not want to lose my wallet. It's good that nothing serious happened to you. Do take care always! My wallet contains everything important to me from credit card to atm cards to discount cards. I have my money in there, my id’s so I will not really like it if i will lose my wallet. I also have a collection of different kinds of money from different countries so I would really not want to lose my wallet. It’s good that nothing serious happened to you. Do take care always!

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]]> By: Lori Blatzheim http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2012/05/09/how-to-do-a-wallet-audit/comment-page-1/#comment-2697652 Lori Blatzheim Sat, 12 May 2012 07:55:57 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=132292#comment-2697652 What a great wake-up call. Just think of all the people you are helping in advance. I never would have thought of this if you hadn't posted this. Thank you. I am so sorry this happened to you. I promise I will dump my wallet today, take a good look at what is in it, and replace very few cards. What a great wake-up call. Just think of all the people you are helping in advance.

I never would have thought of this if you hadn’t posted this.

Thank you. I am so sorry this happened to you. I promise I will dump my wallet today, take a good look at what is in it, and replace very few cards.

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]]> By: Kathy http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2012/05/09/how-to-do-a-wallet-audit/comment-page-1/#comment-2695812 Kathy Fri, 11 May 2012 21:00:21 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=132292#comment-2695812 Sorry about your mugging. I carry a dummy wallet that has a passport card. Not sure if the passport card is a smart idea, but I figure every wallet should have picture ID otherwise a mugger might think you're carrying something else on your person. It also has a small amount of money. Everything else (driver's license, credit card, a little more money) I carry in something called a Spibelt. It's a belt with a pouch that runners use for carrying small items - been using it for running, but found it great for everyday use. I actually do use it every day, even sitting at my computer at work. The belt is unnoticed under my tops and I can even tuck it into my pants if I want it to feel more secure. A money/passport pouch that you can get in the luggage & travel section of your local Target or wherever is a less expensive option. Sorry about your mugging. I carry a dummy wallet that has a passport card. Not sure if the passport card is a smart idea, but I figure every wallet should have picture ID otherwise a mugger might think you’re carrying something else on your person. It also has a small amount of money. Everything else (driver’s license, credit card, a little more money) I carry in something called a Spibelt. It’s a belt with a pouch that runners use for carrying small items – been using it for running, but found it great for everyday use. I actually do use it every day, even sitting at my computer at work. The belt is unnoticed under my tops and I can even tuck it into my pants if I want it to feel more secure. A money/passport pouch that you can get in the luggage & travel section of your local Target or wherever is a less expensive option.

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]]> By: Financial Advice for Young Professionals http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2012/05/09/how-to-do-a-wallet-audit/comment-page-1/#comment-2692422 Financial Advice for Young Professionals Fri, 11 May 2012 03:58:36 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=132292#comment-2692422 You just inspired me to take the test! You just inspired me to take the test!

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]]> By: Financial Advice for Young Professionals http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2012/05/09/how-to-do-a-wallet-audit/comment-page-1/#comment-2692412 Financial Advice for Young Professionals Fri, 11 May 2012 03:56:57 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=132292#comment-2692412 Wow, I've never though about this! I think the one thing I wouldn't wanna lose is my driver's license! I hate going to the DMV, it's the epitome of how inefficient our government is :) Wow, I’ve never though about this! I think the one thing I wouldn’t wanna lose is my driver’s license! I hate going to the DMV, it’s the epitome of how inefficient our government is :)

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]]> By: Bella http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2012/05/09/how-to-do-a-wallet-audit/comment-page-1/#comment-2690882 Bella Thu, 10 May 2012 19:19:32 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=132292#comment-2690882 I may put off the wallet update - but this mornign I downloaded all my photos from my phone - should it ever be of interest to someone pursuing a non tradtional career path Thanks for the reminder I may put off the wallet update – but this mornign I downloaded all my photos from my phone – should it ever be of interest to someone pursuing a non tradtional career path
Thanks for the reminder

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]]> By: Donna Freedman http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2012/05/09/how-to-do-a-wallet-audit/comment-page-1/#comment-2690822 Donna Freedman Thu, 10 May 2012 18:40:15 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=132292#comment-2690822 Happy to amuse. :-) I don't use Mint, but I bet that a lot of readers could utilize it if (heaven forbid) they lose wallets. Thanks for sharing that suggestion. Happy to amuse. :-)
I don’t use Mint, but I bet that a lot of readers could utilize it if (heaven forbid) they lose wallets. Thanks for sharing that suggestion.

