Author Topic: Overheard at Work: The Anti-Antimustachian Edition  (Read 981437 times)

Dollar Slice

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Re: Overheard at Work: The Anti-Antimustachian Edition
« Reply #850 on: February 01, 2017, 12:31:06 PM »
Some guy called to sign up for a freebie my company has been offering - and I started to tell him that we can't take the order over the phone, but he can order it online. He proudly rattled off a VERY long list of electronic devices he does not own, including anything that would have internet connectivity. I finally got a word in edge-wise and said I would mail him a form that he could mail back to us (at which point he went on a long tangent about people stealing mail/your identity, including the exact method used to fish mail out of mailboxes). And then he told me he doesn't have a credit card or any debt, which is why he retired 21 years ago and never had to work a day since! OK, except for this one time, he was an extra in a movie with Kevin Costner, and I came very close to having to promise to go rent the movie before we got off the phone, but that was the only paid work he has done in 21 years. Kind of an exhausting person to talk to, but FIRE and proud of it!

I could see a couple of forum members heading in this direction... LOL ;-)

MgoSam

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Re: Overheard at Work: The Anti-Antimustachian Edition
« Reply #851 on: February 01, 2017, 12:40:32 PM »
LOL, Dollar Slice I get a few calls like that a month. Some elderly guy will want me to mail a catalog to him because he has "free time," and wants to know what we sell. Running a catalog and mailing it costs about $15 and normally I wouldn't bat an eye to mail a catalog to a customer because we can make it back if they buy, but for an elderly person that has no clue what we sell, I'm not going to spend the time. Maybe 10 years ago when we selling a different line of products, but not anymore.

Now that I think of it, I can't think of a single sale we made in the past year in which the customer did not have internet....

dragoncar

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Re: Overheard at Work: The Anti-Antimustachian Edition
« Reply #852 on: February 01, 2017, 12:51:57 PM »
LOL, Dollar Slice I get a few calls like that a month. Some elderly guy will want me to mail a catalog to him because he has "free time," and wants to know what we sell. Running a catalog and mailing it costs about $15 and normally I wouldn't bat an eye to mail a catalog to a customer because we can make it back if they buy, but for an elderly person that has no clue what we sell, I'm not going to spend the time. Maybe 10 years ago when we selling a different line of products, but not anymore.

Now that I think of it, I can't think of a single sale we made in the past year in which the customer did not have internet....

What do you sell anyways?  (And can I get a catalog?)

MgoSam

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Re: Overheard at Work: The Anti-Antimustachian Edition
« Reply #853 on: February 01, 2017, 12:56:50 PM »
LOL, Dollar Slice I get a few calls like that a month. Some elderly guy will want me to mail a catalog to him because he has "free time," and wants to know what we sell. Running a catalog and mailing it costs about $15 and normally I wouldn't bat an eye to mail a catalog to a customer because we can make it back if they buy, but for an elderly person that has no clue what we sell, I'm not going to spend the time. Maybe 10 years ago when we selling a different line of products, but not anymore.

Now that I think of it, I can't think of a single sale we made in the past year in which the customer did not have internet....

What do you sell anyways?  (And can I get a catalog?)

Smoking paraphernalia, and no can't be seen to sell to non-businesses.

dragoncar

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Re: Overheard at Work: The Anti-Antimustachian Edition
« Reply #854 on: February 01, 2017, 02:21:24 PM »
LOL, Dollar Slice I get a few calls like that a month. Some elderly guy will want me to mail a catalog to him because he has "free time," and wants to know what we sell. Running a catalog and mailing it costs about $15 and normally I wouldn't bat an eye to mail a catalog to a customer because we can make it back if they buy, but for an elderly person that has no clue what we sell, I'm not going to spend the time. Maybe 10 years ago when we selling a different line of products, but not anymore.

Now that I think of it, I can't think of a single sale we made in the past year in which the customer did not have internet....

What do you sell anyways?  (And can I get a catalog?)

Smoking paraphernalia, and no can't be seen to sell to non-businesses.

In that case, can I get some samples?

