Mustachian People Problems (just for fun)

[Taran Wanderer]

Two MPP's today:

1)  Tax and employer-paid medical insurance dominate our expenses so much that everything else is crammed into less than half of Quicken's standard pie chart.

2)  Saw an article about "Super Savers" on CNBC.  Sent it to DW.  She said she we obviously don't qualify because save too much and that what they call "Super Savers" is what she always thought was "normal".  https://www.cnbc.com/2020/08/07/super-savers-make-these-sacrifices-to-help-them-reach-their-goals.html?&qsearchterm=super%20saver

I love how that article lists "no housecleaner" as a "sacrifice" --as if every normal household hires someone to clean their house for them.

That's because those super savers are not defined by the % of their income saved, but by the total amount.
If you can save 17'100 dollar it's extremely likely you are not earning minimum wage (Where a 30% savings rate would qualify you to me as a super saver), but more likely six figures. Then of course it is easy to save 30% if you don't hire cleaners or dog walkers like your peers.

The article was describing these "super-savers" as saving more than 10% of their income.  We save more like 35-40% in a normal year with lots of discretionary travel.  For me, travel should be #3 or 4 in expenses behind taxes, housing, and maybe food.  This is a weird year (right?), so travel is zero since March, and we're pushing 50% savings (pre-tax).

[Monerexia]

Two MPP's today:

1)  Tax and employer-paid medical insurance dominate our expenses so much that everything else is crammed into less than half of Quicken's standard pie chart.

2)  Saw an article about "Super Savers" on CNBC.  Sent it to DW.  She said she we obviously don't qualify because save too much and that what they call "Super Savers" is what she always thought was "normal".  https://www.cnbc.com/2020/08/07/super-savers-make-these-sacrifices-to-help-them-reach-their-goals.html?&qsearchterm=super%20saver

I love how that article lists "no housecleaner" as a "sacrifice" --as if every normal household hires someone to clean their house for them.

I'm more amazed that a higher percentage of them are willing to downsize their house and car but not give up the house cleaner...

Heck yeah I’d rather have a smaller house and a house cleaner than a larger house to clean myself. Then again, in HCOL areas the cost of a house cleaner is dwarfed by the cost of housing itself so the two aren’t that comparable.

House cleaners have saved countless arguments between my husband and me. That is priceless. Currently due to me no longer working and him doing one more year, plus covid, I’m doing the cleaning. I am CONSTANTLY cleaning something and the damn house is never clean because I can only do a little bit at a time. It is frustrating. It is a good exercise to better appreciate the service they provide, but I can’t wait to go back to hiring that bit out.

I agree. We’ve had our cleaner for a year, and the difference is huge. DH used to do the cleaning, and while adequate, the quality of work is just not as good as a good deep cleaning by our house cleaner. We live in a 1200 square foot apartment and don’t have a car, and I’m happy to give up square footage and a vehicle to have a house cleaner.

When I read the article I was initially impressed that these people were saving $17000+. Then I realized that’s how much they were saving $17K per year, not per month. I guess it’s hard to know whether or not that is an impressive amount, since we don’t know their income.

I had a house cleaner for a couple of years. I loved it. It was so nice to come home to a clean home on Friday. I stopped the service because I went traveling but I am contemplating getting it back. I hate cleaning and it never is as good. Especially the kitchen and bathroom. It was definitely worth the money.

It baffles me sometime how I can spend X hours cleaning and at the end it isn’t as clean as when the professionals do the job. I suppose that is why they are professionals.

And I agree with you: I LOVE coming  home to a clean house on Friday after a long week. Aaaahhh

I have hired cleaners twice and experience with them has been terrible. First time she quoted me a price then brought a friend and turns out after hours the price was per person and i was held hostage or felt like their family members would hunt me down. Second time years later the one in the kitchen broke my stove which I found the next day and the one in the bathroom ruined the porcelain in my toilet and bathtub--looked like she cleaned it with a butterknife in a stabbing motion? WTF right?

[Plina]

Two MPP's today:

1)  Tax and employer-paid medical insurance dominate our expenses so much that everything else is crammed into less than half of Quicken's standard pie chart.

2)  Saw an article about "Super Savers" on CNBC.  Sent it to DW.  She said she we obviously don't qualify because save too much and that what they call "Super Savers" is what she always thought was "normal".  https://www.cnbc.com/2020/08/07/super-savers-make-these-sacrifices-to-help-them-reach-their-goals.html?&qsearchterm=super%20saver

I love how that article lists "no housecleaner" as a "sacrifice" --as if every normal household hires someone to clean their house for them.

I'm more amazed that a higher percentage of them are willing to downsize their house and car but not give up the house cleaner...

Heck yeah I’d rather have a smaller house and a house cleaner than a larger house to clean myself. Then again, in HCOL areas the cost of a house cleaner is dwarfed by the cost of housing itself so the two aren’t that comparable.

