Comments for Get Rich Slowly http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog Personal finance that makes cents. Common sense advice on topics from high interest savings accounts, frugality, cd rates, money market accounts, mortgage rates, how to get out of debt, money management and more. Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:34:00 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.7.1 hourly 1 Comment on Reader Story: How I Ruined My Credit Score, and How It Didn’t Ruin My Life by Holly http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2010/03/14/reader-story-how-i-ruined-my-credit-score-and-how-it-didnt-ruin-my-life/#comment-318321 Holly Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:22:44 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=12171#comment-318321 Deadbeats are all the rage; don't worry about child support; and don't forget to underinsure yourself, that's what taxpayers are for. Oh, and laugh at your roomies when you just can't pay your half of the cable bill, etc. The latter is what happened to me with 2 roommates; they left me w/3 months of phone bills, cable bills, and rent payments, but 'hey' that's all 'water under the bridge'. Deadbeats are all the rage; don’t worry about child support; and don’t forget to underinsure yourself, that’s what taxpayers are for. Oh, and laugh at your roomies when you just can’t pay your half of the cable bill, etc.

The latter is what happened to me with 2 roommates; they left me w/3 months of phone bills, cable bills, and rent payments, but ‘hey’ that’s all ‘water under the bridge’.

]]> Comment on Win $500 in the 2010 Get Rich Slowly Video Contest by Nate http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2010/03/16/win-500-in-the-get-rich-slowly-video-contest/#comment-318291 Nate Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:53:19 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=15061#comment-318291 Yay - should be fun! Yay - should be fun!

]]> Comment on Made by Hand: In Praise of Amateurs by Jim Sowers http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2010/03/15/made-by-hand-in-praise-of-amateurs/#comment-318271 Jim Sowers Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:39:26 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=15651#comment-318271 Jennifer Ressman said it right when she said 'There are better things to do than watch TV'. I think this is especially true if you have kids. Get off the couch and make stuff with your kids. http://www.makestuffwithyourkid.com is a blog just about that. It doesn't have to be something so complex a boat or a greenhouse but anything at all that you take the time to build with your kids. (Although I AM a fan of building a boat :P ) It is the time you give them that they will value and the thing you build with them will be a reminder that you love them. Jennifer Ressman said it right when she said ‘There are better things to do than watch TV’. I think this is especially true if you have kids. Get off the couch and make stuff with your kids. http://www.makestuffwithyourkid.com is a blog just about that.
It doesn’t have to be something so complex a boat or a greenhouse but anything at all that you take the time to build with your kids. (Although I AM a fan of building a boat :P ) It is the time you give them that they will value and the thing you build with them will be a reminder that you love them.

]]> Comment on Reader Story: How I Ruined My Credit Score, and How It Didn’t Ruin My Life by Doug http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2010/03/14/reader-story-how-i-ruined-my-credit-score-and-how-it-didnt-ruin-my-life/#comment-318231 Doug Tue, 16 Mar 2010 11:36:07 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=12171#comment-318231 Wow, way to go turning things around. Your story gives everyone hope that even when things do not go as plan that there is always a way to make good things happen, thanks. Wow, way to go turning things around. Your story gives everyone hope that even when things do not go as plan that there is always a way to make good things happen, thanks.

]]> Comment on Made by Hand: In Praise of Amateurs by Joseph | kickdebtoff http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2010/03/15/made-by-hand-in-praise-of-amateurs/#comment-318221 Joseph | kickdebtoff Tue, 16 Mar 2010 11:30:11 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=15651#comment-318221 Great Post! I admire your Dad.. and you this gene runs in the family! As you have written here several times the secret to finding something fuilfiling is to do to follow our passion. lot's of lesson to learn from your father. Great Post! I admire your Dad.. and you this gene runs in the family!
As you have written here several times the secret to finding something fuilfiling is to do to follow our passion. lot’s of lesson to learn from your father.

