Comments on: Reader Mailbag #34 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/27/reader-mailbag-34/ Simple, applicable personal finance advice for the modern world Sat, 21 Nov 2009 23:44:30 -0800 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: John Walker http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/27/reader-mailbag-34/comment-page-1/#comment-763309 John Walker Wed, 26 Aug 2009 18:22:57 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/27/reader-mailbag-34/#comment-763309 I found your comments re different websites interesting. As a frequent poster to Democratic Underground I feel I should expand upon your description of this site. There certainly ARE the more adamant individuals on DU, but there are also many, like me (I hope), who seek to provide good information for people to consult as an antidote to the avalanche of disinformation we are treated to on M$M. I too have my moments when I get angered by the GOP's success with the use of disinforamation and I will strike back at timeshttp://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=103&topic_id=197263. ... But for the most part I try to fight back by providing people with legitimate info, with links, so they can make their own minds up. I do not like uninformed argumentation from any source or 'side'. That doesn't do any of us any good. I wish more people were as well read as you. I and a number of others on Democratic Underground are trying to make it a good site for informative news and commentary. I certainly agree with you that Huffington Post is good for news and the Daily Kos for commentary. By the way Buzzflash is a good site for just getting links to headline articles and informatinve commentaries on current events. I found your comments re different websites interesting. As a frequent poster to Democratic Underground I feel I should expand upon your description of this site.

There certainly ARE the more adamant individuals on DU, but there are also many, like me (I hope), who seek to provide good information for people to consult as an antidote to the avalanche of disinformation we are treated to on M$M.

I too have my moments when I get angered by the GOP’s success with the use of disinforamation and I will strike back at timeshttp://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=103&topic_id=197263.

… But for the most part I try to fight back by providing people with legitimate info, with links, so they can make their own minds up.

I do not like uninformed argumentation from any source or ’side’. That doesn’t do any of us any good. I wish more people were as well read as you. I and a number of others on Democratic Underground are trying to make it a good site for informative news and commentary.

I certainly agree with you that Huffington Post is good for news and the Daily Kos for commentary. By the way Buzzflash is a good site for just getting links to headline articles and informatinve commentaries on current events.

]]> By: amanda http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/27/reader-mailbag-34/comment-page-1/#comment-407398 amanda Sun, 02 Nov 2008 05:33:38 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/27/reader-mailbag-34/#comment-407398 Hi Trent, I know that your children as still quite young, but do you have any plans to handle spending on "luxuries" for when they're in their teenage years? For instance, will you purchase a cellphone for them, and allow them to choose their own clothing? The reason I ask is that my parents were very frugal with things they didn't deem to be necessities, and this had an impact on my social life. I was constantly "out of the loop" due to not owning a cellphone, and I was frequently teased about my clothes. Hi Trent,
I know that your children as still quite young, but do you have any plans to handle spending on “luxuries” for when they’re in their teenage years? For instance, will you purchase a cellphone for them, and allow them to choose their own clothing? The reason I ask is that my parents were very frugal with things they didn’t deem to be necessities, and this had an impact on my social life. I was constantly “out of the loop” due to not owning a cellphone, and I was frequently teased about my clothes.

]]> By: Ryan http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/27/reader-mailbag-34/comment-page-1/#comment-406411 Ryan Fri, 31 Oct 2008 13:59:52 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/27/reader-mailbag-34/#comment-406411 Umm...Are you forgetting the millions of lobbying dollars Wall Street has paid to make sure your "deregulation" happened? You should be mad at Wall Street. Umm…Are you forgetting the millions of lobbying dollars Wall Street has paid to make sure your “deregulation” happened? You should be mad at Wall Street.

]]> By: MrsMoney http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/27/reader-mailbag-34/comment-page-1/#comment-405658 MrsMoney Thu, 30 Oct 2008 14:19:33 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/27/reader-mailbag-34/#comment-405658 I think it's funny someone asked about a tea kettle. My philosophy is that if it's something you really enjoy (and isn't really extravagant) then it's worth the money! :) I think it’s funny someone asked about a tea kettle. My philosophy is that if it’s something you really enjoy (and isn’t really extravagant) then it’s worth the money! :)

]]> By: Kristina http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/27/reader-mailbag-34/comment-page-1/#comment-404904 Kristina Wed, 29 Oct 2008 15:04:20 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/27/reader-mailbag-34/#comment-404904 Hi Trent, I'm wondering how much you tip if you do go out to eat. Thanks! Hi Trent,

I’m wondering how much you tip if you do go out to eat.

Thanks!