House cleaners have saved countless arguments between my husband and me. That is priceless. Currently due to me no longer working and him doing one more year, plus covid, I’m doing the cleaning. I am CONSTANTLY cleaning something and the damn house is never clean because I can only do a little bit at a time. It is frustrating. It is a good exercise to better appreciate the service they provide, but I can’t wait to go back to hiring that bit out.

I agree. We’ve had our cleaner for a year, and the difference is huge. DH used to do the cleaning, and while adequate, the quality of work is just not as good as a good deep cleaning by our house cleaner. We live in a 1200 square foot apartment and don’t have a car, and I’m happy to give up square footage and a vehicle to have a house cleaner.

When I read the article I was initially impressed that these people were saving $17000+. Then I realized that’s how much they were saving $17K per year, not per month. I guess it’s hard to know whether or not that is an impressive amount, since we don’t know their income.

I had a house cleaner for a couple of years. I loved it. It was so nice to come home to a clean home on Friday. I stopped the service because I went traveling but I am contemplating getting it back. I hate cleaning and it never is as good. Especially the kitchen and bathroom. It was definitely worth the money.

It baffles me sometime how I can spend X hours cleaning and at the end it isn’t as clean as when the professionals do the job. I suppose that is why they are professionals.

And I agree with you: I LOVE coming  home to a clean house on Friday after a long week. Aaaahhh

I have hired cleaners twice and experience with them has been terrible. First time she quoted me a price then brought a friend and turns out after hours the price was per person and i was held hostage or felt like their family members would hunt me down. Second time years later the one in the kitchen broke my stove which I found the next day and the one in the bathroom ruined the porcelain in my toilet and bathtub--looked like she cleaned it with a butterknife in a stabbing motion? WTF right?

I have used a company that specialise in house cleaning, pay their taxes, pensions for their cleaners and have insurance if they brake anything. I would never hire someone without insurance. One time they lost my key, but they got an locksmith to come and change the lock and handled everything on their expense while I was at work.

I will have them back when this covid-thing had calmed down.

[Freedomin5]

Two MPP's today:

1)  Tax and employer-paid medical insurance dominate our expenses so much that everything else is crammed into less than half of Quicken's standard pie chart.

2)  Saw an article about "Super Savers" on CNBC.  Sent it to DW.  She said she we obviously don't qualify because save too much and that what they call "Super Savers" is what she always thought was "normal".  https://www.cnbc.com/2020/08/07/super-savers-make-these-sacrifices-to-help-them-reach-their-goals.html?&qsearchterm=super%20saver

I love how that article lists "no housecleaner" as a "sacrifice" --as if every normal household hires someone to clean their house for them.

I'm more amazed that a higher percentage of them are willing to downsize their house and car but not give up the house cleaner...

Heck yeah I’d rather have a smaller house and a house cleaner than a larger house to clean myself. Then again, in HCOL areas the cost of a house cleaner is dwarfed by the cost of housing itself so the two aren’t that comparable.

House cleaners have saved countless arguments between my husband and me. That is priceless. Currently due to me no longer working and him doing one more year, plus covid, I’m doing the cleaning. I am CONSTANTLY cleaning something and the damn house is never clean because I can only do a little bit at a time. It is frustrating. It is a good exercise to better appreciate the service they provide, but I can’t wait to go back to hiring that bit out.

I agree. We’ve had our cleaner for a year, and the difference is huge. DH used to do the cleaning, and while adequate, the quality of work is just not as good as a good deep cleaning by our house cleaner. We live in a 1200 square foot apartment and don’t have a car, and I’m happy to give up square footage and a vehicle to have a house cleaner.

When I read the article I was initially impressed that these people were saving $17000+. Then I realized that’s how much they were saving $17K per year, not per month. I guess it’s hard to know whether or not that is an impressive amount, since we don’t know their income.

I had a house cleaner for a couple of years. I loved it. It was so nice to come home to a clean home on Friday. I stopped the service because I went traveling but I am contemplating getting it back. I hate cleaning and it never is as good. Especially the kitchen and bathroom. It was definitely worth the money.

It baffles me sometime how I can spend X hours cleaning and at the end it isn’t as clean as when the professionals do the job. I suppose that is why they are professionals.

And I agree with you: I LOVE coming  home to a clean house on Friday after a long week. Aaaahhh

I have hired cleaners twice and experience with them has been terrible. First time she quoted me a price then brought a friend and turns out after hours the price was per person and i was held hostage or felt like their family members would hunt me down. Second time years later the one in the kitchen broke my stove which I found the next day and the one in the bathroom ruined the porcelain in my toilet and bathtub--looked like she cleaned it with a butterknife in a stabbing motion? WTF right?

I have used a company that specialise in house cleaning, pay their taxes, pensions for their cleaners and have insurance if they brake anything. I would never hire someone without insurance. One time they lost my key, but they got an locksmith to come and change the lock and handled everything on their expense while I was at work.

I will have them back when this covid-thing had calmed down.

I hired mine based on years of experience and references from people I know for whom she also works/worked.

[ysette9]

I started with a Yelp reviews and then asked for references. We hired the same lady for 8 years and she was lovely.