FireHiker

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Re: Overheard at Work: The Anti-Antimustachian Edition
« Reply #855 on: February 01, 2017, 04:23:43 PM »
I was in a meeting recently and a co-worker mentioned that he had just paid off his mortgage and will at least go part-time next year. He is 54 so it's not super early, but he genuinely enjoys what he does. We got to talking, and not only was he familiar with MMM, he has introduced both of his kids to MMM. They are now out of college, maxing out their 401Ks, etc. It was nice for a change to chat with someone who gets it and doesn't look at me like I have two heads or something.

With This Herring

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Re: Overheard at Work: The Anti-Antimustachian Edition
« Reply #856 on: February 01, 2017, 06:13:43 PM »
Some guy called to sign up for a freebie my company has been offering - and I started to tell him that we can't take the order over the phone, but he can order it online. He proudly rattled off a VERY long list of electronic devices he does not own, including anything that would have internet connectivity. I finally got a word in edge-wise and said I would mail him a form that he could mail back to us (at which point he went on a long tangent about people stealing mail/your identity, including the exact method used to fish mail out of mailboxes).
*snip*

This reminds me of a certain client of OldFirm.  He would cut his personal information (SSN, name, address) out of all tax forms he received before he brought them to us for tax prep.  What a character.

Linea_Norway

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Re: Overheard at Work: The Anti-Antimustachian Edition
« Reply #857 on: February 02, 2017, 12:30:04 AM »
Not really wall of shame, but heard at work:

My boss: I need to take up a mortgage, because I am going to renovate the bathroom.

It sounded like she didn't have a mortgage at present, which is good. But she can't afford the 35.000 dollar or so that it costs to have the bathroom renovated by a specialist. We renovated our bathroom some years ago and did everything ourselves. Cost: approx 12.000 dollars. Bathrooms in Norway have to follow lots of rules, so it isn't really easy.

With This Herring

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Re: Overheard at Work: The Anti-Antimustachian Edition
« Reply #858 on: February 02, 2017, 09:18:45 AM »
Linda_Norway and jslasher88, this thread is for commending coworkers for doing frugal things, hence the "Anti-Anti."  It looks like you both wanted the much longer "Overheard at Work" thread that bemoans the un-frugal choices of coworkers who complain they can't afford to save money.  (Both are interesting posts, though.)

My office usually has 4-6 days a month where we can wear jeans if we donate $5 or more to charity.
*snip*
Am I in the wrong here? Am I a terrible person for not participating in these charity days? I only make $15/hour right now, so $20-25/month adds up.

I don't think you are in the wrong at all.  If anyone criticizes you, say "That doesn't fit my budget," "I donate through my church," "I already have plans for my charity dollars," or whatever applies.

MgoSam

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Re: Overheard at Work: The Anti-Antimustachian Edition
« Reply #859 on: February 02, 2017, 09:30:00 AM »
LOL, Dollar Slice I get a few calls like that a month. Some elderly guy will want me to mail a catalog to him because he has "free time," and wants to know what we sell. Running a catalog and mailing it costs about $15 and normally I wouldn't bat an eye to mail a catalog to a customer because we can make it back if they buy, but for an elderly person that has no clue what we sell, I'm not going to spend the time. Maybe 10 years ago when we selling a different line of products, but not anymore.

Now that I think of it, I can't think of a single sale we made in the past year in which the customer did not have internet....

What do you sell anyways?  (And can I get a catalog?)

Smoking paraphernalia, and no can't be seen to sell to non-businesses.

In that case, can I get some samples?

Sorry man, not worth the risks. If you were here in person that might be a different story...

TheGrimSqueaker

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Re: Overheard at Work: The Anti-Antimustachian Edition
« Reply #860 on: February 02, 2017, 09:32:23 AM »
Linda_Norway and jslasher88, this thread is for commending coworkers for doing frugal things, hence the "Anti-Anti."  It looks like you both wanted the much longer "Overheard at Work" thread that bemoans the un-frugal choices of coworkers who complain they can't afford to save money.  (Both are interesting posts, though.)

