Work, Work, Work, Bankrupt, Bankrupt, Bankrupt

Had a heck of a time with my computer.  Computer crashes and unfortunately, I am on Windows XP Pro…….took almost 3 weeks to find my original “full version” disc.  Then after Windows is reinstalled, my video card takes a dump…..lol……yet another reason to have an emergency fund?  You betcha.  Look at it objectively, my computer is just under 5 years old (ancient by today’s standards) and the average life expectancy most likely is not much beyond that.  If I had just put back $5 per check, I could have walked into a Wal-Mart and simply purchased another computer ($5 x 26 =$130 x 5 =$650).  Oh well……

I call Monday to schedule our appointment with the bankruptcy attorney.  Yep, the time has arrived; however, I am still border-line shocked that we have been able to ride this out this long without being sued, garnished, etc.  Unreal.  Looking back on it, at times I wish we had simply sucked it up and put our noses to the grind stone a little tighter……then again, I am already working 13.5 hours per day on average and that is enough.  If Capital One and the rest of the gang want to figure it out, simply do not extend credit beyond what that person should be able to reasonably afford.  As with my job, I still struggle with the decision from time to time, but we are just ready for the crap to stop.

LOL, for the most part, I actually love to screw with the collectors.  Heck, might as well make it fun, right?  For some ideas to what to do when a collection specialist calls your home:

Simply take the phone off of the hook and see how long the collector stays on the line saying “Hello?”  LOL, one working for Home Depot held the line for 8 minutes.  Other times, I will answer the phone in a really cheerful voice, listen to their scripted opening speech and then simply mess with them.  Most of the collectors do not understand our indifferent attitude to the entire situation.

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OK, I have waited (purposefully) until this week to purchase a new winter coat. We do not have very many good consignment shops in this area, so when I purchase clothes, the purchases are typically made when the store is attempting to free up space for the next quarter. We purchased a coat that had been originally retailed at $69 for $11.99 Yes, I will take that deal any day of the week, but especially now with the temps hovering in the low 20’s and a wind chill factor of zero. You can find many of the same deals, you just have to look for them + be willing to wait. Most stores are currently freeing up space for Spring clothing, the winter items are going to be marked down (which is still a profit for them, sadly enough), so now is the time to buy not only for the remainder of this winter, but for next year as well. Found any good deals lately?

 Frugal Living

Many people often confuse living a frugal life with not having anything.  In fact, living frugally is not living without, it is living smarter (not to mention cheaper).  Being frugal on purchases shows that the person has thought through the purchase.  Frugality also shows that the purchaser has made every attempt to obtain an item by the lowest price possible.

I offer a living example:  a movie date versus watching a DVD at home, etc.  Recently, my wife and I took my 6 year old son to see “Alvin and the Chipmunks”.  A wonderful family outing.  Tickets cost $19.  A popcorn and soda combo was another $10.  Total cost of the movie was $29, right?  Nope.  You have to examine the “hidden” costs of the outing.  We live in an ultra-small town, the movie theatre is in the next town.  Gas was about $5 roundtrip.  Of course, we made a day of it and ate out at our favorite restaurant ($46).  Total cost of the $29 movie?  $80.  How could we have duplicated this day and still had nice, quiet quality time as a family?  This is a no-brainer.  Movie rentals at Wal-Mart are $1 per day.  Gas would have cost us $2 round trip.  Popcorn and drinks would have been about $2.  We could have ordered pizza for $20.  Total cost could have been $25.  This means that our 4 hour jaunt could have been parlayed into a comfortable evening with my wonderful family and saved $58.  Huge difference.  But, you say, you can not rent a first run movie.  This is true.  My son is 6 years old.  Do you honestly think he would really notice the difference within a week?  Nope, not at all.

Nearly every facet of our lives can be lived frugally.  For instance, our family tries to primarily eat organic foods.  They taste better and have been proven to be better for you.  We used to shop for organics exclusively at Earth Fare; however, a local supermarket has recently begun increasing its organic footprint.  The price difference is almost 40% for the exact same items.  40%!  Same food, lower price.  To boot, the supermarket is much closer to our home, so we are saving more gas money.  With gas over $3 per gallon, saving fuel everywhere we can is a big help to our finances. 

As you can see, we try our best to save on prices where we can, when we can.  If it means going to multiple stores, so be it.  If it means clipping coupons, then get the scissors out.  You have to look for bargains because from my experience, bargains do not simply fall out of the sky into your lap.  That is the reason they are called bargains.  Do not forget to calculate the hidden costs of your bargains.  The primary hidden costs are time spent and gas.

Of course, living frugally is usually frowned upon.  Sure, people always like to announce the good deal they received here or there, but can it become a lifestyle?  Of course living frugally can be a lifestyle.  Why can it not be?  Outside of personal choice, there is absolutely no reason you can not find a multitude of items at a reduced price.  You have to buckle down and decide to put forth the effort.  Your bank account will thank you