[Monerexia]

Two MPP's today:

1)  Tax and employer-paid medical insurance dominate our expenses so much that everything else is crammed into less than half of Quicken's standard pie chart.

2)  Saw an article about "Super Savers" on CNBC.  Sent it to DW.  She said she we obviously don't qualify because save too much and that what they call "Super Savers" is what she always thought was "normal".  https://www.cnbc.com/2020/08/07/super-savers-make-these-sacrifices-to-help-them-reach-their-goals.html?&qsearchterm=super%20saver

I love how that article lists "no housecleaner" as a "sacrifice" --as if every normal household hires someone to clean their house for them.

I'm more amazed that a higher percentage of them are willing to downsize their house and car but not give up the house cleaner...

Heck yeah I’d rather have a smaller house and a house cleaner than a larger house to clean myself. Then again, in HCOL areas the cost of a house cleaner is dwarfed by the cost of housing itself so the two aren’t that comparable.

House cleaners have saved countless arguments between my husband and me. That is priceless. Currently due to me no longer working and him doing one more year, plus covid, I’m doing the cleaning. I am CONSTANTLY cleaning something and the damn house is never clean because I can only do a little bit at a time. It is frustrating. It is a good exercise to better appreciate the service they provide, but I can’t wait to go back to hiring that bit out.

I agree. We’ve had our cleaner for a year, and the difference is huge. DH used to do the cleaning, and while adequate, the quality of work is just not as good as a good deep cleaning by our house cleaner. We live in a 1200 square foot apartment and don’t have a car, and I’m happy to give up square footage and a vehicle to have a house cleaner.

When I read the article I was initially impressed that these people were saving $17000+. Then I realized that’s how much they were saving $17K per year, not per month. I guess it’s hard to know whether or not that is an impressive amount, since we don’t know their income.

I had a house cleaner for a couple of years. I loved it. It was so nice to come home to a clean home on Friday. I stopped the service because I went traveling but I am contemplating getting it back. I hate cleaning and it never is as good. Especially the kitchen and bathroom. It was definitely worth the money.

It baffles me sometime how I can spend X hours cleaning and at the end it isn’t as clean as when the professionals do the job. I suppose that is why they are professionals.

And I agree with you: I LOVE coming  home to a clean house on Friday after a long week. Aaaahhh

I have hired cleaners twice and experience with them has been terrible. First time she quoted me a price then brought a friend and turns out after hours the price was per person and i was held hostage or felt like their family members would hunt me down. Second time years later the one in the kitchen broke my stove which I found the next day and the one in the bathroom ruined the porcelain in my toilet and bathtub--looked like she cleaned it with a butterknife in a stabbing motion? WTF right?

I have used a company that specialise in house cleaning, pay their taxes, pensions for their cleaners and have insurance if they brake anything. I would never hire someone without insurance. One time they lost my key, but they got an locksmith to come and change the lock and handled everything on their expense while I was at work.

I will have them back when this covid-thing had calmed down.

I hired mine based on years of experience and references from people I know for whom she also works/worked.

Yes I thought I was safe doing that--the first one I hired was referred by a crew of movers who had done about five home and office moves for me--they did a bang-up job on all those moves but the relative who showed up with her friend to clean was pure scam. Not as much a scam as, say, "towels," or "doctors," but a scam nevertheless.

[dragoncar]

Not as much a scam as, say, "towels," or "doctors," but a scam nevertheless.

Oh crap what did I miss?

[Dicey]

My sister's side gig is cleaning houses. She only does three and she cleans their homes as if they were her own. Two of the three are older ladies are elderly and can no longer clean to their own standards. She has become friends with them and occasionally gets paid to take them to medical appointments or shopping for things that are heavy/bulky. It's a win-win. Her main gig is running the books for their family business, so house cleaning is flexible, gets her out of the house and helps her feel connected in her community.

I miss my housecleaners like crazy. The joy of having everything done at once is absolutely worth the miniscule cost.

[Monerexia]

Not as much a scam as, say, "towels," or "doctors," but a scam nevertheless.

Oh crap what did I miss?

Ummm...towels? Nobody in history ever needed a "towel." Not a single "towel" ever needed to be sold--guess what I've found works: a t-shirt!!

Also, yeah, everybody knows that without the scam of "doctors" nature would take over and world population would be much, much lower and much, much healthier. So, if you care about the environment and public health, no need to look further than this bizarre long-con scam for the problem. :)

[dragoncar]

Not as much a scam as, say, "towels," or "doctors," but a scam nevertheless.

Oh crap what did I miss?

Ummm...towels? Nobody in history ever needed a "towel." Not a single "towel" ever needed to be sold--guess what I've found works: a t-shirt!!

Also, yeah, everybody knows that without the scam of "doctors" nature would take over and world population would be much, much lower and much, much healthier. So, if you care about the environment and public health, no need to look further than this bizarre long-con scam for the problem. :)

Well I'd argue that nobody in history ever needed a t-shirt because guess what else works?  A TOWEL.  That's right you got played.

