Overheard at Work

[Just Joe]

Thank you for doing some of my homework! My sister got the kitchen training. I was busy out cutting the yard or changing the oil. Have lately been feeling the itch to learn to cook. Something else to share with DW, also have some ambitions to make some of the old family (grand parent) favorite dishes that I remember.

Also, our kitchen table is far more convenient than our countertops.

[gReed Smith]

25 yr old coworker (lives with his mom) pulls up in brand new Buick SUV with leather seats, etc.

Me:  Wow! Nice car.
CW: Thanks
Me: So I guess that's why you live with your mom (We're friends so I get to rib him a little)
CW: Ha! No, I paid cash for it
Me: Man, you gotta save your money
CW: I would say I did... and I used it to buy a car.

[Inaya]

Hey check your #tableprivilege! Not everyone has room for a table!

I prepare food in the 2 ft x 2 ft space between my stove and sink. Much of which is taken up by an Instant Pot. It is incredibly frustrating, and I don't begrudge anyone who prefers not to deal with it.

Did you ever look into buying a cutting board (or two) that fits over your stovetop and/or sink? They're cheap, and give you some extra counter space.

So, this may be a dumb question, but if I have a cutting board on the stovetop and/or sink, what do I cook on and where does the dirty cookware go? (Halfway tongue-in-cheek--lots of my IP recipes don't use the stove, so do use the stove as a surface then.)

Go buy Mark Bittman's How to Cook Everything Fast.  It has a lot of cut down recipes that will have food on the table in 30-45 minutes, including prep as you cook (written in fully chronological steps). 

Yes! Bittman's books are the best. I get them from the library--but if I couldn't get them for free, I would consider spending money on them.

[Dave1442397]

Hey check your #tableprivilege! Not everyone has room for a table!

I prepare food in the 2 ft x 2 ft space between my stove and sink. Much of which is taken up by an Instant Pot. It is incredibly frustrating, and I don't begrudge anyone who prefers not to deal with it.

Did you ever look into buying a cutting board (or two) that fits over your stovetop and/or sink? They're cheap, and give you some extra counter space.

So, this may be a dumb question, but if I have a cutting board on the stovetop and/or sink, what do I cook on and where does the dirty cookware go? (Halfway tongue-in-cheek--lots of my IP recipes don't use the stove, so do use the stove as a surface then.)

Go buy Mark Bittman's How to Cook Everything Fast.  It has a lot of cut down recipes that will have food on the table in 30-45 minutes, including prep as you cook (written in fully chronological steps). 

Yes! Bittman's books are the best. I get them from the library--but if I couldn't get them for free, I would consider spending money on them.

My idea of food prep is making a sandwich :) I hate cooking...I'll bake, but that's it.

[mtn]

Part of our problem though is a lack of counterspace to prepare food.

Do you have a table to eat at?  If so, why not use the table to prepare food?

Hey check your #tableprivilege! Not everyone has room for a table!

I prepare food in the 2 ft x 2 ft space between my stove and sink. Much of which is taken up by an Instant Pot. It is incredibly frustrating, and I don't begrudge anyone who prefers not to deal with it.

No, just a dining room table with a wall and doorway in between. You could use it, but it really would still be a pain in the hindquarters.

[mtn]

This is/was me. It is harder to make food for one or two people than it is for 3-7. When I was single, I'd do it a lot--mostly because I worked 2 jobs, and one of them was physical in nature so I didn't care what I ate nutrition wise. Now I'm married, we still eat out a lot because we're both very busy (and yes, we are legitimately busy--still 2 jobs, wife has one and helps take care of her mom).

We've migrated to a lot of prepared meals from Costco, which is slightly better, but still not all that healthy or financially sound. Part of our problem though is a lack of counterspace to prepare food.

I spent a year living in a small camper on the back of my truck.  I made almost all my meals with right about 2'x2' of counter space, and no oven.  Plenty of meals are no big deal.  Stir fry, steak, pasta, etc are easy with minimal prep area.

Next time you are at Costco get a set or two of Snapware (or similar good Tupperware like stuff).  Put it out as you dish out food.  Make food for 4 and you'll have dinner for 2 nights, or pre-done lunch leftovers.  Can be scales to 3x in many cases if you don't tire of stuff as easily as some.