]]> Comment on Made by Hand: In Praise of Amateurs by BB http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2010/03/15/made-by-hand-in-praise-of-amateurs/#comment-318171 BB Tue, 16 Mar 2010 11:05:45 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=15651#comment-318171 My husband and I make a lot of things. He builds pallets, frames, or whatever is needed to do a job. I knit clothes and accessories (scarves, hats) and make jewelry I sell on Etsy. I'd do more needlepoint, but there's a limit to how much any house needs of that! I think DIY is making a big come-back: just look at the knitting TV shows and the many stores on Etsy. My husband and I make a lot of things. He builds pallets, frames, or whatever is needed to do a job. I knit clothes and accessories (scarves, hats) and make jewelry I sell on Etsy. I’d do more needlepoint, but there’s a limit to how much any house needs of that!

I think DIY is making a big come-back: just look at the knitting TV shows and the many stores on Etsy.

]]> Comment on Made by Hand: In Praise of Amateurs by David/Yourfinances101 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2010/03/15/made-by-hand-in-praise-of-amateurs/#comment-318021 David/Yourfinances101 Tue, 16 Mar 2010 07:58:45 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=15651#comment-318021 Both my mother and father seemed to have been quite similar to yours. Both above average ametaurs in their own respects. They deserve all the credit in the world, it seems they came from a time that has long past most of us. Don't know why (maybe the onset of technology?) but it seems the entrepreneurial spirit has dimmed quite a bit in this country. Both my mother and father seemed to have been quite similar to yours. Both above average ametaurs in their own respects.

They deserve all the credit in the world, it seems they came from a time that has long past most of us. Don’t know why (maybe the onset of technology?) but it seems the entrepreneurial spirit has dimmed quite a bit in this country.

]]> Comment on Outsourcing Life: Unconventional Advice for When You’re Financially Secure by Karen Haynes http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2010/02/10/outsourcing-life-unconventional-advice-for-when-youre-financially-secure/#comment-318011 Karen Haynes Tue, 16 Mar 2010 07:56:38 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=8020#comment-318011 Not being an American, reading this discussion is quite interesting. Australia has such a strong minimum wage, that hiring domestic help is quite expensive and hard to find. It is also very culturally awkward. We have such an egalitarian culture, that being served, even when paying for it is incredibly awkward. I'll "confess" that I hire a cleaner and a gardener. I do this with a clear conscience because I know how much they need the money and it releases my time to do more work as a Youth Pastor. Having said this, I don't tell many people about it, I too am in my twenties without kids, so most people would see my choice as indulgent. Maybe it is, but it's what I do. As for hiring help from Asia, I've got to say I have no problem being a citizen of the world and paying smart people to do good work, wherever they live. Not being an American, reading this discussion is quite interesting.

Australia has such a strong minimum wage, that hiring domestic help is quite expensive and hard to find. It is also very culturally awkward. We have such an egalitarian culture, that being served, even when paying for it is incredibly awkward.

I’ll “confess” that I hire a cleaner and a gardener. I do this with a clear conscience because I know how much they need the money and it releases my time to do more work as a Youth Pastor. Having said this, I don’t tell many people about it, I too am in my twenties without kids, so most people would see my choice as indulgent. Maybe it is, but it’s what I do.

As for hiring help from Asia, I’ve got to say I have no problem being a citizen of the world and paying smart people to do good work, wherever they live.