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]]> By: Bella http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2012/05/09/how-to-do-a-wallet-audit/comment-page-1/#comment-2690802 Bella Thu, 10 May 2012 18:32:00 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=132292#comment-2690802 No it's technically not another country - but some days it seems like it Just wanted to say I LOVED the intro - non traditional career choice. LOL! There is nothing wrong with disclosing that you are a member of Mensa, or with carryinbg a card from an organization that you find brings value to your life. Frankly I'm not surprised at all! No it’s technically not another country – but some days it seems like it
Just wanted to say I LOVED the intro – non traditional career choice. LOL!
There is nothing wrong with disclosing that you are a member of Mensa, or with carryinbg a card from an organization that you find brings value to your life. Frankly I’m not surprised at all!

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]]> By: Mike Hunt http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2012/05/09/how-to-do-a-wallet-audit/comment-page-1/#comment-2690752 Mike Hunt Thu, 10 May 2012 18:26:28 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=132292#comment-2690752 I would have mentioned to quickly and easily photo the FRONT and BACK of each credit card, ID, INS Card, etc. so that you actually have the credit card numbers and phone numbers to call in case they steal your wallet. I don't know about the rest of you, but I don't know my credit card numbers or customer service lines off hand. I would have mentioned to quickly and easily photo the FRONT and BACK of each credit card, ID, INS Card, etc. so that you actually have the credit card numbers and phone numbers to call in case they steal your wallet. I don’t know about the rest of you, but I don’t know my credit card numbers or customer service lines off hand.

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]]> By: Tara http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2012/05/09/how-to-do-a-wallet-audit/comment-page-1/#comment-2690742 Tara Thu, 10 May 2012 18:25:56 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=132292#comment-2690742 I hadn't thought about someone trying to obtain medical care with my card either - but my HMO already requires picture ID at the time of service every time. Now I'm glad they do! I hadn’t thought about someone trying to obtain medical care with my card either – but my HMO already requires picture ID at the time of service every time. Now I’m glad they do!

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]]> By: Donna Freedman http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2012/05/09/how-to-do-a-wallet-audit/comment-page-1/#comment-2690702 Donna Freedman Thu, 10 May 2012 18:19:08 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=132292#comment-2690702 While I was writing for The Chicago Tribune I was sent to interview a woman whose purse had been stolen more than 40 years previously. When her former workplace was being remodeled a workman found the purse inside a wall. Apparently someone had taken the cash and stuffed the handbag into a vent or some other opening. When she opened it and found a photograph of her father, who had been dead for a couple of decades, she began to cry. She teared up again, telling me the story. But she made us both laugh when she said that the police detectives were embarrassed by one of the other things she pulled out of the purse: a vintage tin of Midol. :-) I wish that kindergarten photo would be miraculously returned, too. While I was writing for The Chicago Tribune I was sent to interview a woman whose purse had been stolen more than 40 years previously. When her former workplace was being remodeled a workman found the purse inside a wall. Apparently someone had taken the cash and stuffed the handbag into a vent or some other opening.
When she opened it and found a photograph of her father, who had been dead for a couple of decades, she began to cry. She teared up again, telling me the story.
But she made us both laugh when she said that the police detectives were embarrassed by one of the other things she pulled out of the purse: a vintage tin of Midol. :-)
I wish that kindergarten photo would be miraculously returned, too.

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]]> By: Donna Freedman http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2012/05/09/how-to-do-a-wallet-audit/comment-page-1/#comment-2690652 Donna Freedman Thu, 10 May 2012 18:14:06 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=132292#comment-2690652 Thanks for your kind comment, Ellen. The only positive thing that came out of this is that I'm able to keep readers from undergoing the same aggravations. That is, the readers who don't think the advice is overkill. Thanks for your kind comment, Ellen. The only positive thing that came out of this is that I’m able to keep readers from undergoing the same aggravations.
That is, the readers who don’t think the advice is overkill.

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]]> By: Donna Freedman http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2012/05/09/how-to-do-a-wallet-audit/comment-page-1/#comment-2690642 Donna Freedman Thu, 10 May 2012 18:11:02 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=132292#comment-2690642 S-l-o-w-l-y. But safely. S-l-o-w-l-y. But safely.

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]]> By: Donna Freedman http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2012/05/09/how-to-do-a-wallet-audit/comment-page-1/#comment-2690622 Donna Freedman Thu, 10 May 2012 18:09:29 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=132292#comment-2690622 Interesting. Thanks for that bit of info -- and it would certainly keep me from wondering in which wallet pocket I put my HMO card. (Incidentally, the theft gave me something to say when my daughter asked what I might want for Christmas. Usually I don't have any specific wants/needs. This year I was all ready with a reply. She found a very nice multi-pocketed wallet through a cash-back shopping site. That's my girl!) Interesting. Thanks for that bit of info — and it would certainly keep me from wondering in which wallet pocket I put my HMO card.
(Incidentally, the theft gave me something to say when my daughter asked what I might want for Christmas. Usually I don’t have any specific wants/needs. This year I was all ready with a reply. She found a very nice multi-pocketed wallet through a cash-back shopping site. That’s my girl!)