[Monerexia]

Not as much a scam as, say, "towels," or "doctors," but a scam nevertheless.

Oh crap what did I miss?

Ummm...towels? Nobody in history ever needed a "towel." Not a single "towel" ever needed to be sold--guess what I've found works: a t-shirt!!

Also, yeah, everybody knows that without the scam of "doctors" nature would take over and world population would be much, much lower and much, much healthier. So, if you care about the environment and public health, no need to look further than this bizarre long-con scam for the problem. :)

Well I'd argue that nobody in history ever needed a t-shirt because guess what else works?  A TOWEL.  That's right you got played.

You are actually quite good at this--plus found another scam--SILVERWARE! Ate my whole chicken breast and a potato today out of the no-name tupperware with my hand. Wash up afterwards and silverware revealed as scam royale.

[maisymouser]

Not as much a scam as, say, "towels," or "doctors," but a scam nevertheless.

Oh crap what did I miss?

Ummm...towels? Nobody in history ever needed a "towel." Not a single "towel" ever needed to be sold--guess what I've found works: a t-shirt!!

Also, yeah, everybody knows that without the scam of "doctors" nature would take over and world population would be much, much lower and much, much healthier. So, if you care about the environment and public health, no need to look further than this bizarre long-con scam for the problem. :)

Well I'd argue that nobody in history ever needed a t-shirt because guess what else works?  A TOWEL.  That's right you got played.

You are actually quite good at this--plus found another scam--SILVERWARE! Ate my whole chicken breast and a potato today out of the no-name tupperware with my hand. Wash up afterwards and silverware revealed as scam royale.

Couldn't help but hop on this train. What is it with everyone having to have NAIL CLIPPERS?!?!?!? Our ancestors weren't stupid enough to buy and keep such useless junk... Just maintain adequate flexibility by doing yoga daily so you can chew off your toenails 1x/month like a real homo sapien. ;)

[Travis]

Not as much a scam as, say, "towels," or "doctors," but a scam nevertheless.

Oh crap what did I miss?

Ummm...towels? Nobody in history ever needed a "towel." Not a single "towel" ever needed to be sold--guess what I've found works: a t-shirt!!

Also, yeah, everybody knows that without the scam of "doctors" nature would take over and world population would be much, much lower and much, much healthier. So, if you care about the environment and public health, no need to look further than this bizarre long-con scam for the problem. :)

Well I'd argue that nobody in history ever needed a t-shirt because guess what else works?  A TOWEL.  That's right you got played.

You are actually quite good at this--plus found another scam--SILVERWARE! Ate my whole chicken breast and a potato today out of the no-name tupperware with my hand. Wash up afterwards and silverware revealed as scam royale.

Couldn't help but hop on this train. What is it with everyone having to have NAIL CLIPPERS?!?!?!? Our ancestors weren't stupid enough to buy and keep such useless junk... Just maintain adequate flexibility by doing yoga daily so you can chew off your toenails 1x/month like a real homo sapien. ;)

I'm dead serious. There are 10 sets of nail clippers in my household.

[RetiredAt63]

Not as much a scam as, say, "towels," or "doctors," but a scam nevertheless.

Oh crap what did I miss?

Ummm...towels? Nobody in history ever needed a "towel." Not a single "towel" ever needed to be sold--guess what I've found works: a t-shirt!!

Also, yeah, everybody knows that without the scam of "doctors" nature would take over and world population would be much, much lower and much, much healthier. So, if you care about the environment and public health, no need to look further than this bizarre long-con scam for the problem. :)

Well I'd argue that nobody in history ever needed a t-shirt because guess what else works?  A TOWEL.  That's right you got played.

You are actually quite good at this--plus found another scam--SILVERWARE! Ate my whole chicken breast and a potato today out of the no-name tupperware with my hand. Wash up afterwards and silverware revealed as scam royale.

Couldn't help but hop on this train. What is it with everyone having to have NAIL CLIPPERS?!?!?!? Our ancestors weren't stupid enough to buy and keep such useless junk... Just maintain adequate flexibility by doing yoga daily so you can chew off your toenails 1x/month like a real homo sapien. ;)

I'm dead serious. There are 10 sets of nail clippers in my household.

That is one per fingernail, or do the fingernails have to share the clippers with the toenails?

[Travis]

Not as much a scam as, say, "towels," or "doctors," but a scam nevertheless.

Oh crap what did I miss?

Ummm...towels? Nobody in history ever needed a "towel." Not a single "towel" ever needed to be sold--guess what I've found works: a t-shirt!!

Also, yeah, everybody knows that without the scam of "doctors" nature would take over and world population would be much, much lower and much, much healthier. So, if you care about the environment and public health, no need to look further than this bizarre long-con scam for the problem. :)

Well I'd argue that nobody in history ever needed a t-shirt because guess what else works?  A TOWEL.  That's right you got played.

You are actually quite good at this--plus found another scam--SILVERWARE! Ate my whole chicken breast and a potato today out of the no-name tupperware with my hand. Wash up afterwards and silverware revealed as scam royale.

