Overheard at Work 2

[Kitsune]

The dealerships know this.  I bought a car in 2014.  Starting right at the 2 year mark, I'd get letters in the mail from the "sales manager" at the dealership I bought it from telling me that he has someone who desperately wants to buy my car.  No shit.  My car is awesome.  That's why I had your dealership have it shipped in for me.  But it's a form letter hoping to get people in to upgrade their cars.  Apparently, people actually fall for it.

We received the same starting at year 2.  Then they ramped it up by year 3 - we've been invited to several "special" buying events in the past few months

Same experience. It stops by year 7 though... apparently the perfectly reliable and well-maintained and efficient car isnt quite as valued/resaleable by that point.

[Sugaree]

The dealerships know this.  I bought a car in 2014.  Starting right at the 2 year mark, I'd get letters in the mail from the "sales manager" at the dealership I bought it from telling me that he has someone who desperately wants to buy my car.  No shit.  My car is awesome.  That's why I had your dealership have it shipped in for me.  But it's a form letter hoping to get people in to upgrade their cars.  Apparently, people actually fall for it.

We received the same starting at year 2.  Then they ramped it up by year 3 - we've been invited to several "special" buying events in the past few months

Same experience. It stops by year 7 though... apparently the perfectly reliable and well-maintained and efficient car isnt quite as valued/resaleable by that point.

Having it totaled in a wreck is somewhat effective too. 

They weren't really pleased when I told them I wasn't interested in a new one and asked if they knew of any available that were just like mine.  I was more or less told that I was on my own finding that unicorn and to come back and talk to them if I changed my mind about a new one.  I now drive a vehicle so similar to the old one that most people don't realize it's not the same one.  Thanks Carmax.

[LennStar]

This is why Apple introduces the iPhone purchase plan.  I know people who pay monthly and “get” the new iPhone when it comes out every year.  Act as if it’s a miracle from saint jobs

UHH.... the ecological and human footprint of that. It may be less than a car, but it feels even more hard. A phone every year. A phone. Every year.

The dealerships know this.  I bought a car in 2014.  Starting right at the 2 year mark, I'd get letters in the mail from the "sales manager" at the dealership I bought it from telling me that he has someone who desperately wants to buy my car.  No shit.  My car is awesome.  That's why I had your dealership have it shipped in for me.  But it's a form letter hoping to get people in to upgrade their cars.  Apparently, people actually fall for it.

We received the same starting at year 2.  Then they ramped it up by year 3 - we've been invited to several "special" buying events in the past few months
[/quote]

I so wish there were the equivalent of the old "I get paid of you call me" phone contract for mail boxes.
Every time an ad flies in, you get 10 cents from them.

[BlueHouse]

Office mate at work traded her car in for the exact same model, just another year.  No reason other than the dealership offered it to her and she thought it was a good deal.  It didn't cost her anything out of pocket and her payment stayed exactly the same. 

I pointed out that she in essence just rented her last car for the past year.  She didn't see why that was a bad thing.  She felt it was totally normal and okay to always have a car payment.  With that in mind, I didn't see any way to talk her out of doing this again next year.

I've heard similar talk from a few coworkers before. One thing that seems to come out is that while their payments stayed the same the duration of the loan is much longer. Super frustrating as they act like they received a free upgrade not recognizing that the longer loan equals more money spent...

She definitely recognized that the payments would be extended another year, but it didn't seem to equate to more money.  [psst, she's a financial analyst!].  She seems okay with the idea of paying a set amount every single month for as long as she drives. 

[Linea_Norway]

The dealerships know this.  I bought a car in 2014.  Starting right at the 2 year mark, I'd get letters in the mail from the "sales manager" at the dealership I bought it from telling me that he has someone who desperately wants to buy my car.  No shit.  My car is awesome.  That's why I had your dealership have it shipped in for me.  But it's a form letter hoping to get people in to upgrade their cars.  Apparently, people actually fall for it.