My office usually has 4-6 days a month where we can wear jeans if we donate $5 or more to charity.
*snip*
Am I in the wrong here? Am I a terrible person for not participating in these charity days? I only make $15/hour right now, so $20-25/month adds up.

I don't think you are in the wrong at all.  If anyone criticizes you, say "That doesn't fit my budget," "I donate through my church," "I already have plans for my charity dollars," or whatever applies.

Or even: "I don't like to wear jeans to work."

infogoon

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Re: Overheard at Work: The Anti-Antimustachian Edition
« Reply #861 on: February 02, 2017, 09:42:55 AM »
My office usually has 4-6 days a month where we can wear jeans if we donate $5 or more to charity. Everyone goes absolutely giddy over these days (usually on Fridays). I rarely participate. And because of this, I take a lot heat.

I'm sorry, but wearing jeans to work once a week isn't worth $20/month to me. Especially when I have a pair of khakis that are just as comfortable and perfectly up to dress code.

My old employer had this. I always thought it was odd that people get so excited about the chance to "dress down", but then, I don't find jeans to be very comfortable. I've only got a couple of pair strictly for yard work and home improvement projects.

jinga nation

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Re: Overheard at Work: The Anti-Antimustachian Edition
« Reply #862 on: February 02, 2017, 10:36:53 AM »
LOL, Dollar Slice I get a few calls like that a month. Some elderly guy will want me to mail a catalog to him because he has "free time," and wants to know what we sell. Running a catalog and mailing it costs about $15 and normally I wouldn't bat an eye to mail a catalog to a customer because we can make it back if they buy, but for an elderly person that has no clue what we sell, I'm not going to spend the time. Maybe 10 years ago when we selling a different line of products, but not anymore.

Now that I think of it, I can't think of a single sale we made in the past year in which the customer did not have internet....

What do you sell anyways?  (And can I get a catalog?)

Smoking paraphernalia, and no can't be seen to sell to non-businesses.

In that case, can I get some samples?

Sorry man, not worth the risks. If you were here in person that might be a different story...
PM me your address please.

dragoncar

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Re: Overheard at Work: The Anti-Antimustachian Edition
« Reply #863 on: February 02, 2017, 02:47:21 PM »
LOL, Dollar Slice I get a few calls like that a month. Some elderly guy will want me to mail a catalog to him because he has "free time," and wants to know what we sell. Running a catalog and mailing it costs about $15 and normally I wouldn't bat an eye to mail a catalog to a customer because we can make it back if they buy, but for an elderly person that has no clue what we sell, I'm not going to spend the time. Maybe 10 years ago when we selling a different line of products, but not anymore.

Now that I think of it, I can't think of a single sale we made in the past year in which the customer did not have internet....

What do you sell anyways?  (And can I get a catalog?)

Smoking paraphernalia, and no can't be seen to sell to non-businesses.

In that case, can I get some samples?

Sorry man, not worth the risks. If you were here in person that might be a different story...

In that case, can I have a job?

MgoSam

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Re: Overheard at Work: The Anti-Antimustachian Edition
« Reply #864 on: February 02, 2017, 02:57:05 PM »
LOL, Dollar Slice I get a few calls like that a month. Some elderly guy will want me to mail a catalog to him because he has "free time," and wants to know what we sell. Running a catalog and mailing it costs about $15 and normally I wouldn't bat an eye to mail a catalog to a customer because we can make it back if they buy, but for an elderly person that has no clue what we sell, I'm not going to spend the time. Maybe 10 years ago when we selling a different line of products, but not anymore.

Now that I think of it, I can't think of a single sale we made in the past year in which the customer did not have internet....

What do you sell anyways?  (And can I get a catalog?)

Smoking paraphernalia, and no can't be seen to sell to non-businesses.

In that case, can I get some samples?

Sorry man, not worth the risks. If you were here in person that might be a different story...

In that case, can I have a job?

LOL, not hiring.