Couldn't help but hop on this train. What is it with everyone having to have NAIL CLIPPERS?!?!?!? Our ancestors weren't stupid enough to buy and keep such useless junk... Just maintain adequate flexibility by doing yoga daily so you can chew off your toenails 1x/month like a real homo sapien. ;)

I'm dead serious. There are 10 sets of nail clippers in my household.

That is one per fingernail, or do the fingernails have to share the clippers with the toenails?

We play favorites. There's a set just for toenails, and a couple sets we actually use.  The rest are in a bag in the bathroom for a decade from now when the current set goes dull, or we lose our favorite and just go out and buy another. When we find our favorite until a pile of papers on the nightstand the new one goes in the bag with all the others to await its turn.

[shelivesthedream]

At one point I had three sets of nail clippers, all of which I had got out of Christmas crackers. One has now disappeared, one is very loose and clanky to the point of being borderline unusable, one is still in fine condition. Who BUYS nail clippers when you could buy Christmas crackers instead??

[dragoncar]

Who BUYS nail clippers when you could buy Christmas crackers instead??

OK I'll admit I legit bought nail clippers in the past week.  I have like three pairs laying around but they keep falling apart and I got tired of reassembling them plus they are dull.  It's not exactly a luxury purchase, but still.

[LennStar]

I just use a small scissor. Am I sick? Is that the reason I am a paria in society?

[Dicey]

I just use a small scissor. Am I sick? Is that the reason I am a paria in society?

Are you sure you're not a pariah?

Scissor using requires a higher level of dexterity than clippers. I think it makes you special.

[Plina]

I just use a small scissor. Am I sick? Is that the reason I am a paria in society?

I use nail scissors. I think I have used the same ones during 25 years.

[RetiredAt63]

I just use a small scissor. Am I sick? Is that the reason I am a paria in society?

I use nail scissors. I think I have used the same ones during 25 years.

My right-handed nail scissors are useless when held in my left hand (to cut the nails on my right hand).  Do yours work irregardless of which hand is holding them?

[sui generis]

My MPP - Trader Joe's has increased the cost of their chocolate croissants.  Used to be $4.49, now $4.79.  To be fair, for a long time I thought they were $4.99 and I was telling everyone I was paying $1.25 for a way better croissant than what you get at Starbucks or most other cafes (where they've been out of the oven for hours), and that probably costs the same as the whole box from TJs.  But I was actually paying $1.12!  And now, unfortunately, I'm paying $1.20! 

I pray no one ever tells Trader Joe's how much I'd be willing to pay for those delicious croissants.

[Loren Ver]

A close family friend has just had a baby and we are now (honorary) "aunt"/"uncle." So excited, he is our first!  We are deciding how much money to set aside now to help with "college" for when the kid is older as time is the biggest helper in these things and the parents will never be big earners (neither made it through college). 

The silliness - the amount we are considering, sure it could be used at 18 to cover most of college if one was so inclined, but if left alone  it could grow to a retirement amount by the time they are 45ish.

That's crazy!  I mean, this is how things work.  But still.  It could be an interesting conversation when the kid is 18ish.  We will have to talk to the parents at some point too.  But it is a funny problem to have. 

Ha! 

[ysette9]

My MPP - Trader Joe's has increased the cost of their chocolate croissants.  Used to be $4.49, now $4.79.  To be fair, for a long time I thought they were $4.99 and I was telling everyone I was paying $1.25 for a way better croissant than what you get at Starbucks or most other cafes (where they've been out of the oven for hours), and that probably costs the same as the whole box from TJs.  But I was actually paying $1.12!  And now, unfortunately, I'm paying $1.20! 

I pray no one ever tells Trader Joe's how much I'd be willing to pay for those delicious croissants.

Are chocolate croissants crescent-shaped or are they the rectangular things that are actually called pain au chocolat in France?

[ysette9]

I just use a small scissor. Am I sick? Is that the reason I am a paria in society?

I use nail scissors. I think I have used the same ones during 25 years.

My right-handed nail scissors are useless when held in my left hand (to cut the nails on my right hand).  Do yours work irregardless of which hand is holding them?

My mother always cut our nails as kids with little scissors. For whatever reason I always hated it and found it uncomfortable. When I reached a certain age I tried out nail clippers and have never looked back. I’m a little intimidated to even try scissors on my kids.

Between me and my littles I am responsible for clipping 80 nails. That sometimes seems like a ridiculous amount. We also have at least six clippers but I only use two of them.

[sui generis]

My MPP - Trader Joe's has increased the cost of their chocolate croissants.  Used to be $4.49, now $4.79.  To be fair, for a long time I thought they were $4.99 and I was telling everyone I was paying $1.25 for a way better croissant than what you get at Starbucks or most other cafes (where they've been out of the oven for hours), and that probably costs the same as the whole box from TJs.  But I was actually paying $1.12!  And now, unfortunately, I'm paying $1.20! 

I pray no one ever tells Trader Joe's how much I'd be willing to pay for those delicious croissants.