We received the same starting at year 2.  Then they ramped it up by year 3 - we've been invited to several "special" buying events in the past few months

Same experience. It stops by year 7 though... apparently the perfectly reliable and well-maintained and efficient car isnt quite as valued/resaleable by that point.

Exactly. In the beginning, we used to get a lot of commercials and letters about new cars. But now the car is 10 years old and I haven't seen them for some years.

[zolotiyeruki]

UHH.... the ecological and human footprint of that. It may be less than a car, but it feels even more hard. A phone every year. A phone. Every year.

Heh.  I bought my current car 16.5 years ago for $4500.  They're paying $1,000 per year for a new phone.  The ecological footprint of their phones may be smaller than my car, but the economic footprint is certainly larger!

[FIRE@50]

In France I went once with a friend because it was the only place you could get a cup of coffee. Any cafe where you ordered a coffee would serve an espresso.

I thought the whole point of travelling was to experience how life is lived in other places.

Then again if one really wants filter coffees, most specialty coffee shops around the world seem to  offer both espresso-based drinks and pourover.

Sure. But when you live there for a year sometimes you just want a damn coffee like at home.

I use a French Press everyday - home & office.

[Linea_Norway]

Read on Intranet at work today:

"It is documented that going to our job is one of the most health increasing activities we do."

Many of us Mustachians experience that our jobs are in some aspects negative for our health and we want to stop working to lower stress levels.

But work probably provides a purpose and gives you something to do. It is our task to find more or less meaningful activities to fill our days with after FIRE.

[ysette9]

Hahahhaha

[dragoncar]

The dealerships know this.  I bought a car in 2014.  Starting right at the 2 year mark, I'd get letters in the mail from the "sales manager" at the dealership I bought it from telling me that he has someone who desperately wants to buy my car.  No shit.  My car is awesome.  That's why I had your dealership have it shipped in for me.  But it's a form letter hoping to get people in to upgrade their cars.  Apparently, people actually fall for it.

We received the same starting at year 2.  Then they ramped it up by year 3 - we've been invited to several "special" buying events in the past few months

Same experience. It stops by year 7 though... apparently the perfectly reliable and well-maintained and efficient car isnt quite as valued/resaleable by that point.

Exactly. In the beginning, we used to get a lot of commercials and letters about new cars. But now the car is 10 years old and I haven't seen them for some years.

Don’t worry, that’s about when they start calling you to warn you that your extended warranty is about to expire and offer you a great deal on an extension!

[habanero]

Read on Intranet at work today:

"It is documented that going to our job is one of the most health increasing activities we do."

Many of us Mustachians experience that our jobs are in some aspects negative for our health and we want to stop working to lower stress levels.

But work probably provides a purpose and gives you something to do. It is our task to find more or less meaningful activities to fill our days with after FIRE.

Can't find the article again now, but there was a story some time ago that most people who quit working by their own free will return to the workforce within 6 months. Mainly due to it not being as great as imagined plut the realization that it's less fun to have time off while all friends/family/whatever is at work most of the day.

Along the same lines there was a story in NY Times I read where they found that unemployed people look forward to the weekend almost as much as people working - this was also due to a lot of fun happens on weekends when more people have time to do it.

So retiring early probably at least requires a fairly solid plan on how to do stuff that feels meaningful. Not just having time off. A friend of mine had 3 months "holiday" when he was between jobs and he degenerated into something close to a zombie just staying at home in his morning robe most of the time.

[Linea_Norway]

Read on Intranet at work today:

"It is documented that going to our job is one of the most health increasing activities we do."

Many of us Mustachians experience that our jobs are in some aspects negative for our health and we want to stop working to lower stress levels.

But work probably provides a purpose and gives you something to do. It is our task to find more or less meaningful activities to fill our days with after FIRE.

Can't find the article again now, but there was a story some time ago that most people who quit working by their own free will return to the workforce within 6 months. Mainly due to it not being as great as imagined plut the realization that it's less fun to have time off while all friends/family/whatever is at work most of the day.