Go buy Mark Bittman's How to Cook Everything Fast.  It has a lot of cut down recipes that will have food on the table in 30-45 minutes, including prep as you cook (written in fully chronological steps).

Wife works in the food world. I pride myself as an excellent cook. We know a lot of tricks, but at the end of the day when you have a small 1x1 area to cook it makes it hard.

Someday we might bump out our kitchen. And we have a lot of things in the kitchen that will have to move (seldom used pots and pans, for example that may afford us more room. In the meantime we make due with what we can.

[Jakejake]

You could offer to find her the label of a fancy-pants PB brand so she can tape it over her PB?

If I were that worried about the branding, I'd scoop it out and put it in a mason jar - and tell people it was "processed locally" - which would sort of be true.

[Kevin S.]

overhear co-worker talking about the state of home prices here in Denver (only going up , just now starting to slow down).

I told him that me and fiancé just decided to keep renting for the time being. Not wanting to gamble on throwing a bunch of money down on a house right now when rent is still right at what a same size house would cost if not a little less (for what we want at least  - 3 car garage, at least 1500 sq ft in the city).

He proceeds to tell me how renting is just a big money waste and he would rather live in a really crappy house then rent.

Then the other co worker chimes in and says they just built a house in south parker (fancy area) and the house came in right under 500k. Now I don't know what this guys finances are but I do know that he is probably late 50's(guessing) and makes 50k or less(know this for certain).

How in the actual f ! Unless this guy has some huge money laundering scheme / trust fund / sugar moma(s) I can't see how this makes any sense financially...

Then they started comparing trucks. Co worker has new a dodge ram and other co worker wants a new Silverado.

I sat down and continued eating my home made salad...so much fail

[mustachepungoeshere]

You could offer to find her the label of a fancy-pants PB brand so she can tape it over her PB?

If I were that worried about the branding, I'd scoop it out and put it in a mason jar - and tell people it was "processed locally" - which would sort of be true.

Did that with mustard when a particularly brand-obsessed friend came over for dinner. I think it's fine to do this if you know they don't have food allergies.

[Debts_of_Despair]

Since coworker got a job years ago at our employer that offers defined benefit pension, he has completely discontinued any other type of retirement savings.  The pension will be there to take care of him.

[scottish]

Is your employer the government?   i could tell you stories about disappearing DB plans in industry...

[Paul der Krake]

Defined contribution retirement plans are the single largest boost to early retirement.

It cracks me up when people here moan about how defined benefit pensions have been gutted. They were always a terrible deal for the enterprising worker.

[arebelspy]

Defined contribution retirement plans are the single largest boost to early retirement.

It cracks me up when people here moan about how defined benefit pensions have been gutted. They were always a terrible deal for the enterprising worker.

Agreed.  Besides all the drawbacks you're thinking of that make them bad for normal retirees, they're huge handcuffs for early retirees.

[SwordGuy]

Did you ever look into buying a cutting board (or two) that fits over your stovetop and/or sink? They're cheap, and give you some extra counter space.

I have a rule in my house.  Nothing gets stored on a stovetop or in the oven that will burn.  Ever.

Just like you automate your savings so you don't forget to save, you set up routines that keep you from burning down the house.   FYI - a cat CAN turn on the burners on top of the stove.

Now, a cutting board over the sink, that's a good idea!

[arebelspy]

Did you ever look into buying a cutting board (or two) that fits over your stovetop and/or sink? They're cheap, and give you some extra counter space.

I have a rule in my house.  Nothing gets stored on a stovetop or in the oven that will burn.  Ever.

Just like you automate your savings so you don't forget to save, you set up routines that keep you from burning down the house.   FYI - a cat CAN turn on the burners on top of the stove.

Now, a cutting board over the sink, that's a good idea!

I like this, just shared with the wife and we're implementing.  I don't think we ever have, but now it's a conscious decision we're aware of.  Thanks!

[Metric Mouse]

Did you ever look into buying a cutting board (or two) that fits over your stovetop and/or sink? They're cheap, and give you some extra counter space.