Are chocolate croissants crescent-shaped or are they the rectangular things that are actually called pain au chocolat in France?

The latter. Yeah, I have no idea why they are widely called croissants (more then just TJs seem to use that name). I can understand wanting something a little less obviously French, not to mention what the word "pain" conjures up in English-speaking minds. But I guess a little surprised they don't just have some other name for it!

[dcheesi]

I just use a small scissor. Am I sick? Is that the reason I am a paria in society?

I use nail scissors. I think I have used the same ones during 25 years.

My right-handed nail scissors are useless when held in my left hand (to cut the nails on my right hand).  Do yours work irregardless of which hand is holding them?

As a lefty, using scissors the "wrong" way is a necessary life skill. It's definitely something you can learn, though it's much easier to do with good quality scissors; if you have a pair that's dull, or worse yet has a loose hinge between the blades, it can be next to impossible to cut some things left-handed.

[Poundwise]

At one point I had three sets of nail clippers, all of which I had got out of Christmas crackers. One has now disappeared, one is very loose and clanky to the point of being borderline unusable, one is still in fine condition. Who BUYS nail clippers when you could buy Christmas crackers instead??

 You can actually get useful things out of Christmas crackers???  I just went down the rabbit hole and found all the things one can find in a luxury cracker... wow!

[Plina]

I just use a small scissor. Am I sick? Is that the reason I am a paria in society?

I use nail scissors. I think I have used the same ones during 25 years.

My right-handed nail scissors are useless when held in my left hand (to cut the nails on my right hand).  Do yours work irregardless of which hand is holding them?

Yes, they do. They are for both hands. I have these: https://www.finnishdesignshop.com/bathroom-hygiene-cosmetics-toothbrushes-nail-clippers-classic-curved-manicure-scissors-p-14253.html

[dragoncar]

Why do you guys waste money on a pair of scissors specifically dedicated to doing a job you can easily do with your teeth?

[PhilB]

I just use a small scissor. Am I sick? Is that the reason I am a paria in society?

I use nail scissors. I think I have used the same ones during 25 years.

My right-handed nail scissors are useless when held in my left hand (to cut the nails on my right hand).  Do yours work irregardless of which hand is holding them?

As a lefty, using scissors the "wrong" way is a necessary life skill. It's definitely something you can learn, though it's much easier to do with good quality scissors; if you have a pair that's dull, or worse yet has a loose hinge between the blades, it can be next to impossible to cut some things left-handed.

With a pair of right handed scissors the 'natural' cutting motion pushes the cutting edges of the blades together in the horizontal plane if you use your right hand, but pulls them apart to give a gap if you use your left.  It takes practice, but you can compensate for this by changing your thumb and finger angles and consciously forcing the blades together in the horizontal plane as they close.   It feels awkward and unnatural, but they will cut perfectly well when using the 'wrong' hand.

[Imma]

My MPP - Trader Joe's has increased the cost of their chocolate croissants.  Used to be $4.49, now $4.79.  To be fair, for a long time I thought they were $4.99 and I was telling everyone I was paying $1.25 for a way better croissant than what you get at Starbucks or most other cafes (where they've been out of the oven for hours), and that probably costs the same as the whole box from TJs.  But I was actually paying $1.12!  And now, unfortunately, I'm paying $1.20! 

I pray no one ever tells Trader Joe's how much I'd be willing to pay for those delicious croissants.

Are chocolate croissants crescent-shaped or are they the rectangular things that are actually called pain au chocolat in France?

The latter. Yeah, I have no idea why they are widely called croissants (more then just TJs seem to use that name). I can understand wanting something a little less obviously French, not to mention what the word "pain" conjures up in English-speaking minds. But I guess a little surprised they don't just have some other name for it!

Thanks to you I just had one for breakfast. Just had to buy one after reading this last night. In my country they have the correct shape and are called 'little chocolate bread' in Dutch. All the fancy shops use French names for their products though. Seems like people are willing to pay more for a petit pain cereal or a pain d'Ardenne than for a similar product with a Dutch name.

[dcheesi]

My MPP - Trader Joe's has increased the cost of their chocolate croissants.  Used to be $4.49, now $4.79.  To be fair, for a long time I thought they were $4.99 and I was telling everyone I was paying $1.25 for a way better croissant than what you get at Starbucks or most other cafes (where they've been out of the oven for hours), and that probably costs the same as the whole box from TJs.  But I was actually paying $1.12!  And now, unfortunately, I'm paying $1.20! 

I pray no one ever tells Trader Joe's how much I'd be willing to pay for those delicious croissants.

Are chocolate croissants crescent-shaped or are they the rectangular things that are actually called pain au chocolat in France?

The latter. Yeah, I have no idea why they are widely called croissants (more then just TJs seem to use that name). I can understand wanting something a little less obviously French, not to mention what the word "pain" conjures up in English-speaking minds. But I guess a little surprised they don't just have some other name for it!