Along the same lines there was a story in NY Times I read where they found that unemployed people look forward to the weekend almost as much as people working - this was also due to a lot of fun happens on weekends when more people have time to do it.

So retiring early probably at least requires a fairly solid plan on how to do stuff that feels meaningful. Not just having time off. A friend of mine had 3 months "holiday" when he was between jobs and he degenerated into something close to a zombie just staying at home in his morning robe most of the time.

For me, it might depend on the weather. I love skiing, hiking and being outside. But in some times of the year, it is a bit more depressing to be outside. Then you need to have something to do: social life, events, indoor hobbies, or binge-watching TV shows.

We once took 3 months off during the summer. In that time we renovated the bathroom from scratch, including floor, walls and ceiling. That took 5 weeks in total. And we took lots of trips the rest of the time. My only concern there, was that we spent maybe a bit too much money on a trip to Italy. The rest was pretty cheap.

[mm1970]

The dealerships know this.  I bought a car in 2014.  Starting right at the 2 year mark, I'd get letters in the mail from the "sales manager" at the dealership I bought it from telling me that he has someone who desperately wants to buy my car.  No shit.  My car is awesome.  That's why I had your dealership have it shipped in for me.  But it's a form letter hoping to get people in to upgrade their cars.  Apparently, people actually fall for it.

We received the same starting at year 2.  Then they ramped it up by year 3 - we've been invited to several "special" buying events in the past few months

I've been getting these now - for our 2009 Civic.  Apparently they really want us to upgrade...except all the ads we get are for 2019-20 Civics.  When in reality, the only thing that would really tempt me is a minivan.

[By the River]

Not at work but friends in a group text chat...A few months back, several texted about their generally "poor" financial status including one guy who I know makes much more than me. He went through a divorce recently and I thought that could be leading to some of his concerns.  Today, someone else suggested getting out of the market for a month or two while impeachment concerns swirl.   My divorced friend replied back that he pulled out of the stock market totally in November 2011 (Dow was 13K).  Afraid if he gets in now, it will crash again. 

I'm not sure how to reply.  Think I'm going with a safe platitude such as time in the market is better than timing the market.  I will probably see my friend in person in a month so may revisit then. 

[horsepoor]

The dealerships know this.  I bought a car in 2014.  Starting right at the 2 year mark, I'd get letters in the mail from the "sales manager" at the dealership I bought it from telling me that he has someone who desperately wants to buy my car.  No shit.  My car is awesome.  That's why I had your dealership have it shipped in for me.  But it's a form letter hoping to get people in to upgrade their cars.  Apparently, people actually fall for it.

We received the same starting at year 2.  Then they ramped it up by year 3 - we've been invited to several "special" buying events in the past few months

I've been getting these now - for our 2009 Civic.  Apparently they really want us to upgrade...except all the ads we get are for 2019-20 Civics.  When in reality, the only thing that would really tempt me is a minivan.

About 3 months after I bought my Nissan Juke I started getting mailings about how I should probably consider upgrading to a brand new PATHFINDER!!  Because apparently my decision to get the smallest possible SUV 3 months ago is now totally irrelevant and I suddenly want to drive a giant albatross.

[Imma]

The dealerships know this.  I bought a car in 2014.  Starting right at the 2 year mark, I'd get letters in the mail from the "sales manager" at the dealership I bought it from telling me that he has someone who desperately wants to buy my car.  No shit.  My car is awesome.  That's why I had your dealership have it shipped in for me.  But it's a form letter hoping to get people in to upgrade their cars.  Apparently, people actually fall for it.

We received the same starting at year 2.  Then they ramped it up by year 3 - we've been invited to several "special" buying events in the past few months

I've been getting these now - for our 2009 Civic.  Apparently they really want us to upgrade...except all the ads we get are for 2019-20 Civics.  When in reality, the only thing that would really tempt me is a minivan.