]]> By: Christine in Iowa http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/27/reader-mailbag-34/comment-page-1/#comment-404513 Christine in Iowa Tue, 28 Oct 2008 22:46:32 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/27/reader-mailbag-34/#comment-404513 Manny For School Board--You're lucky your SB election is in April, ours is right after school starts in Sept! You have time to go to as many PTA meetings at as many schools in your district as possible. Parents and teachers at those meetings (imo) are the active ones who will be most interested in what you have to offer. One way I like to learn about our SB candidates is going to coffee with them--ask friends to host a coffee / informal get together at their houses and invite all their friends to meet you and ask questions. Good luck! Manny For School Board–You’re lucky your SB election is in April, ours is right after school starts in Sept! You have time to go to as many PTA meetings at as many schools in your district as possible. Parents and teachers at those meetings (imo) are the active ones who will be most interested in what you have to offer. One way I like to learn about our SB candidates is going to coffee with them–ask friends to host a coffee / informal get together at their houses and invite all their friends to meet you and ask questions. Good luck!

]]> By: Spencer http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/27/reader-mailbag-34/comment-page-1/#comment-404354 Spencer Tue, 28 Oct 2008 19:10:15 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/27/reader-mailbag-34/#comment-404354 @Michael That's a pretty bold statement. Care to give any examples? @Michael

That’s a pretty bold statement. Care to give any examples?

]]> By: Mikey http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/27/reader-mailbag-34/comment-page-1/#comment-404302 Mikey Tue, 28 Oct 2008 17:13:26 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/27/reader-mailbag-34/#comment-404302 Question: if you are frugal and smart, you have a credit union as your bank. However, my credit union does not have safety deposit boxes. Boxes seem like they are becoming a rarity in my area. The only bank that has them is the BofA in the next town, and that branch is closing. I've switched to a fire-proof "go" box, but are there better alternatives? Question: if you are frugal and smart, you have a credit union as your bank. However, my credit union does not have safety deposit boxes. Boxes seem like they are becoming a rarity in my area. The only bank that has them is the BofA in the next town, and that branch is closing. I’ve switched to a fire-proof “go” box, but are there better alternatives?

]]> By: Chel http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/27/reader-mailbag-34/comment-page-1/#comment-404298 Chel Tue, 28 Oct 2008 17:04:43 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/27/reader-mailbag-34/#comment-404298 My husband and I are in our mid-20's. This fall, my husband left a great paying job lto go back to school full time. Because we live pretty frugally, saving just sort of "happened" before. As far as long-term savings, we have a mutual fund and maxed out IRAs, and my husband has a 401k that he maxed out. For the short term, we have some CDs worth about $60,000, and for emergencies, we have $10,000 in our savings account. The question is, now that we are making less than 1/2 of what we were before, how do we decide how to allocate the money we are saving? Right now we make about $4000 a month and and our starting goal is to save $1400 per month (and we hope to increase that number). How much should go to the IRAs/mutual fund, how much to the short term (CDs) and how much to the emergency fund (savings account)? The short term savings are for a down-payment on a house when my husband finishes school as well as possibly buying a second car (we only have one) and starting a family- so saving in that area is definitely important. Obviously we are young and have a lot of years to save for retirement, but I feel bad neglecting it completely. And last, I'm concerned that we don't have enough of an emergency pad just in case something really bad happens (ie the car dies). Hope you can help. Thanks ahead of time. My husband and I are in our mid-20’s. This fall, my husband left a great paying job lto go back to school full time. Because we live pretty frugally, saving just sort of “happened” before. As far as long-term savings, we have a mutual fund and maxed out IRAs, and my husband has a 401k that he maxed out. For the short term, we have some CDs worth about $60,000, and for emergencies, we have $10,000 in our savings account.

The question is, now that we are making less than 1/2 of what we were before, how do we decide how to allocate the money we are saving? Right now we make about $4000 a month and and our starting goal is to save $1400 per month (and we hope to increase that number). How much should go to the IRAs/mutual fund, how much to the short term (CDs) and how much to the emergency fund (savings account)? The short term savings are for a down-payment on a house when my husband finishes school as well as possibly buying a second car (we only have one) and starting a family- so saving in that area is definitely important. Obviously we are young and have a lot of years to save for retirement, but I feel bad neglecting it completely. And last, I’m concerned that we don’t have enough of an emergency pad just in case something really bad happens (ie the car dies).

Hope you can help. Thanks ahead of time.

