Author Topic: Think I've Accidentally Infected the Office With Whiskers?  (Read 6517 times)

Kaspian

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Think I've Accidentally Infected the Office With Whiskers?
« on: November 02, 2015, 01:00:08 PM »
When I began work where I am now (9 years ago), my co-workers were each easily an exploding volcano of waste in their own right.  Over the past 6 months I've slowly began hearing crazy discussions over the cubical tops. Things like:

"I'm tracking my energy usage and have it down a lot from last year--anybody know about dishwasher usage?"
"They have a sale on LED bulbs at the hardware store and with a coupon you can get them for $3."
"I need to renegotiate my cell-phone contract to cancel data, anybody know how?"
"We're eating less meat in our diet for health and money reasons.  Having lentils tonight."
"I'm trying to use the car less when I don't have to.  Making lists instead and doing it all in one go."
And most SHOCKINGLY:  "We can't afford that right now--maybe in a few months or next year."  (Unheard of and embarrassing office statement 3 years ago.)

They also now pack lunches!!  I have to say, it's all sort of freaking me out.  I've never preached here or anything and as far as I know the rest of the building isn't on this frugality kick.  I'm pretty sure what's happened is my occasional Mustachian general questions and comments on how they'd done something (which interested me) has rubbed off--small things I've said over the years since I started working towards FIRE in 2012 like, "Anyone ever used LED bulbs?", "Oh, I'm not working until 65 or my full-pension, I'm retiring early",  "I'd rather make coffee at my desk", "$15--are you serious?!!", or  "I know what it cost because I track my spending in a program." 

One woman isn't on the agenda--she buys ATVs, a motorhome, a motorcycle, a brand new sports car, eats out almost every day, goes to Wal-Mart about four times a week and the group will actually chastise her if she brings up a money woe.  (Though she is very generous--always giving away chocolate, cookies, and candies.)

All that said, I have no idea what the others are doing with the extra savings.  Hopefully stashing them?  They say spending increases to match your peer group, but maybe it can slide the other way instead?  I'm not openly taking any credit for the glacial shift in attitude, but I have to say it's nice and at least some of their conversations interest me now. 

Anyone else experienced those around you begin to bend toward frugality?

Orvell

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Re: Think I've Accidentally Infected the Office With Whiskers?
« Reply #1 on: November 02, 2015, 01:08:05 PM »
That's fantastic!
:D You ought to be proud.
I keep trying to subliminally influence people to be more savings-orientated, but... the reality is you can't change people who don't want to change.
I'm glad your office is making wise, future-orientated decisions. :)

Kaspian

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Re: Think I've Accidentally Infected the Office With Whiskers?
« Reply #2 on: November 02, 2015, 01:14:10 PM »
That's fantastic!
:D You ought to be proud.
I keep trying to subliminally influence people to be more savings-orientated, but... the reality is you can't change people who don't want to change.
I'm glad your office is making wise, future-orientated decisions. :)

Me too!  When others get frustrated trying to teach others about cash or MMM, I always say, "lead by example."  ...Which apparently works but is as slow as molasses.  I didn't really intend to convert this group (or even talk to them about it) though 'cause I thought they were hopeless.  I think maybe the catalyst was they began to realize, "That cheap bastard is saving tons of cash!!  He's gonna get out early while I'm still stuck here!"

Whatever the reason, and whatever they're doing with the saved money, I like that their eco-footprint as a whole has drastically come down this year--less driving, less energy consumption, less useless crap purchases, healthier food and not pre-packaged.
« Last Edit: November 02, 2015, 01:15:54 PM by Kaspian »

Ferrisbueller

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Re: Think I've Accidentally Infected the Office With Whiskers?
« Reply #3 on: November 02, 2015, 01:15:26 PM »
Great stuff.... You know what they say.... You eat the elephant one bite at a time

cautiouspessimist

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Re: Think I've Accidentally Infected the Office With Whiskers?
« Reply #4 on: November 02, 2015, 01:24:45 PM »
That's pretty sweet. I think you can claim at least partial credit.

Kaspian

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Re: Think I've Accidentally Infected the Office With Whiskers?
« Reply #5 on: November 02, 2015, 01:30:16 PM »
That's pretty sweet. I think you can claim at least partial credit.

...But you know, if tigers actually begin to change their stripes, it's enough to make all the other animals a little nervous.     My ridiculous, spendypants coworkers tightening their belts?  Must be a sign of the apocalypse.  :)

Kris

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Re: Think I've Accidentally Infected the Office With Whiskers?
« Reply #6 on: November 02, 2015, 01:39:50 PM »
Anyone else experienced those around you begin to bend toward frugality?