About 3 months after I bought my Nissan Juke I started getting mailings about how I should probably consider upgrading to a brand new PATHFINDER!!  Because apparently my decision to get the smallest possible SUV 3 months ago is now totally irrelevant and I suddenly want to drive a giant albatross.

Of course, that makes a lot of sense. 3 months is long enough to get buyer's regret, because your brand new car is still the smallest on the parking lot. Time to trade it in for a real car.

[ysette9]

Because naturally women will be judging you based on the size of the parking space you fill up.

Hah

[TheGrimSqueaker]

Because naturally women will be judging you based on the size of the parking space you fill up.

Hah

Well... if there's any truth to the saying that consumer-sukka women dress to impress other women, maybe consumer-sukka men buy cars to impress other men.

[Imma]

Because naturally women will be judging you based on the size of the parking space you fill up.

Hah

Well... if there's any truth to the saying that consumer-sukka women dress to impress other women, maybe consumer-sukka men buy cars to impress other men.

I know my male coworkers definitely try to impress each other by having big cars. And women who drive big 'masculine' cars are respected way more than women who drive small 'feminine' cars. Size definitely matters more than price tag.

[Kris]

Because naturally women will be judging you based on the size of the parking space you fill up.

Hah

I mean, I do...

But in reverse.

[ysette9]

Because naturally women will be judging you based on the size of the parking space you fill up.

Hah

I mean, I do...

But in reverse.

Yes! “Little penis trucks” as my friend dubbed the huge hick trucks of some of our high school classmates

[Just Joe]

Saw the new Ford Ranger for the first time yesterday. Mentioned I liked it better than the big trucks. Friend looked at me like I broke some rule of manliness. I won't mention to him then that I also like the Honda Ridgeline. And that is barely a truck by some people's measure. Am not in the market for a truck at any size though. I get by fine with a little utility trailer.

[partgypsy]

Because naturally women will be judging you based on the size of the parking space you fill up.

Hah

I mean, I do...

But in reverse.

me too. Especially the big shiny pick up trucks that are used for commuting. Compensating for - something.

[mm1970]

Because naturally women will be judging you based on the size of the parking space you fill up.

Hah

I mean, I do...

But in reverse.

Me too, and not solely because I cannot fucking see to back out of a parking lot if a big truck/SUV parks next to me.

BTW, I drive the "big" car.  The 06 Matrix.

[twe]

Coworker 1 this week the day after corporate announcement that our pension plan was frozen (not for me as it has been closed to new hires for 7 years). "I upped my 401k 1% to make up for it", with it being the frozen pension. This was also immediately after Coworker1 had a discussion with Coworker2 who said both he and his wife were, and had been, maxing their 401k's for years. CW1 said "I don't know how you can do that". Granted, CW2 almost certainly makes about 20% more than CW1, but we're all paid low (very low) six figures. And there is a 50% 401k match. I just kept drinking my free coffee.

[Dee_the_third]

Because naturally women will be judging you based on the size of the parking space you fill up.

Hah

I worked with a guy once who was a total kiss-ass and was too insecure to have opinions of his own (basically every sentence started with "Well boss says" or "Well senior engineer says") Once I mentioned to him that I thought he could be more assertive in asking for resources for his unit. He replied "Yeah I can tell the guys don't respect me because I drive a Jeep".

I blinked slowly a few times and mumbled something about how I think that wasn't the issue. He showed up about a month later with a new Ford pickup, leather seats and all. I said nothing, especially when he said "Pretty sweet huh!"

[ysette9]

Poor guy. Compensation vehicles look that much worse on someone with low self esteem

[Montecarlo]

Coworker 1 this week the day after corporate announcement that our pension plan was frozen (not for me as it has been closed to new hires for 7 years). "I upped my 401k 1% to make up for it", with it being the frozen pension. This was also immediately after Coworker1 had a discussion with Coworker2 who said both he and his wife were, and had been, maxing their 401k's for years. CW1 said "I don't know how you can do that". Granted, CW2 almost certainly makes about 20% more than CW1, but we're all paid low (very low) six figures. And there is a 50% 401k match. I just kept drinking my free coffee.