]]> Comment on Reader Story: How I Ruined My Credit Score, and How It Didn’t Ruin My Life by Tyler Karaszewski http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2010/03/14/reader-story-how-i-ruined-my-credit-score-and-how-it-didnt-ruin-my-life/#comment-317981 Tyler Karaszewski Tue, 16 Mar 2010 07:35:41 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=12171#comment-317981 I'm going to add one final anecdote to the comments on this thread, and then I'll probably leave it alone after that. I can understand some of the angry people (although not so much the presumptuous people -- because my wife once worked at a law firm doesn't mean she makes $120k/year, and she's not a lawyer). I remember once when I was really angry. I mentioned that my car was stolen in the article. I was scathing. EssentialIy that car was my entire net worth. I didn't know who did it, but I hoped he got hit by a truck. He was never caught (not for stealing my car, anyway). If I met that guy today, and he said, "sorry I put you through that, I did some stupid things when I was younger," and he legitimately seemed like he had his life mostly in order and wasn't stealing any more cars -- I could sincerely tell him, "you know, it's water under the bridge. I'm glad you've worked out your problems, I hope you do well from here on out." I wouldn't sue him to recover the value of the car, nor would I insist he needs to serve time in jail. I got over the loss of that car long ago. Even that theft was a learning experience that helped make me the person I am today, and I don't feel the world owes me anything because of it. My creditors implied they felt the same way when they agreed to settle those debts years ago. When they said "thank you for your payment, have a nice day" and then marked those debts as 'paid' on my credit report, they were essentially saying, "alright, good enough, you're free." And the funny thing is, these people were *never* mad about it in the first place. This was just another day at work for them. They crossed me off their todo lists and moved on to the next guy. They didn't stay up late thinking about how much I had hurt them, because I hadn't. Still they'd done the closet thing to forgiving me that they could do in their corporate actuarial way. My debts were legally forgiven long ago, as was the theft of my car (the statute of limitations for grand theft auto is actually shorter than for unpaid credit card debt in California). The world, and the lives of all involved, has moved on. And because some people asked, no, I never had student loans. I went to a state school that was fairly inexpensive (about $4000/year tuition), and paid it out of pocket (my [middle class, not wealthy] parents helped). I’m going to add one final anecdote to the comments on this thread, and then I’ll probably leave it alone after that. I can understand some of the angry people (although not so much the presumptuous people — because my wife once worked at a law firm doesn’t mean she makes $120k/year, and she’s not a lawyer). I remember once when I was really angry. I mentioned that my car was stolen in the article. I was scathing. EssentialIy that car was my entire net worth. I didn’t know who did it, but I hoped he got hit by a truck. He was never caught (not for stealing my car, anyway).

If I met that guy today, and he said, “sorry I put you through that, I did some stupid things when I was younger,” and he legitimately seemed like he had his life mostly in order and wasn’t stealing any more cars — I could sincerely tell him, “you know, it’s water under the bridge. I’m glad you’ve worked out your problems, I hope you do well from here on out.” I wouldn’t sue him to recover the value of the car, nor would I insist he needs to serve time in jail.

I got over the loss of that car long ago. Even that theft was a learning experience that helped make me the person I am today, and I don’t feel the world owes me anything because of it. My creditors implied they felt the same way when they agreed to settle those debts years ago. When they said “thank you for your payment, have a nice day” and then marked those debts as ‘paid’ on my credit report, they were essentially saying, “alright, good enough, you’re free.” And the funny thing is, these people were *never* mad about it in the first place. This was just another day at work for them. They crossed me off their todo lists and moved on to the next guy. They didn’t stay up late thinking about how much I had hurt them, because I hadn’t. Still they’d done the closet thing to forgiving me that they could do in their corporate actuarial way. My debts were legally forgiven long ago, as was the theft of my car (the statute of limitations for grand theft auto is actually shorter than for unpaid credit card debt in California). The world, and the lives of all involved, has moved on.

And because some people asked, no, I never had student loans. I went to a state school that was fairly inexpensive (about $4000/year tuition), and paid it out of pocket (my [middle class, not wealthy] parents helped).

]]> Comment on Made by Hand: In Praise of Amateurs by Shelly http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2010/03/15/made-by-hand-in-praise-of-amateurs/#comment-317901 Shelly Tue, 16 Mar 2010 06:13:07 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=15651#comment-317901 A very soulful post. Thank you for sharing the memories of your father. A very soulful post. Thank you for sharing the memories of your father.

]]> Comment on Made by Hand: In Praise of Amateurs by mm http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2010/03/15/made-by-hand-in-praise-of-amateurs/#comment-317881 mm Tue, 16 Mar 2010 06:00:57 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=15651#comment-317881 I love this post. Sentimental and honest. It really touched me. Thanks for sharing I love this post. Sentimental and honest. It really touched me. Thanks for sharing

]]> Comment on Good-Bye, Microsoft Money! 16 Powerful Personal Finance Programs by Mike C http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2009/07/01/good-bye-microsoft-money-16-powerful-personal-finance-programs/#comment-317821 Mike C Tue, 16 Mar 2010 05:17:04 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=4904#comment-317821 I tried a bunch of the above listed today and I'm liking Moneydance the best now. It's simple, simple is what we need these days. The data is on your computer and it's safe. I tried a bunch of the above listed today and I’m liking Moneydance the best now. It’s simple, simple is what we need these days. The data is on your computer and it’s safe.