Maybe a little bit.  I have a good friend (who is also a co-worker, which is how I met her) whom I recently turned on to MMM.  She is about three years younger than I am (so, about 45).  She knows of my plans to FIRE with husband when I'm 51, and we've had the odd discussion about things like investing, my side hustle, etc.  I think I am slowly moving her toward being more conscious of her spending. And a good thing, too.  Like so many "friends of mustachians", she's a very intelligent person, and so I have been shocked to hear some of the things she either has done or doesn't know.  For example:

1) She has credit card debt from purchasing things like clothes, etc. I know that this is not shocking, but it will never cease to amaze me that people who make a living wage make credit card purchases that they can't pay off in full at the end of every month.  She mentioned in passing about six months ago that she was working on about a $3,000 cc debt and I had to work to keep my face neutral.  And I know that's not even "that much", relative to many people.

2) She knows shockingly little about things like taxes and 403(b)s, etc.  Again, I know that this is not that unusual, but it's really amazing to me that a 45 year-old woman with a Ph.D. would know so little about this kind of stuff.  We were chatting about my husband's and my retirement plans a few weeks ago, and when the conversation moved toward things like tax brackets and state income tax, I couldn't believe how little she knew.  Like, I think my 23 year-old stepdaughter knows more about this stuff.  (But then again, that's because I taught her…)

Kris

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Re: Think I've Accidentally Infected the Office With Whiskers?
« Reply #7 on: November 02, 2015, 01:40:27 PM »
Anyone else experienced those around you begin to bend toward frugality?

Maybe a little bit.  I have a good friend (who is also a co-worker, which is how I met her) whom I recently turned on to MMM.  She is about three years younger than I am (so, about 45).  She knows of my plans to FIRE with husband when I'm 51, and we've had the odd discussion about things like investing, my side hustle, etc.  I think I am slowly moving her toward being more conscious of her spending. And a good thing, too.  Like so many "friends of mustachians", she's a very intelligent person, and so I have been shocked to hear some of the things she either has done or doesn't know.  For example:

1) She has credit card debt from purchasing things like clothes, etc. I know that this is not shocking, but it will never cease to amaze me that people who make a living wage make credit card purchases that they can't pay off in full at the end of every month.  She mentioned in passing about six months ago that she was working on about a $3,000 cc debt and I had to work to keep my face neutral.  And I know that's not even "that much", relative to many people.

2) She knows shockingly little about things like taxes and 403(b)s, etc.  Again, I know that this is not that unusual, but it's really amazing to me that a 45 year-old woman with a Ph.D. would know so little about this kind of stuff.  We were chatting about my husband's and my retirement plans a few weeks ago, and when the conversation moved toward things like tax brackets and state income tax, I couldn't believe how little she knew.  Like, I think my 23 year-old stepdaughter knows more about this stuff.  (But then again, that's because I taught her…)

To my friend's credit, though, when these things come up, she is always very eager to ask me questions and to learn more about what I'm talking about.

mm1970

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Re: Think I've Accidentally Infected the Office With Whiskers?
« Reply #8 on: November 02, 2015, 03:53:01 PM »
That's pretty cool.  I've been bringing my lunch to work forever, and I've converted two different workplaces over, to some degree or another.


DocMcStuffins

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Re: Think I've Accidentally Infected the Office With Whiskers?
« Reply #9 on: November 02, 2015, 04:37:10 PM »
As a small business owner with 20 employees.  I have done this also and actually gave the the Ramsey class in the work place.  As am employer, if you're people are struggling with finances at home then that hurts their focus / efficiency in the office.  It indirectly hurts your wallet.  They ask me questions about home purchases, finances.  We actually had one person buy a new car last year (and I know she can't afford this) and the people in my office have watched her struggle.  It has been very useful for the rest of them.  I talk about the budget in the office and have them understand they should do the same at home.  I actually have it set up with our 401k that they don't have a choice in saving, I give them our 6%match even if they don't put a dime in for their own but stress to each of them compounding and showing them how they can at least have some savings to start with.  I have introduced the ERE / MMM philosophies with them but it is a work in progress.  I am just happy they don't live paycheck to paycheck anymore !!!!

okits

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Re: Think I've Accidentally Infected the Office With Whiskers?
« Reply #10 on: November 02, 2015, 06:05:11 PM »
That's really great!  Now that frugality is becoming mainstream in your office you can de-lurk a little and help it along with a little encouragement, ideas, and info.

Quote
I think maybe the catalyst was they began to realize, "That cheap bastard is saving tons of cash!!  He's gonna get out early while I'm still stuck here!"