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]]> By: Ellen (Gluten Free Diva) http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2012/05/09/how-to-do-a-wallet-audit/comment-page-1/#comment-2689572 Ellen (Gluten Free Diva) Thu, 10 May 2012 12:54:49 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=132292#comment-2689572 This is one of the best tips I've ever read. Needless to say, I will be following your instructions this morning!!! Thank you! This is one of the best tips I’ve ever read. Needless to say, I will be following your instructions this morning!!! Thank you!

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]]> By: Jenny http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2012/05/09/how-to-do-a-wallet-audit/comment-page-1/#comment-2689392 Jenny Thu, 10 May 2012 12:17:36 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=132292#comment-2689392 When my handbag was stolen it was the irresplaceable photos that was hardest. Now I always use as small a bag as I can, worn across the body. The wallet stays at home and just take what I need each time, with cards in the inner zipped pocket. I don't understand why some people carry all their ID with them everywhere When my handbag was stolen it was the irresplaceable photos that was hardest. Now I always use as small a bag as I can, worn across the body. The wallet stays at home and just take what I need each time, with cards in the inner zipped pocket. I don’t understand why some people carry all their ID with them everywhere

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]]> By: Tom http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2012/05/09/how-to-do-a-wallet-audit/comment-page-1/#comment-2689322 Tom Thu, 10 May 2012 12:02:53 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=132292#comment-2689322 two things: <i>On my way to the 2011 Financial Blogger Conference last year I encountered three young men who’d made a non-traditional career choice:...</i> This made me laugh out loud, and one of the reasons why you're among my favorite online writers 2. When my sister-in-law had her purse stolen out of her car, she used Mint as one of her go to resource for account numbers and companies to call and cancel cards. I don't have Mint, but it seems like an added benefit of aggregating your financial data in one place that many people wouldn't think of, especially after just being robbed/mugged. two things:
On my way to the 2011 Financial Blogger Conference last year I encountered three young men who’d made a non-traditional career choice:…
This made me laugh out loud, and one of the reasons why you’re among my favorite online writers
2. When my sister-in-law had her purse stolen out of her car, she used Mint as one of her go to resource for account numbers and companies to call and cancel cards. I don’t have Mint, but it seems like an added benefit of aggregating your financial data in one place that many people wouldn’t think of, especially after just being robbed/mugged.

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]]> By: Tom http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2012/05/09/how-to-do-a-wallet-audit/comment-page-1/#comment-2689262 Tom Thu, 10 May 2012 11:34:04 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=132292#comment-2689262 Keep your ins card & medication list directly behind your drivers license. This is usually the only place medical people will look for your info. They will not rifle through a big wallet in an emergency. Keep your ins card & medication list directly behind your drivers license. This is usually the only place medical people will look for your info. They will not rifle through a big wallet in an emergency.

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]]> By: Holly http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2012/05/09/how-to-do-a-wallet-audit/comment-page-1/#comment-2689092 Holly Thu, 10 May 2012 10:34:44 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=132292#comment-2689092 This advice is definitely not overkill. Three months ago, I had accidentally left my purse behind. I was hurrying. Came back 5 minutes later to retrieve it but it was nowhere to be found. Inside that purse were all of the same things that Donna had mentioned and more. I am still not completely 'back to normal' in terms of replacing everything. The thief did use one of my cc's at a gas station pump in the first hour (even though I had put a hold on it). When I was out buying a new purse I spoke w/a woman who had hers stolen right out of her shopping cart. When she went to file her taxes the following year, the IRS denied her filing stating that someone had already filed using her name and SS# in FL.! This advice is definitely not overkill.

Three months ago, I had accidentally left my purse behind. I was hurrying. Came back 5 minutes later to retrieve it but it was nowhere to be found. Inside that purse were all of the same things that Donna had mentioned and more. I am still not completely ‘back to normal’ in terms of replacing everything.

The thief did use one of my cc’s at a gas station pump in the first hour (even though I had put a hold on it).

When I was out buying a new purse I spoke w/a woman who had hers stolen right out of her shopping cart. When she went to file her taxes the following year, the IRS denied her filing stating that someone had already filed using her name and SS# in FL.!