]]> Comment on Good-Bye, Microsoft Money! 16 Powerful Personal Finance Programs by Don http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2009/07/01/good-bye-microsoft-money-16-powerful-personal-finance-programs/#comment-317811 Don Tue, 16 Mar 2010 05:07:57 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=4904#comment-317811 Thrive is fun to use but I don't see that I can get the category break downs that I want for taxes and information. Although it does a lot. Budgets might be a very strong area, but I don't use them. Maybe I'm working myself back to spreadsheets. Thrive is fun to use but I don’t see that I can get the category break downs that I want for taxes and information. Although it does a lot. Budgets might be a very strong area, but I don’t use them.

Maybe I’m working myself back to spreadsheets.

]]> Comment on Made by Hand: In Praise of Amateurs by Learn Save Invest http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2010/03/15/made-by-hand-in-praise-of-amateurs/#comment-317791 Learn Save Invest Tue, 16 Mar 2010 04:59:59 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=15651#comment-317791 My mom makes document corners for her work. They used to buy them, but she found she could make them cheaper in the downtime she had. I think thats a rare savings for an accountant firm, to have someone hand make document corners. There is something so satisfiying about hand made things. I would really like to make a guitar one day, just because then when I play it, I know I actually created the sound. Great post again, keep them coming. My mom makes document corners for her work. They used to buy them, but she found she could make them cheaper in the downtime she had. I think thats a rare savings for an accountant firm, to have someone hand make document corners.

There is something so satisfiying about hand made things. I would really like to make a guitar one day, just because then when I play it, I know I actually created the sound.

Great post again, keep them coming.

]]> Comment on Made by Hand: In Praise of Amateurs by Mario at DIY Digital Lab http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2010/03/15/made-by-hand-in-praise-of-amateurs/#comment-317681 Mario at DIY Digital Lab Tue, 16 Mar 2010 04:17:49 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=15651#comment-317681 Great article!!! I almost always try to go the DIY route. One thing to remember though is learn to recognize your limitations. Sometimes it's more costly to have someone else fix a failed project. That said, I am one of those individuals who would try a DIY project at least once just to get it out of my system and find out if I will succeed or not. More often than not, it's always been a rewarding and satisfying journey. Let's see, I built my PC from scratch back in 2005 and I'm still using it. Because I put in every bits and pieces, I'm able to upgrade and update. I set up my own guitar instead of bringing it to a shop. Now it plays really nice (someday I might build one, who knows). I have ongoing DIY projects lined up for the house we bought last year (already save a ton of $$$). Best DIY project I've done so far... my daughter's Photo/Video DVD production for the grandparents. I had to learn Photoshop, Premiere, Encore and other software to make it happen. All I've gotten are praises on how well it was done. I realized just started a tradition. Great article!!! I almost always try to go the DIY route. One thing to remember though is learn to recognize your limitations. Sometimes it’s more costly to have someone else fix a failed project. That said, I am one of those individuals who would try a DIY project at least once just to get it out of my system and find out if I will succeed or not. More often than not, it’s always been a rewarding and satisfying journey.

Let’s see, I built my PC from scratch back in 2005 and I’m still using it. Because I put in every bits and pieces, I’m able to upgrade and update.

I set up my own guitar instead of bringing it to a shop. Now it plays really nice (someday I might build one, who knows).

I have ongoing DIY projects lined up for the house we bought last year (already save a ton of $$$).

Best DIY project I’ve done so far… my daughter’s Photo/Video DVD production for the grandparents. I had to learn Photoshop, Premiere, Encore and other software to make it happen. All I’ve gotten are praises on how well it was done. I realized just started a tradition.