I have a rule in my house.  Nothing gets stored on a stovetop or in the oven that will burn.  Ever.

Just like you automate your savings so you don't forget to save, you set up routines that keep you from burning down the house.   FYI - a cat CAN turn on the burners on top of the stove.

Now, a cutting board over the sink, that's a good idea!

I actually turned the cut-out pieces of countertop from my sinkwells into cutting boards. They're awesome, and would have been thrown away anyway.

[Linda_Norway]

Did you ever look into buying a cutting board (or two) that fits over your stovetop and/or sink? They're cheap, and give you some extra counter space.

I have a rule in my house.  Nothing gets stored on a stovetop or in the oven that will burn.  Ever.

Just like you automate your savings so you don't forget to save, you set up routines that keep you from burning down the house.   FYI - a cat CAN turn on the burners on top of the stove.

Now, a cutting board over the sink, that's a good idea!

Here in Norway kitchens traditionally often had a cutting board right under the counter, that they can pull out like a drawer. Like this:
http://www.imgrum.net/media/1199383242750159697_40867937

This is the modern version of it, a separate board that fits on top of a drawer:
http://fossline.no/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/fjoel_paa_skuff.jpg

My friend uses a board like this to cut bread. I imagine that the access crumbs end up in the drawer.

I think people generally store too much stuff on their counter. But maybe that is because they have too little room in the cupboards.

[Debts_of_Despair]

Is your employer the government?   i could tell you stories about disappearing DB plans in industry...

Yes, but that is no guarantee of anything.  The point is that it's foolish to depend solely on your pension, even if you don't plan to FIRE.

[paddedhat]

Did you ever look into buying a cutting board (or two) that fits over your stovetop and/or sink? They're cheap, and give you some extra counter space.

I have a rule in my house.  Nothing gets stored on a stovetop or in the oven that will burn.  Ever.

Just like you automate your savings so you don't forget to save, you set up routines that keep you from burning down the house.  FYI - a cat CAN turn on the burners on top of the stove.

Now, a cutting board over the sink, that's a good idea!

I've mentioned it here in the past. I had a young guy working for me who lost his home in similar circumstances. He and his new bride were heading down the street to grab some pizza on a Friday night. They had a dog who had a bad habit of tearing the garbage up, so they put the can on the kitchen counter. They returned to a fully engulfed townhouse, surrounded by a real circus of emergency responders. The dog was rescued and the fire marshall quickly determined that the dog had been on the counter, enjoying the garbage that he spilled all over the stove, and managed to turn the stove on.

[TheGrimSqueaker]

Did you ever look into buying a cutting board (or two) that fits over your stovetop and/or sink? They're cheap, and give you some extra counter space.

I have a rule in my house.  Nothing gets stored on a stovetop or in the oven that will burn.  Ever.

Just like you automate your savings so you don't forget to save, you set up routines that keep you from burning down the house.  FYI - a cat CAN turn on the burners on top of the stove.

Now, a cutting board over the sink, that's a good idea!

I've mentioned it here in the past. I had a young guy working for me who lost his home in similar circumstances. He and his new bride were heading down the street to grab some pizza on a Friday night. They had a dog who had a bad habit of tearing the garbage up, so they put the can on the kitchen counter. They returned to a fully engulfed townhouse, surrounded by a real circus of emergency responders. The dog was rescued and the fire marshall quickly determined that the dog had been on the counter, enjoying the garbage that he spilled all over the stove, and managed to turn the stove on.

Another reason to love my wheelchair-accessible stove, then: no pet induced drama. The dials are on the front, so you don't have to reach across burners to get to them. Since I do a lot of canning, I appreciate not having the knobs get in the way of vats of boiling water and vinegar.

[Just Joe]

But you have to be careful about little kids turning the knobs. Not a problem as I recall from your stories.

[paddedhat]

Did you ever look into buying a cutting board (or two) that fits over your stovetop and/or sink? They're cheap, and give you some extra counter space.

I have a rule in my house.  Nothing gets stored on a stovetop or in the oven that will burn.  Ever.