Ran into the same thing in a cafe the other day. They had "butter croissants" (aka croissants), and "almond croissants" which were still crescent shaped, but their most popular item was the "chocolate croissant" which was rectangular, though it did use the "croissant" style buttered pastry dough --I suppose maybe that's the reason, since most USians only know that style of pastry as "croissant"?

[Dicey]

Why do you guys waste money on a pair of scissors specifically dedicated to doing a job you can easily do with your teeth?

Because new scissors are much less expensive than new teeth. Oh, wait. Dragon teeth. Totally different. Hmmm, this I'd like to see...

[RetiredAt63]

Why do you guys waste money on a pair of scissors specifically dedicated to doing a job you can easily do with your teeth?

Because new scissors are much less expensive than new teeth. Oh, wait. Dragon teeth. Totally different. Hmmm, this I'd like to see...

Dragons don't have nails, they have sharp claws.  So clippers would not be needed.  What self-respecting Dragon wants blunt claws?

[shelivesthedream]

Huh, over here a pain au chocolat is rectangular and a chocolate croissant is like a normal crescent-shaped croissant but with a sort of chocolatey spread filling. Even in supermarkets!

[Dicey]

Why do you guys waste money on a pair of scissors specifically dedicated to doing a job you can easily do with your teeth?

Because new scissors are much less expensive than new teeth. Oh, wait. Dragon teeth. Totally different. Hmmm, this I'd like to see...

Dragons don't have nails, they have sharp claws.  So clippers would not be needed.  What self-respecting Dragon wants blunt claws?

Hmmm, does a dragon who bites his nails have a teeny tiny insecurity problem, perhaps? Oh no, not our dragoncar!

[BicycleB]

Why do you guys waste money on a pair of scissors specifically dedicated to doing a job you can easily do with your teeth?

Because new scissors are much less expensive than new teeth. Oh, wait. Dragon teeth. Totally different. Hmmm, this I'd like to see...

Dragons don't have nails, they have sharp claws.  So clippers would not be needed.  What self-respecting Dragon wants blunt claws?

Hmmm, does a dragon who bites his nails have a teeny tiny insecurity problem, perhaps? Oh no, not our dragoncar!

I'm pretty sure @dragoncar was just being thoughtful about us humans who have plain old primate teeth. Perhaps he leaves his claws alone but sharpens his teeth with car snacks and thought we should do something similar.

[ysette9]

Huh, over here a pain au chocolat is rectangular and a chocolate croissant is like a normal crescent-shaped croissant but with a sort of chocolatey spread filling. Even in supermarkets!

Which is what it is in France also. Probably because you are physically close to France. :)

[PMG]

I ate my many a pain au chocolat as well as a few chocolate croissant during my summer in Paris.  I lived just a little walk from a bakery in the 14th ar. that claimed to have the second best Pain au Chocolat in the city.  I never did find the first, but I tried!

And here is our MMP. We only use the AC when truly necessary. We’ve got a couple window fans and haven’t had air on in a few weeks but my goodness the neighbors heat pumps are loud!! We sometimes think it’s our heat pump running and need to check to be sure it’s off.

[Poundwise]

I was discussing the economy with a relative, who was complaining about how the rich were expected to support the unemployed.  I said that I'd be willing to do my part and pay taxes as needed to get people on their feet again.  She looked at me in my elderly t-shirt and shorts, with my dented car, and said scornfully, "I'm not talking about people like YOU!"

I didn't feel like I needed to enlighten her about my net worth, but yes, I do now fall into the "haves" demographic.
 

[SwordGuy]

There's a spending chart making the social media rounds from an article about a 25 yr old Boston man who makes $100K and spends about $33K.   Of course, lots of uninformed comments by the hoi polloi about how it's impossible, etc.

The young man, to his credit, donates over $600 a month for charitable purposes.   This is a source of complete disbelief to a lot of people.  They simply can't comprehend it's possible.   It's only a bit over 7% of his income.  I personally know quite a few families who tithe (that's 10% for those who don't know) and I'm sure you've all seen case studies where people tithe to their church or charities.

So, my MPP problem is that for me to give us as an example, I have to say, "Dude, we buy ENTIRE HOUSES to help other people out.   Three in the last 2 years, as a matter of fact."

Not sure they'll believe that.

[oldladystache]

So, my MPP problem is that for me to give us as an example, I have to say, "Dude, we buy ENTIRE HOUSES to help other people out.   Three in the last 2 years, as a matter of fact."

Not sure they'll believe that.

I've only bought one entire house this year to help someone, and it's a good feeling. I don't tell people about it though.

[SwordGuy]

So, my MPP problem is that for me to give us as an example, I have to say, "Dude, we buy ENTIRE HOUSES to help other people out.   Three in the last 2 years, as a matter of fact."

Not sure they'll believe that.

I've only bought one entire house this year to help someone, and it's a good feeling. I don't tell people about it though.

It *is* a good feeling.    And I don't generally mention it either other than here, where I'm anonymous.
   

[Travis]

So, my MPP problem is that for me to give us as an example, I have to say, "Dude, we buy ENTIRE HOUSES to help other people out.   Three in the last 2 years, as a matter of fact."