Reynold

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Re: Overheard at Work: The Anti-Antimustachian Edition
« Reply #865 on: February 15, 2017, 01:17:46 PM »
Several years back, when talking to the Admin assistant here at work, she was complaining about her cable/phone/internet bill, so I told her about how my DW calls at yearly intervals to threaten to change services so she can get some kind of discount.  She called, and what they convinced her to do was add a bunch of services (pay channels, etc.) at "no additional charge for the first year."  She agreed, and spent the last couple of years paying $260/month after the rates went up to "normal". 

The happy ending is that she finally called them a couple of weeks back, and got them (after two days worth of calls) to remove some services and switch her to a lower tier plan that will save her over $80/month.  She had apparently before been on their MOST expensive plan.  Yes, she is still paying a lot by MMM standards, but at least she is now thinking about the $1000/year she could have had over the last couple of years and considering further changes.  I'll keep giving her advice. . .

dragoncar

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Re: Overheard at Work: The Anti-Antimustachian Edition
« Reply #866 on: February 15, 2017, 02:38:26 PM »
Several years back, when talking to the Admin assistant here at work, she was complaining about her cable/phone/internet bill, so I told her about how my DW calls at yearly intervals to threaten to change services so she can get some kind of discount.  She called, and what they convinced her to do was add a bunch of services (pay channels, etc.) at "no additional charge for the first year."  She agreed, and spent the last couple of years paying $260/month after the rates went up to "normal". 

The happy ending is that she finally called them a couple of weeks back, and got them (after two days worth of calls) to remove some services and switch her to a lower tier plan that will save her over $80/month.  She had apparently before been on their MOST expensive plan.  Yes, she is still paying a lot by MMM standards, but at least she is now thinking about the $1000/year she could have had over the last couple of years and considering further changes.  I'll keep giving her advice. . .

I have to call Comcast soon to ask for a discount again.  I really hate that call, not looking forward to it.  But it'll probably save me like $240 so it's worth it

Vanguards and Lentils

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Re: Overheard at Work: The Anti-Antimustachian Edition
« Reply #867 on: February 15, 2017, 02:51:56 PM »
Several years back, when talking to the Admin assistant here at work, she was complaining about her cable/phone/internet bill, so I told her about how my DW calls at yearly intervals to threaten to change services so she can get some kind of discount.  She called, and what they convinced her to do was add a bunch of services (pay channels, etc.) at "no additional charge for the first year."  She agreed, and spent the last couple of years paying $260/month after the rates went up to "normal". 

This is amazing. Exactly the reason I pick and choose whom to share advice with. I mostly keep credit card and bank account churning to myself, for example.

CptCool

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Re: Overheard at Work: The Anti-Antimustachian Edition
« Reply #868 on: February 16, 2017, 01:22:14 PM »
I have to call Comcast soon to ask for a discount again.  I really hate that call, not looking forward to it.  But it'll probably save me like $240 so it's worth it

Don't call - just do it via chat while you're watching tv or doing something else. If they won't bother to give you the discount, just end the chat and do it again.

Much less time wasted since I can just do something else at the same time. The only problem is I frequently forget I have the chat window open while I'm waiting to connect with someone so they end up waiting a few minutes before disconnecting and I have to start again at the beginning of the queue

dragoncar

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Re: Overheard at Work: The Anti-Antimustachian Edition
« Reply #869 on: February 16, 2017, 01:38:22 PM »
I have to call Comcast soon to ask for a discount again.  I really hate that call, not looking forward to it.  But it'll probably save me like $240 so it's worth it

Don't call - just do it via chat while you're watching tv or doing something else. If they won't bother to give you the discount, just end the chat and do it again.

Much less time wasted since I can just do something else at the same time. The only problem is I frequently forget I have the chat window open while I'm waiting to connect with someone so they end up waiting a few minutes before disconnecting and I have to start again at the beginning of the queue

Thanks, I'll try that.  I seem to remember very long chat wait times... not sure why I thought I needed to call.

Is there a resource out there that tracks what deals people are getting?  I never know if they offer something like $50/mo... is that good?  Anything is better than nothing!

zolotiyeruki

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Re: Overheard at Work: The Anti-Antimustachian Edition
« Reply #870 on: February 16, 2017, 09:03:40 PM »
I have to call Comcast soon to ask for a discount again.  I really hate that call, not looking forward to it.  But it'll probably save me like $240 so it's worth it

Don't call - just do it via chat while you're watching tv or doing something else. If they won't bother to give you the discount, just end the chat and do it again.