]]> By: Carol http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/27/reader-mailbag-34/comment-page-1/#comment-404261 Carol Tue, 28 Oct 2008 16:02:05 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/27/reader-mailbag-34/#comment-404261 Jen, I feel your pain!!!!! I'm working so hard and diligently to get my bills paid off plus contribute to 401(k), plus have an emergency fund. I keep getting blasted time after time with unexpected costs. Medical bills this year are the biggest as my employer offered high deductible plan for 2008 which I took a gamble and lost BIG TIME! My college age-son took a tumble off his bicycle at the beginning of summer - broke his elbow in two places requiring surgery. He therefore lost his summer employment for the duration of the summer due to non-use of his arm. This caused me to use my emergency fund in pretty much total for his college housing in the fall (without any contributions from him as he was unemployed). Then my husband had to have emergency surgery - bam, more big medical bills which won't be covered with my health savings account (didn't save enough to cover the high deductible costs). I just keep on trying....... Jen,
I feel your pain!!!!! I’m working so hard and diligently to get my bills paid off plus contribute to 401(k), plus have an emergency fund. I keep getting blasted time after time with unexpected costs. Medical bills this year are the biggest as my employer offered high deductible plan for 2008 which I took a gamble and lost BIG TIME! My college age-son took a tumble off his bicycle at the beginning of summer – broke his elbow in two places requiring surgery. He therefore lost his summer employment for the duration of the summer due to non-use of his arm. This caused me to use my emergency fund in pretty much total for his college housing in the fall (without any contributions from him as he was unemployed). Then my husband had to have emergency surgery – bam, more big medical bills which won’t be covered with my health savings account (didn’t save enough to cover the high deductible costs). I just keep on trying…….

]]> By: Oliver http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/27/reader-mailbag-34/comment-page-1/#comment-404009 Oliver Tue, 28 Oct 2008 08:49:28 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/27/reader-mailbag-34/#comment-404009 I've heard that during a recession and the recovery is a good time to buy stocks and commodities, during the upswing is a good time to buy stocks and property, and during the peak and start of the economic decline is a good time to invest in bonds. What do you think about this? If you are investing on a regular monthly basis, is this a good way (in general) to allocate funds if you already have an emergency fund and adequate insurance? I’ve heard that during a recession and the recovery is a good time to buy stocks and commodities, during the upswing is a good time to buy stocks and property, and during the peak and start of the economic decline is a good time to invest in bonds. What do you think about this? If you are investing on a regular monthly basis, is this a good way (in general) to allocate funds if you already have an emergency fund and adequate insurance?

]]> By: Sally Villarreal http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/27/reader-mailbag-34/comment-page-1/#comment-403952 Sally Villarreal Tue, 28 Oct 2008 06:19:24 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/27/reader-mailbag-34/#comment-403952 Thanks for the freezer recipes. My question is, how long do they last in the freezer? Not too long ago, I threw away some sausage that had in my freezer about a year and a half! (I felt really guilty about it.) I things tend to get lost in there. Thanks for the freezer recipes. My question is, how long do they last in the freezer? Not too long ago, I threw away some sausage that had in my freezer about a year and a half! (I felt really guilty about it.) I things tend to get lost in there.

]]> By: Robin Crickman http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/27/reader-mailbag-34/comment-page-1/#comment-403889 Robin Crickman Tue, 28 Oct 2008 02:52:57 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/27/reader-mailbag-34/#comment-403889 Trent, a question. How can I reconcile ethics and frugality? I have a stable of horses who have worked with me for years teaching people to ride. They have literally carried the financial burden of our farm on their backs. Now these animals are getting old and can't really be asked to work much. And as they age, much like humans, they cost more to care for than when they were younger. With the downturn in the economy, my business is down and the cost of maintaining the older animals is uncomfortable. But my ethics tell me I owe them; they worked faithfully and deserve a comfortable retirement for as long as they can live in reasonable health. But the longer I keep them, the less I have to save for the future. Can you provide some insights? Trent, a question.
How can I reconcile ethics and frugality? I have
a stable of horses who have worked with me for
years teaching people to ride. They have literally
carried the financial burden of our farm on their
backs. Now these animals are getting old and can’t
really be asked to work much. And as they age, much
like humans, they cost more to care for than when
they were younger. With the downturn in the economy, my business is down and the cost of maintaining the older animals is uncomfortable.
But my ethics tell me I owe them; they worked
faithfully and deserve a comfortable retirement
for as long as they can live in reasonable health.
But the longer I keep them, the less I have to
save for the future. Can you provide some insights?

