I get a lot of invitations for multi-level-marketing parties (Stampin Up, Pampered Chef, Longaberger Baskets, etc). It’s kind of a social pressure situation – the stuff is overpriced but if you know the hostess or demonstrator you want to help them out. There certainly were a lot of exceptions to the 3-day rule but if you’re like me it’s good to know that most MLM party purchases qualify.

A couple of years ago a young man came to my door selling magazine subscriptions to “raise money for his school”. I didn’t want any of the magazines but I wanted to help him out so I said I would like to make a donation directly to the school. He said he would get back to me with the information but I never saw him again.

“No, thank you. Not interested. Goodbye.”

If the person is someone I know, or from a cause I respect, I soften the blow this way:

“Thank you, but I have a firm policy about not responding to calls like this, even if I am sympathetic. I respond only to materials that arrive in the mail.”

(Note that I say “response,” which doesn’t necessarily mean “purchase” or “donate” and leaves me free to make my own decisions in private.)

This standard response does the job and saves me from having to think up something new every time. Anything I want to know about or purchase, I can research for myself. I owe nothing to strangers who intrude on my life. The probability that such a person is peddling something I want or need and can obtain in no other way is zero.

The first article was interesting…opportunities like that have presented themselves to me TWICE this week. The first one was a meat salesman, and the second was a furniture company with a truck full that they said they were selling at cost, due to a delivery problem. Mmmhmm. I resisted, but still, I could feel the temptation to buy without thinking.

I think you reviewed the book, “The Millionare Next Door” and it’s a great read in any economic period, but I think it’s especially important in today’s economy.

The principles of:

- living a middle class life (even if you resources beyond middle class living)
- buying a reliable car (Honda or Toyota)
- living in a house that is just right (3 bedroom)
- living in a solid neighborhood (not ritzy)
- and just living below your means in general

especially important and I think are ggreat “frugal” bits of information!

I wrote a “get your house in order for the economic dowturn” back in Oct and I think it has some good, frugal living tips, as well: http://www.scordo.com/blog/2008/10/get-your-house-in-order-for-th.html

Best,
Vince

Best,
Vince

Cheers,
Jim

I don’t know if this is considered bad form, but I wrote an article last week that I think might some of the readers here may enjoy. It’s called “The Best Way To Save Money This Christmas.” Please click my link below to check it out.

I’m only putting this out there because I feel passionately about what I have written. Thank you Trent for all of your writing!

And thanks for the mention!