Much less time wasted since I can just do something else at the same time. The only problem is I frequently forget I have the chat window open while I'm waiting to connect with someone so they end up waiting a few minutes before disconnecting and I have to start again at the beginning of the queue

Thanks, I'll try that.  I seem to remember very long chat wait times... not sure why I thought I needed to call.

Is there a resource out there that tracks what deals people are getting?  I never know if they offer something like $50/mo... is that good?  Anything is better than nothing!
whenever I've done it, they offer me the same "new customer" deals that are displayed on their website. So go check out what's being offered for your area, and ask for it. Be advised that you have to first tell them you want to cancel, so they transfer you to the retention department, THEN tell them you'll stay if you get discount X.

frugalnacho

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Re: Overheard at Work: The Anti-Antimustachian Edition
« Reply #871 on: February 24, 2017, 06:59:27 AM »
I have to call Comcast soon to ask for a discount again.  I really hate that call, not looking forward to it.  But it'll probably save me like $240 so it's worth it

Don't call - just do it via chat while you're watching tv or doing something else. If they won't bother to give you the discount, just end the chat and do it again.

Much less time wasted since I can just do something else at the same time. The only problem is I frequently forget I have the chat window open while I'm waiting to connect with someone so they end up waiting a few minutes before disconnecting and I have to start again at the beginning of the queue

Thanks, I'll try that.  I seem to remember very long chat wait times... not sure why I thought I needed to call.

Is there a resource out there that tracks what deals people are getting?  I never know if they offer something like $50/mo... is that good?  Anything is better than nothing!
whenever I've done it, they offer me the same "new customer" deals that are displayed on their website. So go check out what's being offered for your area, and ask for it. Be advised that you have to first tell them you want to cancel, so they transfer you to the retention department, THEN tell them you'll stay if you get discount X.

My cable company constantly mails mespams everyone in my neighborhood the new customer promo offers.  Seems like a dick move to raise my rate since I've been a long time loyal customer.  Seems like a super dick move to do that while simultaneously mailing the new customer rate adverts to my house every fucking month.  If you don't want to honor that price stop spamming it to my address every month.

DCKatie09

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Re: Overheard at Work: The Anti-Antimustachian Edition
« Reply #872 on: February 24, 2017, 07:04:14 AM »
I have to call Comcast soon to ask for a discount again.  I really hate that call, not looking forward to it.  But it'll probably save me like $240 so it's worth it

Don't call - just do it via chat while you're watching tv or doing something else. If they won't bother to give you the discount, just end the chat and do it again.

Much less time wasted since I can just do something else at the same time. The only problem is I frequently forget I have the chat window open while I'm waiting to connect with someone so they end up waiting a few minutes before disconnecting and I have to start again at the beginning of the queue

Thanks, I'll try that.  I seem to remember very long chat wait times... not sure why I thought I needed to call.

Is there a resource out there that tracks what deals people are getting?  I never know if they offer something like $50/mo... is that good?  Anything is better than nothing!
whenever I've done it, they offer me the same "new customer" deals that are displayed on their website. So go check out what's being offered for your area, and ask for it. Be advised that you have to first tell them you want to cancel, so they transfer you to the retention department, THEN tell them you'll stay if you get discount X.

My cable company constantly mails mespams everyone in my neighborhood the new customer promo offers.  Seems like a dick move to raise my rate since I've been a long time loyal customer.  Seems like a super dick move to do that while simultaneously mailing the new customer rate adverts to my house every fucking month.  If you don't want to honor that price stop spamming it to my address every month.
Those inapplicable new customer offers drive me nuts. We got lucky with a new salesperson last time I called and she made me a deal she probably shouldn't have (better internet, $30 less/month), and I legit had a dream the other night that Comcast figured it out and told us they couldn't honor the change. #frugalitynightmares

bebegirl

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Re: Overheard at Work: The Anti-Antimustachian Edition
« Reply #873 on: February 24, 2017, 10:56:19 AM »
Recently in the kitchen at work during lunch time.
I enter kitchen to use microwave to warm up my lunch when I see actually a line of people waiting!
There are 3 microwaves and all of them are busy.
Then one more colleagues shows up and says that another kitchen on the floor has one microwave which was busy and she came here to see the line as well!