]]> By: SP http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/27/reader-mailbag-34/comment-page-1/#comment-403857 SP Tue, 28 Oct 2008 01:52:52 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/27/reader-mailbag-34/#comment-403857 My earlier comment hasn't made it past the spam filter. I think it is silly to say that you aren't mad at wall street. I'm mad at wall street. I'm also mad at the people you say the blame lies with. But don't be confused, there is PLENTY of blame to go around. Wall street surely deserves some of it. I don't think it is necessary to save for retirement while in college. If you can, obviously that is great. If you can't, don't worry too much about it. My earlier comment hasn’t made it past the spam filter.

I think it is silly to say that you aren’t mad at wall street. I’m mad at wall street. I’m also mad at the people you say the blame lies with. But don’t be confused, there is PLENTY of blame to go around. Wall street surely deserves some of it.

I don’t think it is necessary to save for retirement while in college. If you can, obviously that is great. If you can’t, don’t worry too much about it.

]]> By: stephanie http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/27/reader-mailbag-34/comment-page-1/#comment-403847 stephanie Tue, 28 Oct 2008 01:32:30 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/27/reader-mailbag-34/#comment-403847 Liberal Fascism? Really? In that book, the author argues that eating organic food is fascist. What? Liberal Fascism? Really? In that book, the author argues that eating organic food is fascist. What?

]]> By: Wonko Beeblebrox http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/27/reader-mailbag-34/comment-page-1/#comment-403844 Wonko Beeblebrox Tue, 28 Oct 2008 01:20:15 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/27/reader-mailbag-34/#comment-403844 I find the Globe and Mail to be an excellent source of news. They, like the BBC, can cover the States and the world in a way that the US papers can't... US: feed://www.theglobeandmail.com/generated/rss/BN/HYAmerica.xml World: feed://www.theglobeandmail.com/generated/rss/BN/International.xml I find the Globe and Mail to be an excellent source of news. They, like the BBC, can cover the States and the world in a way that the US papers can’t…

US:
feed://www.theglobeandmail.com/generated/rss/BN/HYAmerica.xml

World:
feed://www.theglobeandmail.com/generated/rss/BN/International.xml

]]> By: Nick http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/27/reader-mailbag-34/comment-page-1/#comment-403815 Nick Tue, 28 Oct 2008 00:03:39 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/27/reader-mailbag-34/#comment-403815 As a student, I just don't have the money to worry about retirement right now. Between tuition, books, transportation, rent on my apartment, it's tough enough as it is, and I'm very frugal and go to a school with a very reasonable in-state tuition. It's either savings, or put more on plastic. As a student, I just don’t have the money to worry about retirement right now. Between tuition, books, transportation, rent on my apartment, it’s tough enough as it is, and I’m very frugal and go to a school with a very reasonable in-state tuition. It’s either savings, or put more on plastic.

]]> By: Stacey http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/27/reader-mailbag-34/comment-page-1/#comment-403743 Stacey Mon, 27 Oct 2008 20:56:59 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/27/reader-mailbag-34/#comment-403743 Rick, Just to defend myself... I worked 15-20 hours per week during the semester, full-time during breaks. My parents never paid a penny towards my tuition, room/board, ect. I also graduated with a 3.9 GPA, and a better sense of time management than most of my friends. Thanks for asking! My course of action isn't for everyone - but even if you've got $20 left each pay period, save for the future. Rick,

Just to defend myself… I worked 15-20 hours per week during the semester, full-time during breaks. My parents never paid a penny towards my tuition, room/board, ect. I also graduated with a 3.9 GPA, and a better sense of time management than most of my friends. Thanks for asking!

My course of action isn’t for everyone – but even if you’ve got $20 left each pay period, save for the future.

]]> By: SomeoneOutThere http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/27/reader-mailbag-34/comment-page-1/#comment-403733 SomeoneOutThere Mon, 27 Oct 2008 20:45:33 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/27/reader-mailbag-34/#comment-403733 Here's a *real* conservative publication. http://www.amconmag.com This is also a good (usually conservative) read. http://www.takimag.com/ Here’s a *real* conservative publication.

http://www.amconmag.com

This is also a good (usually conservative) read.

http://www.takimag.com/

]]> By: Elisabeth http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/27/reader-mailbag-34/comment-page-1/#comment-403727 Elisabeth Mon, 27 Oct 2008 20:39:34 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/27/reader-mailbag-34/#comment-403727 When you're talking about an oven and tea kettle, if it's in the summertime, don't forget about the cost of the AC making up for the heat produced. Although I guess you'd even it out in the winter... I would still think it wouldn't contribute too significantly to the electricity bill. When you’re talking about an oven and tea kettle, if it’s in the summertime, don’t forget about the cost of the AC making up for the heat produced. Although I guess you’d even it out in the winter… I would still think it wouldn’t contribute too significantly to the electricity bill.

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