Just like you automate your savings so you don't forget to save, you set up routines that keep you from burning down the house.  FYI - a cat CAN turn on the burners on top of the stove.

Now, a cutting board over the sink, that's a good idea!

I've mentioned it here in the past. I had a young guy working for me who lost his home in similar circumstances. He and his new bride were heading down the street to grab some pizza on a Friday night. They had a dog who had a bad habit of tearing the garbage up, so they put the can on the kitchen counter. They returned to a fully engulfed townhouse, surrounded by a real circus of emergency responders. The dog was rescued and the fire marshall quickly determined that the dog had been on the counter, enjoying the garbage that he spilled all over the stove, and managed to turn the stove on.

Another reason to love my wheelchair-accessible stove, then: no pet induced drama. The dials are on the front, so you don't have to reach across burners to get to them. Since I do a lot of canning, I appreciate not having the knobs get in the way of vats of boiling water and vinegar.

LOL, the dog was able to burn the place to the ground, since it WAS a front control unit. Full disclosure however, it was one of those "back in the day" units that had push buttons instead of knobs. I recently paid for an ADA accessible stove for a family friend who had added an inlaw suite for his disabled sibling. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that it was reasonably priced, since my wife is disabled and there are certain sectors of the ADA market who delight in screwing their customers with horrendous overpricing.

[Debts_of_Despair]

Defined contribution retirement plans are the single largest boost to early retirement.

It cracks me up when people here moan about how defined benefit pensions have been gutted. They were always a terrible deal for the enterprising worker.

It has it's benefits and drawbacks.  Pulling 60% of your salary for life starting at age 55 isn't so bad.  Some might even argue that 55 IS RE.

[MrMoogle]

Defined contribution retirement plans are the single largest boost to early retirement.

It cracks me up when people here moan about how defined benefit pensions have been gutted. They were always a terrible deal for the enterprising worker.

It has it's benefits and drawbacks.  Pulling 60% of your salary for life starting at age 55 isn't so bad.  Some might even argue that 55 IS RE.

It is if you have to stay in the same company for 30 or more years.  In my industry in the 80's (when pensions were still a thing locally) people job hopped a lot.  Companies would lay off after a contract ended, or companies were created just for a specific contract (and therefore close it when the contract was over).  And people would follow contracts, as they were awarded to the next company.  Even then, if you didn't job hop, your salary would stagnate, so your salary at 55 is much lower. 

[With This Herring]

I prepare food in the 2 ft x 2 ft space between my stove and sink. Much of which is taken up by an Instant Pot. It is incredibly frustrating, and I don't begrudge anyone who prefers not to deal with it.

That sounds maddening.  Could you get a little rolling cart or small table for the Instant Pot?  We have a little rolling cart that stores the dried beans and DBF's coffee things.

[Carless]

I prepare food in the 2 ft x 2 ft space between my stove and sink. Much of which is taken up by an Instant Pot. It is incredibly frustrating, and I don't begrudge anyone who prefers not to deal with it.

That sounds maddening.  Could you get a little rolling cart or small table for the Instant Pot?  We have a little rolling cart that stores the dried beans and DBF's coffee things.

Could you install a shelf and put the instant pot there?  Take the insert down and fill it, and just leave the machine there?  I did that at one apartment with the toaster oven to save counter space.

[TheGrimSqueaker]

I prepare food in the 2 ft x 2 ft space between my stove and sink. Much of which is taken up by an Instant Pot. It is incredibly frustrating, and I don't begrudge anyone who prefers not to deal with it.

That sounds maddening.  Could you get a little rolling cart or small table for the Instant Pot?  We have a little rolling cart that stores the dried beans and DBF's coffee things.

If the ceiling isn't too high, have you considered getting or making a rack that allows you to suspend pots, pans and other larger items from it? I've known people who have done this over the sink or over the counter area. I don't recommend putting them over your stove because they will get filthy from the spatters that happen when food gets cooked.

[PMG]

I prepare food in the 2 ft x 2 ft space between my stove and sink. Much of which is taken up by an Instant Pot. It is incredibly frustrating, and I don't begrudge anyone who prefers not to deal with it.