Not sure they'll believe that.

I've only bought one entire house this year to help someone, and it's a good feeling. I don't tell people about it though.

It *is* a good feeling.    And I don't generally mention it either other than here, where I'm anonymous.
   

As some kind of real estate-based charity thing, or for a family member "here's the deed and the keys?"

[oldladystache]

mine was for a family member

[Travis]

mine was for a family member

There are a couple folks in my circle I wish I had the resources to do this for.

[SwordGuy]

So, my MPP problem is that for me to give us as an example, I have to say, "Dude, we buy ENTIRE HOUSES to help other people out.   Three in the last 2 years, as a matter of fact."

Not sure they'll believe that.

I've only bought one entire house this year to help someone, and it's a good feeling. I don't tell people about it though.

It *is* a good feeling.    And I don't generally mention it either other than here, where I'm anonymous.
   

As some kind of real estate-based charity thing, or for a family member "here's the deed and the keys?"

One was for a family friend to get their rental property business jump-started.  I bought it and funded the renovation, they did bulk of the work.   Then I sold it to them for cost, $94,000, on 0% and no payments for 2 years, then a 30 year amortization for 3% the first year and 5% the remaining 29.   We have a handshake they'll refinance sometime in year 3, which will free up that capital to help someone else.   We set those terms so they could build up a repair kitty pretty quickly, plus they get all the sweat equity in the newly renovated property.   And, with 2 years of profitable returns under their belt, it will be easier for them to get more loans for more rental properties.    I'm pretty sure the person we helped get into the real estate business will help others get going in the future.   That's the kind of couple they are, which is part of the reason we picked them.

One was for a family friend that my mentally handicapped daughter thinks of as her grandmother (and vice-versa).   We bought a distressed house for $62,500, she fixed it up over the next 10 months until it was mortgage-ready, and then we sold it to her a few thousand below cost. (We ignored the insurance, taxes and utility costs.)    She got a much, much nicer house than she could have afforded otherwise as that sweat equity saved her about $25,000.   She's got a small 15yr mortgage.   That house will start her family on the path to having generational wealth to pass on.   A $100,000 house doesn't sound like a lot, but it's a solid start.   

The third was to turn into a half-way house, a group home for foster kids who age out of the system.   But covid caused a lot of delays and tradesmen in our area don't want to follow covid safety guidelines.  I like to be generous but I don't feel like dying because of it, so we're selling it at a loss and using it (plus the sale of our old home) to pay off the mortgage on our new home.   We'll be donating $1000 a month until we reach the same amount as we get for selling it, which will take about 54 months.   I think it will be fun sending charities or just good people who need help a check for $1k.  (It will be an anonymous check if it's to people.)

The original plan would have had the house cost about $75k after renovations (We have $10k already in it, hence selling for a loss.   The value of a distressed property really doesn't go up much until it's "done".)

Original plan for $94k plus $64.5k plus $75k = $233.5k worth of help to people that would only cost us $77k.   And if times were tough, we could have rented out the group home as a for-profit for a few years to recoup some of our investment before we donated it.    As it stands, it will end up costing us about $68k to give about $222.5k worth of help to others.    Not counting opportunity costs, of course, because we could have made money in the market had we invested it.

I don't think that charity has to be limited to just giving stuff and money away.  It can also be laser-targeted to help people leverage their situation into a better one by setting up very generous terms they could not otherwise get. 

When that $94k house gets refinanced, we'll have $94k plus whatever interest comes in in year 3 available to help someone else out with.   Maybe by then we'll have found another person who could use a jump-start in the real estate business.   It's the kind of thing that can transform someone's life for the better, which is what charity is actually supposed to do.    Or maybe we'll find another property that's good for a group home and set it up.    Or just donate it at $1k a month.

Anyway, that's how we put our charity dollars to work.

Hope some of you find it helpful in finding creative ways to afford way more charity than you otherwise thought possible.

[Anette]

Thank you SwordGuy, that is very inspiring

[LennStar]

Interesting tactic Swordguy!

I was discussing the economy with a relative, who was complaining about how the rich were expected to support the unemployed.  I said that I'd be willing to do my part and pay taxes as needed to get people on their feet again.  She looked at me in my elderly t-shirt and shorts, with my dented car, and said scornfully, "I'm not talking about people like YOU!"

I didn't feel like I needed to enlighten her about my net worth, but yes, I do now fall into the "haves" demographic.

She is totally right. If you aren't complaining about too high taxes, you aren't rich!!

But in honesty, that is like the factory owner complaining about the taxes to build streets the factory workers use to get to his factory.

I've only bought one entire house this year to help someone, and it's a good feeling. I don't tell people about it though.

If you want to feel even better, you could buy me a house and make me FIRE 10 years earlier :P

Jokes side, remember all those foreclosures after the banking crisis? Houses were bought on the cheap by big funds and people were sitting on the street. That is a perfect example of what I think your "investment" hould not be.

Personally I would love to have the money to restaurate all the 200+ years old houses in my small town. Their view is such a pity!