Freedom, time with family, peace of mind, pursuing your passion, etc.  None of these is more motivating than the thought of your coworker getting even a stick of gum that you're not getting.  The competitiveness and jealousy in offices can be insane.  If this is the catalyst to get your coworkers to be more frugal and less wasteful that's fine, but it's amusing that the most powerful motivator is the thought of you waltzing out the door while they're stewing in their cubicles.

lostamonkey

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Re: Think I've Accidentally Infected the Office With Whiskers?
« Reply #11 on: November 02, 2015, 06:57:35 PM »
As a small business owner with 20 employees.  I have done this also and actually gave the the Ramsey class in the work place.  As am employer, if you're people are struggling with finances at home then that hurts their focus / efficiency in the office.  It indirectly hurts your wallet.  They ask me questions about home purchases, finances.  We actually had one person buy a new car last year (and I know she can't afford this) and the people in my office have watched her struggle.  It has been very useful for the rest of them.  I talk about the budget in the office and have them understand they should do the same at home.  I actually have it set up with our 401k that they don't have a choice in saving, I give them our 6%match even if they don't put a dime in for their own but stress to each of them compounding and showing them how they can at least have some savings to start with.  I have introduced the ERE / MMM philosophies with them but it is a work in progress.  I am just happy they don't live paycheck to paycheck anymore !!!!
If I was an employer, I would like employees who needed the money because they are less likely to quit, and more likely to accept less pay and longer hours.

SwordGuy

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Re: Think I've Accidentally Infected the Office With Whiskers?
« Reply #12 on: November 02, 2015, 07:08:06 PM »
Congrats!

I've got one person at work I can really talk this kind of thing over with and it's really nice to be able to do so.

rocketpj

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Re: Think I've Accidentally Infected the Office With Whiskers?
« Reply #13 on: November 02, 2015, 07:32:21 PM »
My workplace is definitely not receptive.  There are 4 of us, 2 of my coworkers are avid investors but more in the daytrading world.  Both of them are suspicious of tax advantaged accounts and refuse to use them (!!).  The 4th seems to have a lot of $$ somehow, he certainly has a beautiful house and a lot of stuff, but I don't really understand how - not from being thrifty anyway.

shelivesthedream

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Re: Think I've Accidentally Infected the Office With Whiskers?
« Reply #14 on: November 03, 2015, 03:05:48 AM »
As a small business owner with 20 employees.  I have done this also and actually gave the the Ramsey class in the work place.  As am employer, if you're people are struggling with finances at home then that hurts their focus / efficiency in the office.  It indirectly hurts your wallet.  They ask me questions about home purchases, finances.  We actually had one person buy a new car last year (and I know she can't afford this) and the people in my office have watched her struggle.  It has been very useful for the rest of them.  I talk about the budget in the office and have them understand they should do the same at home.  I actually have it set up with our 401k that they don't have a choice in saving, I give them our 6%match even if they don't put a dime in for their own but stress to each of them compounding and showing them how they can at least have some savings to start with.  I have introduced the ERE / MMM philosophies with them but it is a work in progress.  I am just happy they don't live paycheck to paycheck anymore !!!!
If I was an employer, I would like employees who needed the money because they are less likely to quit, and more likely to accept less pay and longer hours.

If I were an employer I would like employees who weren't struggling financially because I could trust them to do their work properly and to share both good ideas and honest criticism, because I'd know they weren't there only out of fear. I would also assume that they had more common sense, which is something a lot of businesses lack.

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Re: Think I've Accidentally Infected the Office With Whiskers?
« Reply #15 on: November 03, 2015, 07:45:47 AM »
Not at work, but slowly creating a frugal network in my neighborhood.  Knew I was making progress when a neighbor grudgingly said, "I guess I can charge you anything for the windows after you gave us that those lawn decorations."  Full disclosure, the lawn decorations were from the previous owner.  I can't imagine spending money on them.

druth

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Re: Think I've Accidentally Infected the Office With Whiskers?
« Reply #16 on: November 03, 2015, 08:24:07 AM »
My workplace is definitely not receptive.  There are 4 of us, 2 of my coworkers are avid investors but more in the daytrading world.  Both of them are suspicious of tax advantaged accounts and refuse to use them (!!).  The 4th seems to have a lot of $$ somehow, he certainly has a beautiful house and a lot of stuff, but I don't really understand how - not from being thrifty anyway.

If The Millionaire Next Door taught me anything the beautiful house and nice stuff are more indicative of crippling consumer debt than of having a lot of money.

Kaspian

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Re: Think I've Accidentally Infected the Office With Whiskers?
« Reply #17 on: November 03, 2015, 12:28:51 PM »
OK, I may have spoken too soon--one of the "frugal converts" just bought a brand new motorcycle today.  :/ 


cautiouspessimist

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Re: Think I've Accidentally Infected the Office With Whiskers?
« Reply #18 on: November 03, 2015, 12:33:21 PM »
OK, I may have spoken too soon--one of the "frugal converts" just bought a brand new motorcycle today.  :/

But it gets great gas mileage!

(But how much are the payments?)

Kaspian

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Re: Think I've Accidentally Infected the Office With Whiskers?
« Reply #19 on: November 04, 2015, 11:21:47 AM »
OK, I may have spoken too soon--one of the "frugal converts" just bought a brand new motorcycle today.  :/

But it gets great gas mileage!

(But how much are the payments?)

No idea and afraid to ask.  I think it was brought on my "vehicle envy" due to the spendypants girl who bought a new sports car just last month.  Please send help--get me outta here!  This place is a petri dish.