That sounds maddening.  Could you get a little rolling cart or small table for the Instant Pot?  We have a little rolling cart that stores the dried beans and DBF's coffee things.

If the ceiling isn't too high, have you considered getting or making a rack that allows you to suspend pots, pans and other larger items from it? I've known people who have done this over the sink or over the counter area. I don't recommend putting them over your stove because they will get filthy from the spatters that happen when food gets cooked.

I'm in the same situation. About 16"x24" but I use the instant pot on the floor.

Maybe we need a tiny kitchen thread.

[BDWW]

I prepare food in the 2 ft x 2 ft space between my stove and sink. Much of which is taken up by an Instant Pot. It is incredibly frustrating, and I don't begrudge anyone who prefers not to deal with it.

That sounds maddening.  Could you get a little rolling cart or small table for the Instant Pot?  We have a little rolling cart that stores the dried beans and DBF's coffee things.

If the ceiling isn't too high, have you considered getting or making a rack that allows you to suspend pots, pans and other larger items from it? I've known people who have done this over the sink or over the counter area. I don't recommend putting them over your stove because they will get filthy from the spatters that happen when food gets cooked.

Man I hate those things, and things hanging from the ceiling in general. My family is short, with me being the only (mild, 6'1) exception. I have to bob and weave whenever I go home.  I'm not sure how they even make sense for a short person. If they're high enough so you won't run into them when leaning over a counter/stove, doesn't that make them a pain to reach?

[Gal2016]

Defined contribution retirement plans are the single largest boost to early retirement.

It cracks me up when people here moan about how defined benefit pensions have been gutted. They were always a terrible deal for the enterprising worker.

It has it's benefits and drawbacks.  Pulling 60% of your salary for life starting at age 55 isn't so bad.  Some might even argue that 55 IS RE.

My husband has a government pension we're banking on.  His will allow him to retire at 53. Benefits for life, plus access to medical insurance. I have 2 pension plans I'm vested in, along with 403B.  Every little bit helps.  Of course, like lots of folks, we really didn't start thinking about retirement until it was too, too late to get much of a jump start on it.

[marielle]

I prepare food in the 2 ft x 2 ft space between my stove and sink. Much of which is taken up by an Instant Pot. It is incredibly frustrating, and I don't begrudge anyone who prefers not to deal with it.

That sounds maddening.  Could you get a little rolling cart or small table for the Instant Pot?  We have a little rolling cart that stores the dried beans and DBF's coffee things.

If the ceiling isn't too high, have you considered getting or making a rack that allows you to suspend pots, pans and other larger items from it? I've known people who have done this over the sink or over the counter area. I don't recommend putting them over your stove because they will get filthy from the spatters that happen when food gets cooked.

I'm in the same situation. About 16"x24" but I use the instant pot on the floor.

Maybe we need a tiny kitchen thread.

I think we do need a tiny kitchen thread. Mine is a typical small apartment kitchen but I have SO MUCH STUFF. I put a ton of nails in my walls just to hang measuring cups, spoons, and spatulas/large spoons. Also, I have a large spice rack over the laundry door with 50+ spices and a few extra bottles of things. The pantry is tiny, four shelves 1 ft x 2 ft in size. Stuff on top of stuff! With a bread machine, waffle maker, giant blender, and toaster oven being out most of the time there is very little space to work with. I store my large amounts of rice, flour, and oil in the laundry room that is right next to the kitchen.

[Digital Dogma]

I prepare food in the 2 ft x 2 ft space between my stove and sink. Much of which is taken up by an Instant Pot. It is incredibly frustrating, and I don't begrudge anyone who prefers not to deal with it.

That sounds maddening.  Could you get a little rolling cart or small table for the Instant Pot?  We have a little rolling cart that stores the dried beans and DBF's coffee things.

If the ceiling isn't too high, have you considered getting or making a rack that allows you to suspend pots, pans and other larger items from it? I've known people who have done this over the sink or over the counter area. I don't recommend putting them over your stove because they will get filthy from the spatters that happen when food gets cooked.

I'm in the same situation. About 16"x24" but I use the instant pot on the floor.

Maybe we need a tiny kitchen thread.