]]> Comment on Reader Story: How I Ruined My Credit Score, and How It Didn’t Ruin My Life by Joshua Heckathorn http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2010/03/14/reader-story-how-i-ruined-my-credit-score-and-how-it-didnt-ruin-my-life/#comment-317621 Joshua Heckathorn Tue, 16 Mar 2010 03:39:25 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=12171#comment-317621 Thanks for taking the time to tell your story Tyler. We clearly think differently in many ways; however, I always find it intriguing to get a glimpse into how others perceive credit and its value in their life. I recently bought my first home, and I have never in my life been so thankful for a good credit score. It sounds like your credit may be headed in the right direction now, and I suspect you'll have a similar feeling if you and your wife ever decide you're sick of renting and ready to own. Thanks for taking the time to tell your story Tyler. We clearly think differently in many ways; however, I always find it intriguing to get a glimpse into how others perceive credit and its value in their life.

I recently bought my first home, and I have never in my life been so thankful for a good credit score. It sounds like your credit may be headed in the right direction now, and I suspect you’ll have a similar feeling if you and your wife ever decide you’re sick of renting and ready to own.

]]> Comment on Reader Story: How I Ruined My Credit Score, and How It Didn’t Ruin My Life by Sue http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2010/03/14/reader-story-how-i-ruined-my-credit-score-and-how-it-didnt-ruin-my-life/#comment-317531 Sue Tue, 16 Mar 2010 02:52:53 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=12171#comment-317531 JD - this series is really insightful. Thank you! Tyler, thank you for sharing your story. My husband and I are likewise digging ourselves out of debt that was graciously dropped into our naive, college-aged laps. We often argue whether to make financial decisions to "preserve our credit score" or to take care of what is best for our family RIGHT NOW. Thanks for sharing your story of making your best choices, given your options/opportunities. I've been thinking my husband is right to not prioritize our credit score. Thanks!! JD - this series is really insightful. Thank you!
Tyler, thank you for sharing your story. My husband and I are likewise digging ourselves out of debt that was graciously dropped into our naive, college-aged laps. We often argue whether to make financial decisions to “preserve our credit score” or to take care of what is best for our family RIGHT NOW. Thanks for sharing your story of making your best choices, given your options/opportunities. I’ve been thinking my husband is right to not prioritize our credit score. Thanks!!

]]> Comment on How My Real Estate Investing Adventure Came to an End by Real Estate Investing Guy http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2010/02/11/how-my-real-estate-investing-adventure-came-to-an-end/#comment-317491 Real Estate Investing Guy Tue, 16 Mar 2010 02:20:12 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=9711#comment-317491 Adam, Great article on the pitfalls of real estate investing. I totally agree when you say "Crunching the numbers is essential, but you’ve got to take the steps to ensure it fits into your portfolio and life plans. Finally, keeping your emotions out of the process is going to be harder than you think" Adam, Great article on the pitfalls of real estate investing. I totally agree when you say

“Crunching the numbers is essential, but you’ve got to take the steps to ensure it fits into your portfolio and life plans. Finally, keeping your emotions out of the process is going to be harder than you think”

]]> Comment on Made by Hand: In Praise of Amateurs by Money Reasons http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2010/03/15/made-by-hand-in-praise-of-amateurs/#comment-317371 Money Reasons Tue, 16 Mar 2010 01:07:44 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=15651#comment-317371 Wow, this is one of the most powerful pieces I've ever read here! You bring up a great point, and one that I've been chewing on myself lately! DIYers and inventors are one and the same. Why not try to DIY even if it doesn't work. It beats hearing about investions that you thought of 10 years ago that are now on the market today (we all have this happen, I know I have...) Thanks for a great piece that puts this apsect back into our lives! Wow, this is one of the most powerful pieces I’ve ever read here!

You bring up a great point, and one that I’ve been chewing on myself lately! DIYers and inventors are one and the same. Why not try to DIY even if it doesn’t work. It beats hearing about investions that you thought of 10 years ago that are now on the market today (we all have this happen, I know I have…)

Thanks for a great piece that puts this apsect back into our lives!