50% all the way to the max?

[Master of None]

Saw the new Ford Ranger for the first time yesterday. Mentioned I liked it better than the big trucks. Friend looked at me like I broke some rule of manliness. I won't mention to him then that I also like the Honda Ridgeline. And that is barely a truck by some people's measure. Am not in the market for a truck at any size though. I get by fine with a little utility trailer.

I recently purchased a used Gen 1 Ridgeline and love it! Can pull a trailer with my lawn equipment and I can fill up the bed with mulch or limbs if needed. Has really helped me take on a few more lawns for extra money. Also just took the my boy out for a camp out last weekend and the trunk in the bed of the truck sure came in handy when it was pouring down rain. Tent and all supplies were still dry. They may look goofy to some people, but so far I have gotten a decent amount of use out of it.

[GreenToTheCore]

Coworker 1 this week the day after corporate announcement that our pension plan was frozen (not for me as it has been closed to new hires for 7 years). "I upped my 401k 1% to make up for it", with it being the frozen pension. This was also immediately after Coworker1 had a discussion with Coworker2 who said both he and his wife were, and had been, maxing their 401k's for years. CW1 said "I don't know how you can do that". Granted, CW2 almost certainly makes about 20% more than CW1, but we're all paid low (very low) six figures. And there is a 50% 401k match. I just kept drinking my free coffee.

50% all the way to the max?

Inquiring minds want to know...
If it is so, I think I speak for most of us when I say "Da-amn, nice gig you got there".

[twe]

Coworker 1 this week the day after corporate announcement that our pension plan was frozen (not for me as it has been closed to new hires for 7 years). "I upped my 401k 1% to make up for it", with it being the frozen pension. This was also immediately after Coworker1 had a discussion with Coworker2 who said both he and his wife were, and had been, maxing their 401k's for years. CW1 said "I don't know how you can do that". Granted, CW2 almost certainly makes about 20% more than CW1, but we're all paid low (very low) six figures. And there is a 50% 401k match. I just kept drinking my free coffee.

50% all the way to the max?

Inquiring minds want to know...
If it is so, I think I speak for most of us when I say "Da-amn, nice gig you got there".

I wish it was up to the max. It's 50% up to 8%, with a 3% company contribution whether you save anything or not. I'm also stuck in highly compensated employee limbo as I don't make enough to max it out with the cap on my % of contributions, and too much to contribute whatever % will max it out. It was a good news, bad news, kind of raise.

[ysette9]

The HCE thing is a disappointment. I was stuck there at my old company. No more at my current one! And our match is 50% up to the full $19k. And the plan is at vanguard and offers auto Roth conversions for mega backdoor Roth.

I am totally in love with my current 401k plan.

[Davnasty]

"Why would we wash dishes when we can just use paper plates from Costco, amiright?"

No. No that is not right.


ETA: This was in reference to regular home use

[zolotiyeruki]

"Why would we wash dishes when we can just use paper plates from Costco, amiright?"

No. No that is not right.

ETA: This was in reference to regular home use

FWIW, I have some relatives that have actually done the math of paper vs reusable plates, and it's not as clear-cut as you might immediately think.  When you consider the acquisition cost, the cost of water, electricity, detergent, and the time spent washing and putting away dishes, the gap narrows considerably.

[Davnasty]

"Why would we wash dishes when we can just use paper plates from Costco, amiright?"

No. No that is not right.

ETA: This was in reference to regular home use

FWIW, I have some relatives that have actually done the math of paper vs reusable plates, and it's not as clear-cut as you might immediately think.  When you consider the acquisition cost, the cost of water, electricity, detergent, and the time spent washing and putting away dishes, the gap narrows considerably.

They already have real plates, just use them less.

Personally I don't think adding up tasks that take <1 minute* and applying an hourly cost to them is proper accounting. I know some people disagree but my opinion is that avoiding those small tasks doesn't really free up time in your day, it's just less work.