I think we do need a tiny kitchen thread. Mine is a typical small apartment kitchen but I have SO MUCH STUFF. I put a ton of nails in my walls just to hang measuring cups, spoons, and spatulas/large spoons. Also, I have a large spice rack over the laundry door with 50+ spices and a few extra bottles of things. The pantry is tiny, four shelves 1 ft x 2 ft in size. Stuff on top of stuff! With a bread machine, waffle maker, giant blender, and toaster oven being out most of the time there is very little space to work with. I store my large amounts of rice, flour, and oil in the laundry room that is right next to the kitchen.

I'll join you all in your tiny kitchen thread if it gets going! I've also got a tiny kitchen and try to squeeze all I can into it while still leaving some counter space left. I've found that using Ikea-style shelving thats made of several long thin steel bars, we can put S-hooks under these and store all of our pots, pans, strainers, utensils, etc on them in an easy-to-reach space.
We also have a shelf just outside the kitchen that stores our slow cooker, pressure cooker, coffee maker, rice cooker, mixer, blender, bread maker, and soda stream, with all our Ball jars up top. This way when we are finished using the cookers (even if the inner pots/crocks are dirty) we put the big hulk back on the shelf to reclaim our counter space once more. Sorry for foam.

[PMG]

Tiny kitchen thread is here. http://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/share-your-badassity/tiny-kitchen-talk/

[TheGrimSqueaker]

I prepare food in the 2 ft x 2 ft space between my stove and sink. Much of which is taken up by an Instant Pot. It is incredibly frustrating, and I don't begrudge anyone who prefers not to deal with it.

That sounds maddening.  Could you get a little rolling cart or small table for the Instant Pot?  We have a little rolling cart that stores the dried beans and DBF's coffee things.

If the ceiling isn't too high, have you considered getting or making a rack that allows you to suspend pots, pans and other larger items from it? I've known people who have done this over the sink or over the counter area. I don't recommend putting them over your stove because they will get filthy from the spatters that happen when food gets cooked.

Man I hate those things, and things hanging from the ceiling in general. My family is short, with me being the only (mild, 6'1) exception. I have to bob and weave whenever I go home.  I'm not sure how they even make sense for a short person. If they're high enough so you won't run into them when leaning over a counter/stove, doesn't that make them a pain to reach?

No more than cabinets, really. It's an optimization exercise but it does require some design and planning.

The idea is to hang the pots and pans at a height where the lowest point is about an inch above your head, wherever that happens to be. But something hanging at 6'1" can still be easily and safely grasped by a person 5' tall if it's overhead or within easy reach of the edge of the counter. Putting it overhead in the middle of, say, a kitchen island will make it difficult for a short person. So the idea many people have of putting the racks or hooks right next to a wall with a counter in front is not good.

[MgoSam]

Yes, I'm going to be "that guy," but as there is now a thread for Tiny Kitchens, can we please go back to mocking our co-workers' unmustachian behaviors?

[Rufus.T.Firefly]

Sure! I'll offer up what I think is a pretty rough story. I've worked with a particular co-worker for about 5 years now. While this was not apparent to me immediately, I realized that both he and his wife eat out for nearly every single meal, every single day.

They both work and have to commute, so I think it's done partially out of convenience and partially out of loving the "dining-out" experience.

I don't think they eat at fancy restaurants most of the time. But they eat out at least once per day and sometimes on the weekends. I've picked up on this from casual conversations over time.

This lead me to do some rough calculations. I think this is a fairly conservative estimate: $10/meal x 2 people x 5 days/week x 2 times/day x 52 weeks = $10,400/year

Wow. Mind Blown.

[RysChristensen]

Since I'm self-employed, it's more of a 'heard from clients'.

One older couple is lovely, great people, always nice. I figure they're probably in their early 60's. The husband sells real estate, and the wife just got a new office job since I guess real estate has been slow. They went away a month or so ago, and I took care of the dog. She had to wait for the new job's first paycheck to be able to start paying off the vacation bill (with a few other walks), of $400. I can't even. How do you know you're living on a wildly fluctuating income and not have even a tiny buffer?? I would be nauseous with that little flexibility.