People bring their own lunch on a regular basis.
Nice.

Linea_Norway

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Re: Overheard at Work: The Anti-Antimustachian Edition
« Reply #874 on: February 25, 2017, 09:18:30 AM »
Where I work, everybody has a security clearance. Yesterday my boss laid down a poster that you have to report to the security organ when you are in financial trouble.
I sometimes wonder whether my collegues think I am in financial trouble, as I am now eating homemade lunch as the only one in the department. I think I am probably one of the very few with a house without mortgage.
« Last Edit: February 27, 2017, 06:15:02 AM by Linda_Norway »

jinga nation

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Re: Overheard at Work: The Anti-Antimustachian Edition
« Reply #875 on: February 27, 2017, 05:57:51 AM »
Wher I work, everybody has a security clearance. Yesterday my boss laid down a poster that you have to report to the security organ when you are in financial trouble.
I sometimes wonder whether my collegues think I am in financial trouble, as I am now eating homemade lunch as the only one in the department. I think I am probably one of the very few with a house without mortgage.
This is true. For any issues (financial, drug-related, immediate family trouble) we are asked to report to our Security Office. They prefer this; they'll place the reporter in counseling and provide help as they don't want to lose a gov. employee. It is harder to find a replacement with a high level clearance. Similar for federal/DoD contractors.

infogoon

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Re: Overheard at Work: The Anti-Antimustachian Edition
« Reply #876 on: February 27, 2017, 06:43:23 AM »
There are 3 microwaves and all of them are busy.

It's like a behind-the-scenes documentary on Applebee's.

Just Joe

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Re: Overheard at Work: The Anti-Antimustachian Edition
« Reply #877 on: February 27, 2017, 11:03:27 AM »
I have to call Comcast soon to ask for a discount again.  I really hate that call, not looking forward to it.  But it'll probably save me like $240 so it's worth it

Don't call - just do it via chat while you're watching tv or doing something else. If they won't bother to give you the discount, just end the chat and do it again.

Much less time wasted since I can just do something else at the same time. The only problem is I frequently forget I have the chat window open while I'm waiting to connect with someone so they end up waiting a few minutes before disconnecting and I have to start again at the beginning of the queue

Thanks, I'll try that.  I seem to remember very long chat wait times... not sure why I thought I needed to call.

Is there a resource out there that tracks what deals people are getting?  I never know if they offer something like $50/mo... is that good?  Anything is better than nothing!
whenever I've done it, they offer me the same "new customer" deals that are displayed on their website. So go check out what's being offered for your area, and ask for it. Be advised that you have to first tell them you want to cancel, so they transfer you to the retention department, THEN tell them you'll stay if you get discount X.

My cable company constantly mails mespams everyone in my neighborhood the new customer promo offers.  Seems like a dick move to raise my rate since I've been a long time loyal customer.  Seems like a super dick move to do that while simultaneously mailing the new customer rate adverts to my house every fucking month.  If you don't want to honor that price stop spamming it to my address every month.

Call them and demand the new customer rates or you'll cut the cord. Sometimes it works. I did this with several services back when we had debt and were on thin ice. Eventually we did cut the cord, didn't need lower interest rates on debt that was paid off, etc. etc.

johnny847

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Re: Overheard at Work: The Anti-Antimustachian Edition
« Reply #878 on: February 27, 2017, 05:39:53 PM »
I have to call Comcast soon to ask for a discount again.  I really hate that call, not looking forward to it.  But it'll probably save me like $240 so it's worth it

Don't call - just do it via chat while you're watching tv or doing something else. If they won't bother to give you the discount, just end the chat and do it again.