]]> Comment on Made by Hand: In Praise of Amateurs by Rich http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2010/03/15/made-by-hand-in-praise-of-amateurs/#comment-317351 Rich Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:58:52 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=15651#comment-317351 Great Post. The best and most valuable are those that are in good condition are always handmade. Great Post.

The best and most valuable are those that are in good condition are always handmade.

]]> Comment on Made by Hand: In Praise of Amateurs by Rosa Rugosa http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2010/03/15/made-by-hand-in-praise-of-amateurs/#comment-317241 Rosa Rugosa Mon, 15 Mar 2010 23:28:02 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=15651#comment-317241 Seems like maybe you should ramble more often J.D.- your audience sure enjoyed this post! My husband & I have learned a lot about gardening over the years, and have transformed our empty lot into our own little paradise. We took classes at the Arnold Arboretum many years back, and had the supreme pleasure of learning from some of the finest horticultural minds our our time. We've done a lot of work with fieldstones, and have many beautiful plants that we enjoy enormously. We also installed the hardwood floors in our house, made and hung shelves and did a lot of smaller projects - not bad for a couple of white-collar workers! As others have noted above, the sense of pride and satisfaction is priceless. When we bought this house it was a borderline teardown; now it's our honeymoon cottage. We wouldn't love it nearly so much if we hadn't put so much of ourselves into it. Seems like maybe you should ramble more often J.D.- your audience sure enjoyed this post! My husband & I have learned a lot about gardening over the years, and have transformed our empty lot into our own little paradise. We took classes at the Arnold Arboretum many years back, and had the supreme pleasure of learning from some of the finest horticultural minds our our time. We’ve done a lot of work with fieldstones, and have many beautiful plants that we enjoy enormously. We also installed the hardwood floors in our house, made and hung shelves and did a lot of smaller projects - not bad for a couple of white-collar workers! As others have noted above, the sense of pride and satisfaction is priceless. When we bought this house it was a borderline teardown; now it’s our honeymoon cottage. We wouldn’t love it nearly so much if we hadn’t put so much of ourselves into it.

]]> Comment on Made by Hand: In Praise of Amateurs by Austin http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2010/03/15/made-by-hand-in-praise-of-amateurs/#comment-317231 Austin Mon, 15 Mar 2010 23:19:43 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=15651#comment-317231 Hey JD Did you ever ask your father what motivated him to apply himself towards these pursuits? You will be hearing from my lawyer. ;) Hey JD

Did you ever ask your father what motivated him to apply himself towards these pursuits?

You will be hearing from my lawyer. ;)

]]> Comment on There is No Secret: The Myth of the Law of Attraction by Suedeo http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/05/06/there-is-no-secret-the-myth-of-the-law-of-attraction/#comment-317191 Suedeo Mon, 15 Mar 2010 22:59:00 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/05/06/there-is-no-secret-the-myth-of-the-law-of-attraction/#comment-317191 If the "law of attraction" was based on fact instead of personal anecdote, it would be impossible to starve to death. World history and current events state otherwise. If the “law of attraction” was based on fact instead of personal anecdote, it would be impossible to starve to death. World history and current events state otherwise.

]]> Comment on Reader Story: How I Ruined My Credit Score, and How It Didn’t Ruin My Life by Bobby Huang http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2010/03/14/reader-story-how-i-ruined-my-credit-score-and-how-it-didnt-ruin-my-life/#comment-317161 Bobby Huang Mon, 15 Mar 2010 22:48:58 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=12171#comment-317161 Ah, great article. I remember that picture of the house in an older article about JD and smaller houses and downsizing, I'm glad to hear the story behind it. I'm helping my girl right now with a similar situation, we didn't let her payments slip too far and she has student loans which I hear are hard to avoid. Did you have any student loans or all credit cards and car debt? Ah, great article.

I remember that picture of the house in an older article about JD and smaller houses and downsizing, I’m glad to hear the story behind it.

I’m helping my girl right now with a similar situation, we didn’t let her payments slip too far and she has student loans which I hear are hard to avoid.

Did you have any student loans or all credit cards and car debt?