And from another client (not for the first time), I'll let the picture speak for itself. (If I can get it to appear)

[Raenia]

One of my close coworkers keeps talking about how he wants to save more money this year and spend less. Of course, he is still buying lunch from the cafeteria every day of the week instead of packing food (at $6-10/day).  And this is after he spent a ton of money last year on ... Cooking classes!  *facepalm*

[Linda_Norway]

One of my colleagues says almost every day to me: I should do like you and bring my own lunch, but it is such a hassle to prepare lunch.

At my work we can eat for a fixed price. It is not expensive compared to other canteens, but it is quite a sum if you calculate what it costs per month (multiplied by 22 working days). And it is for me very tempting to overeat. I went up several kilos in weight when I started working there.

[marielle]

A ton of people at work eat out for lunch everyday. Mostly cheap stuff like subway or bojangles since that's all there is in the area, but they also drive 5-6 miles total just to get lunch. A lot of them make much less money than me...some as low as $10.50 an hour. Also, almost everyone uses the vending machine for snacks and soda. It gets filled twice a week and there are only 70 employees. I've eaten out twice (both times paid by the company) and got fries one time (I was starving and that's all I could eat with my diet...I think I forgot lunch that day).

[Just Joe]

We can eat well at the company cafeteria for $5. I don't do that every day but its nice not to leave work to go get food if you didn't bring it with you. I have coworkers who eat out every single day. In an effort to save money they'll got get the $5 fastfood platter somewhere. I did that with them recently and it was okay once in a blue moon. Can't imagine doing it daily. Just not enough variety to eat fried fast food and drink sodas daily.

[Baking Powder]

A little bit ago I showed a coworker that I paid 2500 from my last bi-weekly check to my student loan. My goal is to pay 4000 per month, meaning I paid 1500 out of the first check of the month.

He exclaimed, "Wow, I wish I had that much extra money every month!" This from a guy who has 10k in CC debt, is paying for a house in the Bay Area, is paying for a brand new huge truck and a new car and hardly ever works OT when it's offered.

He knows I work nearly every single hour I can possibly get, sometimes 75 hours per week. He also knows I rent a small studio with no kitchen and have lived out of my car for months at a time and refuse to buy the newest gadget coming out every week.

Our financial lives are a complete contrast, yet he wishes he had 4000 extra dollars every month. I told him it isn't extra, I just didn't spend it so that I could pay down debt with it, instead. He can't understand my mindset... you are SUPPOSED to buy a house and have nice vehicles to drive so that people know you are doing well.

[Fomerly known as something]

Did you ever look into buying a cutting board (or two) that fits over your stovetop and/or sink? They're cheap, and give you some extra counter space.

I have a rule in my house.  Nothing gets stored on a stovetop or in the oven that will burn.  Ever.

Just like you automate your savings so you don't forget to save, you set up routines that keep you from burning down the house.   FYI - a cat CAN turn on the burners on top of the stove.

Now, a cutting board over the sink, that's a good idea!

Here in Norway kitchens traditionally often had a cutting board right under the counter, that they can pull out like a drawer. Like this:
http://www.imgrum.net/media/1199383242750159697_40867937

This is the modern version of it, a separate board that fits on top of a drawer:
http://fossline.no/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/fjoel_paa_skuff.jpg

My friend uses a board like this to cut bread. I imagine that the access crumbs end up in the drawer.

I think people generally store too much stuff on their counter. But maybe that is because they have too little room in the cupboards.

We had one of those when my parents house was built in 1982.  I wonder why they stopped making them in the US.

[boarder42]

Did you ever look into buying a cutting board (or two) that fits over your stovetop and/or sink? They're cheap, and give you some extra counter space.

I have a rule in my house.  Nothing gets stored on a stovetop or in the oven that will burn.  Ever.

Just like you automate your savings so you don't forget to save, you set up routines that keep you from burning down the house.   FYI - a cat CAN turn on the burners on top of the stove.

Now, a cutting board over the sink, that's a good idea!