And most importantly my concern is more environmental than financial.

*this is just plates for 2 people. They still wash pots/pans, cups, utensils...

[TheGrimSqueaker]

"Why would we wash dishes when we can just use paper plates from Costco, amiright?"

No. No that is not right.

ETA: This was in reference to regular home use

FWIW, I have some relatives that have actually done the math of paper vs reusable plates, and it's not as clear-cut as you might immediately think.  When you consider the acquisition cost, the cost of water, electricity, detergent, and the time spent washing and putting away dishes, the gap narrows considerably.

They already have real plates, just use them less.

Personally I don't think adding up tasks that take <1 minute* and applying an hourly cost to them is proper accounting. I know some people disagree but my opinion is that avoiding those small tasks doesn't really free up time in your day, it's just less work.

And most importantly my concern is more environmental than financial.

*this is just plates for 2 people. They still wash pots/pans, cups, utensils...

The practical cost of washing plates and utensils goes way down when you have to wash the preparation tools too. No extra soap is required unless you've got enough guests to justify an extra sink full of soapy water. But there is an economy of scale when you have large numbers of guests and several courses of food. One thing about paper plates is that they do scale well for large numbers of guests. I've been known to use them for open houses and informal events like barbecues simply because I refuse to own, house, and maintain that number of dishes or utensils.

[CoffeeR]

Your profile link www.theliveinlandlord.com goes to the Baidu search engine?

[mm1970]

The HCE thing is a disappointment. I was stuck there at my old company. No more at my current one! And our match is 50% up to the full $19k. And the plan is at vanguard and offers auto Roth conversions for mega backdoor Roth.

I am totally in love with my current 401k plan.

Sigh.  I worried about HCE, knowing that it takes effect for the year after you earn that amount.  So I expected to be limited in my contributions this year, as my income was exactly at the HCE limit for last year (20 cents over).

But they've said nothing?  And this year's limit is higher, and eff it I need to get a new job because I should be FAR above the HCE limit.

[dragoncar]

"Why would we wash dishes when we can just use paper plates from Costco, amiright?"

No. No that is not right.

ETA: This was in reference to regular home use

FWIW, I have some relatives that have actually done the math of paper vs reusable plates, and it's not as clear-cut as you might immediately think.  When you consider the acquisition cost, the cost of water, electricity, detergent, and the time spent washing and putting away dishes, the gap narrows considerably.

They already have real plates, just use them less.

Personally I don't think adding up tasks that take <1 minute* and applying an hourly cost to them is proper accounting. I know some people disagree but my opinion is that avoiding those small tasks doesn't really free up time in your day, it's just less work.

And most importantly my concern is more environmental than financial.

*this is just plates for 2 people. They still wash pots/pans, cups, utensils...

The practical cost of washing plates and utensils goes way down when you have to wash the preparation tools too. No extra soap is required unless you've got enough guests to justify an extra sink full of soapy water. But there is an economy of scale when you have large numbers of guests and several courses of food. One thing about paper plates is that they do scale well for large numbers of guests. I've been known to use them for open houses and informal events like barbecues simply because I refuse to own, house, and maintain that number of dishes or utensils.

I only use disposable aluminum cooking vessels and paper cooking utensils.  My favorite are the paper tongs!

[Davnasty]

"Why would we wash dishes when we can just use paper plates from Costco, amiright?"

No. No that is not right.

ETA: This was in reference to regular home use

FWIW, I have some relatives that have actually done the math of paper vs reusable plates, and it's not as clear-cut as you might immediately think.  When you consider the acquisition cost, the cost of water, electricity, detergent, and the time spent washing and putting away dishes, the gap narrows considerably.

They already have real plates, just use them less.

Personally I don't think adding up tasks that take <1 minute* and applying an hourly cost to them is proper accounting. I know some people disagree but my opinion is that avoiding those small tasks doesn't really free up time in your day, it's just less work.