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]]> By: CAC http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2012/05/09/how-to-do-a-wallet-audit/comment-page-1/#comment-2688932 CAC Thu, 10 May 2012 10:15:20 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=132292#comment-2688932 Years ago, I had my purse stolen too. The thing I remember losing most was the ONLY picture of me in kindergarten. It was the cutest picture of me ever and I loved that pic.... make a copy...keep the original at home. I was a 3rd child of 4 - the one that there are no photos of. :-( Years ago, I had my purse stolen too. The thing I remember losing most was the ONLY picture of me in kindergarten. It was the cutest picture of me ever and I loved that pic…. make a copy…keep the original at home. I was a 3rd child of 4 – the one that there are no photos of. :-(

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]]> By: Lucille http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2012/05/09/how-to-do-a-wallet-audit/comment-page-1/#comment-2688692 Lucille Thu, 10 May 2012 08:35:00 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=132292#comment-2688692 Wallet audit? How am I going to get rich now? Wallet audit? How am I going to get rich now?

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]]> By: Chase http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2012/05/09/how-to-do-a-wallet-audit/comment-page-1/#comment-2688052 Chase Thu, 10 May 2012 03:03:28 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=132292#comment-2688052 I only carry DL, credit card, debit card, corporate credit card and usually very little cash. Right now there is also a fortune from a fortune cookie. It says an unexpected event will soon make your life very exciting. I like my wallet to stay thin. I only carry DL, credit card, debit card, corporate credit card and usually very little cash.

Right now there is also a fortune from a fortune cookie.
It says an unexpected event will soon make your life very exciting.

I like my wallet to stay thin.

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]]> By: Samantha http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2012/05/09/how-to-do-a-wallet-audit/comment-page-1/#comment-2687772 Samantha Thu, 10 May 2012 01:30:56 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=132292#comment-2687772 I could name everything in my wallet too, everything except for a coffee punch card. I even knew how much cash I had. Points for us! (Okay, I admit it, I was waiting for someone else to say they knew what they had so I could tag along instead of saying it myself.) I could name everything in my wallet too, everything except for a coffee punch card. I even knew how much cash I had.

Points for us! (Okay, I admit it, I was waiting for someone else to say they knew what they had so I could tag along instead of saying it myself.)

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]]> By: Samantha http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2012/05/09/how-to-do-a-wallet-audit/comment-page-1/#comment-2687712 Samantha Thu, 10 May 2012 01:19:47 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=132292#comment-2687712 "I’m just glad he’s not keeping statistics and perhaps a bar chart on his “progress”." LOL! PS, congrats on having a kid that wants your relationship advice! (And I say that as a kid, not a weary parent.) “I’m just glad he’s not keeping statistics and perhaps a bar chart on his “progress”.”

LOL!

PS, congrats on having a kid that wants your relationship advice! (And I say that as a kid, not a weary parent.)

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]]> By: Jacq http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2012/05/09/how-to-do-a-wallet-audit/comment-page-1/#comment-2687652 Jacq Thu, 10 May 2012 00:48:49 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=132292#comment-2687652 Well, we differ there. But then I'm an accountant and we tend to have an analytical and not emotional perspective on money for the most part. Do enough payroll audits and it's all just numbers. But writing about personal finance and not talking about salary? That's just... really odd. If someone says they have a savings rate of 70%, I want to know how they're doing it and what their denominator is dammit. I don't really see how your being excited about hitting 500k pageviews or whatever on your blog vs. my being excited about hitting $500k net worth is so different. We both worked hard for many years for a goal and our hard work paid off. Hooray! Mind you I also don't mind hearing about people's sex lives - unless it's my kid. But I roll with the discomfort because he wants my advice on girls. Maybe it's a generational thing. I'm just glad he's not keeping statistics and perhaps a bar chart on his "progress". ;-) Well, we differ there. But then I’m an accountant and we tend to have an analytical and not emotional perspective on money for the most part. Do enough payroll audits and it’s all just numbers.

But writing about personal finance and not talking about salary? That’s just… really odd. If someone says they have a savings rate of 70%, I want to know how they’re doing it and what their denominator is dammit.

I don’t really see how your being excited about hitting 500k pageviews or whatever on your blog vs. my being excited about hitting $500k net worth is so different. We both worked hard for many years for a goal and our hard work paid off. Hooray!

Mind you I also don’t mind hearing about people’s sex lives – unless it’s my kid. But I roll with the discomfort because he wants my advice on girls. Maybe it’s a generational thing.

I’m just glad he’s not keeping statistics and perhaps a bar chart on his “progress”. ;-)

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