Here in Norway kitchens traditionally often had a cutting board right under the counter, that they can pull out like a drawer. Like this:
http://www.imgrum.net/media/1199383242750159697_40867937

This is the modern version of it, a separate board that fits on top of a drawer:
http://fossline.no/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/fjoel_paa_skuff.jpg

My friend uses a board like this to cut bread. I imagine that the access crumbs end up in the drawer.

I think people generally store too much stuff on their counter. But maybe that is because they have too little room in the cupboards.

We had one of those when my parents house was built in 1982.  I wonder why they stopped making them in the US.

wouldnt work for me thats far to short for my height.  normal counter height is borderline. 

[Goldielocks]

Sure! I'll offer up what I think is a pretty rough story. I've worked with a particular co-worker for about 5 years now. While this was not apparent to me immediately, I realized that both he and his wife eat out for nearly every single meal, every single day.

They both work and have to commute, so I think it's done partially out of convenience and partially out of loving the "dining-out" experience.

I don't think they eat at fancy restaurants most of the time. But they eat out at least once per day and sometimes on the weekends. I've picked up on this from casual conversations over time.

This lead me to do some rough calculations. I think this is a fairly conservative estimate: $10/meal x 2 people x 5 days/week x 2 times/day x 52 weeks = $10,400/year

Wow. Mind Blown.

Reminds me of a former boss (a VP with a working spouse and three boys).   He told me once about a super sale Costco (about 40 min drive away) was having on paper plates.   I agreed that it was a great deal, but not worth it to me, because I have trouble going through 40 paper plates a year (birthday parties).

He was amazed... That was when I found out the otherwise mustachian boss used paper plates for EVERY meal... because it made for no dishes.   and this was a place that charged $75 per month for the large trash / recycling can...

[Reynold]

Agreed there are differences, but I fail to see how someone with the attitude/capacity/work ethic to understand business finance cannot learn about personal finance. And these folks are everywhere.

That is what struck me when many years ago I read a Personal Finance column in Money magazine where the topic was about actually looking for the first time at how much you owed on credit cards and paying it off, and the author used himself as the case study.  Why would I take personal financial advice from someone who didn't even pay off their credit cards? 

[arebelspy]

Reminds me of a former boss (a VP with a working spouse and three boys).   He told me once about a super sale Costco (about 40 min drive away) was having on paper plates.   I agreed that it was a great deal, but not worth it to me, because I have trouble going through 40 paper plates a year (birthday parties).

He was amazed... That was when I found out the otherwise mustachian boss used paper plates for EVERY meal... because it made for no dishes.   and this was a place that charged $75 per month for the large trash / recycling can...

The wife and I discussed doing this recently.

Decided not to, because environment, but the money aspect very well could be worth it if you hate dishes.

[dragoncar]

Reminds me of a former boss (a VP with a working spouse and three boys).   He told me once about a super sale Costco (about 40 min drive away) was having on paper plates.   I agreed that it was a great deal, but not worth it to me, because I have trouble going through 40 paper plates a year (birthday parties).

He was amazed... That was when I found out the otherwise mustachian boss used paper plates for EVERY meal... because it made for no dishes.   and this was a place that charged $75 per month for the large trash / recycling can...

The wife and I discussed doing this recently.

Decided not to, because environment, but the money aspect very well could be worth it if you hate dishes.

Just eat directly out of the take-out container.  Save tons of money on paper plates!

[Goldielocks]

Reminds me of a former boss (a VP with a working spouse and three boys).   He told me once about a super sale Costco (about 40 min drive away) was having on paper plates.   I agreed that it was a great deal, but not worth it to me, because I have trouble going through 40 paper plates a year (birthday parties).

He was amazed... That was when I found out the otherwise mustachian boss used paper plates for EVERY meal... because it made for no dishes.   and this was a place that charged $75 per month for the large trash / recycling can...

The wife and I discussed doing this recently.

Decided not to, because environment, but the money aspect very well could be worth it if you hate dishes.

Just eat directly out of the take-out container.  Save tons of money on paper plates!

Yeah,,, but he had 3 boys, isn't this what children are for?!

[With This Herring]

wouldnt work for me thats far to short for my height.  normal counter height is borderline boarderline.

Fixed that for you.  ;)