And most importantly my concern is more environmental than financial.

*this is just plates for 2 people. They still wash pots/pans, cups, utensils...

The practical cost of washing plates and utensils goes way down when you have to wash the preparation tools too. No extra soap is required unless you've got enough guests to justify an extra sink full of soapy water. But there is an economy of scale when you have large numbers of guests and several courses of food. One thing about paper plates is that they do scale well for large numbers of guests. I've been known to use them for open houses and informal events like barbecues simply because I refuse to own, house, and maintain that number of dishes or utensils.

I only use disposable aluminum cooking vessels and paper cooking utensils.  My favorite are the paper tongs!

But what do you do when you spill something on the counter? Maybe use a drop cloth in the kitchen to be safe. Wouldn't want to have to clean anything.

[dragoncar]

Counter?  You mean the cardboard boxes I have arranged around the kitchen?

[ysette9]

Counter?  You mean the cardboard boxes I have arranged around the kitchen?

Or you just cover the countertops with aluminum foil, so you can ball it up and throw it away after instead of wiping down, right?

Note: I’ve actually heard of a family that used to do this

[dragoncar]

Counter?  You mean the cardboard boxes I have arranged around the kitchen?

Or you just cover the countertops with aluminum foil, so you can ball it up and throw it away after instead of wiping down, right?

Note: I’ve actually heard of a family that used to do this

Sounds like the environmentally friendly approach.  You can recycle aluminum but you can't recycle used sponges.

[ysette9]

Don’t you have to clean the aluminum foil before it can be recycled?


Haha, back to square one!

[LennStar]

Counter?  You mean the cardboard boxes I have arranged around the kitchen?

Or you just cover the countertops with aluminum foil, so you can ball it up and throw it away after instead of wiping down, right?

Note: I’ve actually heard of a family that used to do this

Sounds like the environmentally friendly approach.  You can recycle aluminum but you can't recycle used sponges.

Yeah. You can recycle it. But when you do it and where you do it and whence you do it - you will use up so much coal-produced electricity...

[dragoncar]

Counter?  You mean the cardboard boxes I have arranged around the kitchen?

Or you just cover the countertops with aluminum foil, so you can ball it up and throw it away after instead of wiping down, right?

Note: I’ve actually heard of a family that used to do this

Sounds like the environmentally friendly approach.  You can recycle aluminum but you can't recycle used sponges.

Yeah. You can recycle it. But when you do it and where you do it and whence you do it - you will use up so much coal-produced electricity...

Ah yes, beautiful clean coal.  Feels so good in my lungs.

[TomTX]

Along the same lines there was a story in NY Times I read where they found that unemployed people look forward to the weekend almost as much as people working - this was also due to a lot of fun happens on weekends when more people have time to do it.

My retired friends typically have an active dislike for the weekend. Stores, parks, library, etc are all too crowded.

[TheGrimSqueaker]

Your profile link www.theliveinlandlord.com goes to the Baidu search engine?

Oops, I forgot to update my profile. I let the blog site go because it wasn't profitable enough to justify my time.

[BlueHouse]

Coworker 1 this week the day after corporate announcement that our pension plan was frozen (not for me as it has been closed to new hires for 7 years). "I upped my 401k 1% to make up for it", with it being the frozen pension. This was also immediately after Coworker1 had a discussion with Coworker2 who said both he and his wife were, and had been, maxing their 401k's for years. CW1 said "I don't know how you can do that". Granted, CW2 almost certainly makes about 20% more than CW1, but we're all paid low (very low) six figures. And there is a 50% 401k match. I just kept drinking my free coffee.

I don't understand any part of this story. 

[partgypsy]

The HCE thing is a disappointment. I was stuck there at my old company. No more at my current one! And our match is 50% up to the full $19k. And the plan is at vanguard and offers auto Roth conversions for mega backdoor Roth.

I am totally in love with my current 401k plan.

Man I would be too. I don't often experience jealousy, feeling it here