]]> Comment on My eBay Method: 13 Steps to Profitable Auctions by Dwayne "the canoe guy" http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/05/15/my-ebay-method-thirteen-steps-to-more-profitable-auctions/#comment-317131 Dwayne "the canoe guy" Mon, 15 Mar 2010 22:45:18 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/05/15/my-ebay-method-thirteen-steps-to-more-profitable-auctions/#comment-317131 Regarding photos, take a lot of photos, host them on flickr and then use HTMLto embed them in your description, avoiding the ebay fees for extra photos. Pay for one photo, code in a whole bunch. Regarding photos, take a lot of photos, host them on flickr and then use HTMLto embed them in your description, avoiding the ebay fees for extra photos.

Pay for one photo, code in a whole bunch.

]]> Comment on Made by Hand: In Praise of Amateurs by Derek http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2010/03/15/made-by-hand-in-praise-of-amateurs/#comment-317061 Derek Mon, 15 Mar 2010 22:05:36 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=15651#comment-317061 YES! Wonderful post. Thank you. YES! Wonderful post. Thank you.

]]> Comment on Reader Story: How I Ruined My Credit Score, and How It Didn’t Ruin My Life by stephanie http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2010/03/14/reader-story-how-i-ruined-my-credit-score-and-how-it-didnt-ruin-my-life/#comment-317031 stephanie Mon, 15 Mar 2010 21:50:08 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=12171#comment-317031 I don't agree with most of the negative posts. Yes perhaps it was not the right thing to give up on paying the debt. I think it is wrong the way credit card companies target college students for credit cards without requiring any proof of income. Hopefully that changes with the credit reform bill. The bottom line is that you settled your debts (even if it was late, better late than never) and managed to live a productive life. Make no mistake-the banks are making thier profit, or else there would be no such thing as the outrageous executive bonuses. I won't personally ever default on a loan as long as I can work, but the thought had occurred to me more than once. You have to do what is right for you. Again, the key thing is he eventually settled the debts and he has not repeated past mistakes. I don’t agree with most of the negative posts. Yes perhaps it was not the right thing to give up on paying the debt. I think it is wrong the way credit card companies target college students for credit cards without requiring any proof of income. Hopefully that changes with the credit reform bill. The bottom line is that you settled your debts (even if it was late, better late than never) and managed to live a productive life. Make no mistake-the banks are making thier profit, or else there would be no such thing as the outrageous executive bonuses. I won’t personally ever default on a loan as long as I can work, but the thought had occurred to me more than once. You have to do what is right for you. Again, the key thing is he eventually settled the debts and he has not repeated past mistakes.

]]> Comment on Made by Hand: In Praise of Amateurs by Sarah http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2010/03/15/made-by-hand-in-praise-of-amateurs/#comment-317011 Sarah Mon, 15 Mar 2010 21:46:36 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=15651#comment-317011 My Dad was a pattern maker and I remember as a child he would come home from work with his metal lunch box and many times inside was a wooden toy he built on his lunch. Over the 29 years I have been married he has helped draw the plans and build our storage shed, patio roof and last my little green house. Even though he is now 80 and has Parkisons that has taken a lot away from him, he still turned their old sewing machine cabinet into a small table last week. My Dad was a pattern maker and I remember as a child he would come home from work with his metal lunch box and many times inside was a wooden toy he built on his lunch. Over the 29 years I have been married he has helped draw the plans and build our storage shed, patio roof and last my little green house. Even though he is now 80 and has Parkisons that has taken a lot away from him, he still turned their old sewing machine cabinet into a small table last week.

]]> Comment on The Per-Diem System: An Easy Way to Budget Your Spending Money by my2cent http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2009/04/15/the-per-diem-system-an-easy-way-to-budget-your-spending-money/#comment-317001 my2cent Mon, 15 Mar 2010 21:37:16 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=3620#comment-317001 Sorry, I'm a year late with posting - just read this article today. Good article, though the method seems a little complicated - but hey, it works for you. I gleaned a new challenge from these comments from Brandon, #12 - who has his monthly income set a month in advance. That's cool. We contribute to retirement investments and health insurance (with a health flex spending acct) with the employer and is pretaxed. Then, we allocate an amount to personal savings, before paying the bills (mortgage, utilities, transportation, etc). What's left is used for food and other personal expenses. We use an annual budget divided into 12 months on an excel spreadsheet and Quicken to track our accounts. We have 1 checking (to pay bills) and 2 savings (1 for contingencies, 1 for emergency) accounts at the local credit union. The checking and the contingency savings accts are linked and have the same debit card and ATM access. The EF savings is not linked to either, though I make on-line transfers from the checking to the EF each pay period (26x's annually). We don't use a cash-only system, as it's easier for us to track spending using a debit card. We keep a little cash in our wallets (less than $5) and $200 cash for unexpected emergencies (we live in the tropics that have a history of hurricane and tsunami events) when ATMs and banks are never open during such times. So, we limit our spending on what's in the checking acct after the bills are paid -unless it's something that is preplanned - then we take it out of the contingency savings acct (for irregular or annualized expenses, replacement of goods and furnishings, taxes, vacations, etc). This works well for us and we've been able to put some money into CD's for short-term/higher interest savings also. We don't live in an urban/city environment so there is no need to carry cash around - shopping is not a daily experience - only 2-3 times a month. Sorry, I’m a year late with posting - just read this article today. Good article, though the method seems a little complicated - but hey, it works for you. I gleaned a new challenge from these comments from Brandon, #12 - who has his monthly income set a month in advance. That’s cool.
We contribute to retirement investments and health insurance (with a health flex spending acct) with the employer and is pretaxed. Then, we allocate an amount to personal savings, before paying the bills (mortgage, utilities, transportation, etc). What’s left is used for food and other personal expenses. We use an annual budget divided into 12 months on an excel spreadsheet and Quicken to track our accounts. We have 1 checking (to pay bills) and 2 savings (1 for contingencies, 1 for emergency) accounts at the local credit union. The checking and the contingency savings accts are linked and have the same debit card and ATM access. The EF savings is not linked to either, though I make on-line transfers from the checking to the EF each pay period (26x’s annually). We don’t use a cash-only system, as it’s easier for us to track spending using a debit card. We keep a little cash in our wallets (less than $5) and $200 cash for unexpected emergencies (we live in the tropics that have a history of hurricane and tsunami events) when ATMs and banks are never open during such times. So, we limit our spending on what’s in the checking acct after the bills are paid -unless it’s something that is preplanned - then we take it out of the contingency savings acct (for irregular or annualized expenses, replacement of goods and furnishings, taxes, vacations, etc). This works well for us and we’ve been able to put some money into CD’s for short-term/higher interest savings also. We don’t live in an urban/city environment so there is no need to carry cash around - shopping is not a daily experience - only 2-3 times a month.

]]> Comment on Reader Story: How I Ruined My Credit Score, and How It Didn’t Ruin My Life by KB http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2010/03/14/reader-story-how-i-ruined-my-credit-score-and-how-it-didnt-ruin-my-life/#comment-316981 KB Mon, 15 Mar 2010 21:33:50 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=12171#comment-316981 I have to agree with the commenters who are not a fan of Tyler's method for getting out of debt. He could have easily paid off his debt with his new higher income and chose not too and somehow got away with it. Maybe part of this is jealousy. I also racked up significant credit card debt in college and grad school and am now on a strict budget to pay it all off. I don't even understand how this happens. You just stop paying your bills? And then you get a bankruptcy lawyer to stop collections without actually filing for bankruptcy and within a few years you can settle for half the cost? This seems way too good to be true. I have to agree with the commenters who are not a fan of Tyler’s method for getting out of debt. He could have easily paid off his debt with his new higher income and chose not too and somehow got away with it. Maybe part of this is jealousy. I also racked up significant credit card debt in college and grad school and am now on a strict budget to pay it all off.
I don’t even understand how this happens. You just stop paying your bills? And then you get a bankruptcy lawyer to stop collections without actually filing for bankruptcy and within a few years you can settle for half the cost? This seems way too good to be true.

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