Much less time wasted since I can just do something else at the same time. The only problem is I frequently forget I have the chat window open while I'm waiting to connect with someone so they end up waiting a few minutes before disconnecting and I have to start again at the beginning of the queue

Thanks, I'll try that.  I seem to remember very long chat wait times... not sure why I thought I needed to call.

Is there a resource out there that tracks what deals people are getting?  I never know if they offer something like $50/mo... is that good?  Anything is better than nothing!
whenever I've done it, they offer me the same "new customer" deals that are displayed on their website. So go check out what's being offered for your area, and ask for it. Be advised that you have to first tell them you want to cancel, so they transfer you to the retention department, THEN tell them you'll stay if you get discount X.

My cable company constantly mails mespams everyone in my neighborhood the new customer promo offers.  Seems like a dick move to raise my rate since I've been a long time loyal customer.  Seems like a super dick move to do that while simultaneously mailing the new customer rate adverts to my house every fucking month.  If you don't want to honor that price stop spamming it to my address every month.

Call them and demand the new customer rates or you'll cut the cord. Sometimes it works. I did this with several services back when we had debt and were on thin ice. Eventually we did cut the cord, didn't need lower interest rates on debt that was paid off, etc. etc.

If you're married and don't want to deal with this shit, just call and cancel. Tell them you're leaving the country so they don't badger you.

Then have your spouse get the new customer rate.

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Re: Overheard at Work: The Anti-Antimustachian Edition
« Reply #879 on: February 27, 2017, 09:30:48 PM »
I have to call Comcast soon to ask for a discount again.  I really hate that call, not looking forward to it.  But it'll probably save me like $240 so it's worth it

Don't call - just do it via chat while you're watching tv or doing something else. If they won't bother to give you the discount, just end the chat and do it again.

Much less time wasted since I can just do something else at the same time. The only problem is I frequently forget I have the chat window open while I'm waiting to connect with someone so they end up waiting a few minutes before disconnecting and I have to start again at the beginning of the queue

Thanks, I'll try that.  I seem to remember very long chat wait times... not sure why I thought I needed to call.

Is there a resource out there that tracks what deals people are getting?  I never know if they offer something like $50/mo... is that good?  Anything is better than nothing!
whenever I've done it, they offer me the same "new customer" deals that are displayed on their website. So go check out what's being offered for your area, and ask for it. Be advised that you have to first tell them you want to cancel, so they transfer you to the retention department, THEN tell them you'll stay if you get discount X.

My cable company constantly mails mespams everyone in my neighborhood the new customer promo offers.  Seems like a dick move to raise my rate since I've been a long time loyal customer.  Seems like a super dick move to do that while simultaneously mailing the new customer rate adverts to my house every fucking month.  If you don't want to honor that price stop spamming it to my address every month.

Call them and demand the new customer rates or you'll cut the cord. Sometimes it works. I did this with several services back when we had debt and were on thin ice. Eventually we did cut the cord, didn't need lower interest rates on debt that was paid off, etc. etc.

If you're married and don't want to deal with this shit, just call and cancel. Tell them you're leaving the country so they don't badger you.

Then have your spouse get the new customer rate.

With comcast, they've told me that promotions are not available to any address within a certain timeframe.  When you do this, do you end up having a few days without service?

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Re: Overheard at Work: The Anti-Antimustachian Edition
« Reply #880 on: February 27, 2017, 09:44:12 PM »
If you're married and don't want to deal with this shit, just call and cancel. Tell them you're leaving the country so they don't badger you.

Then have your spouse get the new customer rate.

With comcast, they've told me that promotions are not available to any address within a certain timeframe.  When you do this, do you end up having a few days without service?

Never had first hand experience as I am not married, but I've heard other people tell me they're able to do this without any disconnect of service. The reason is that even though you tell Comcast please cut service on day X, they don't actually cut the actual service for at least a couple days past X.

Guess you don't actually need to be married. Roommates will work fine too.

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Re: Overheard at Work: The Anti-Antimustachian Edition
« Reply #881 on: February 28, 2017, 05:48:11 AM »
I have to call Comcast soon to ask for a discount again.  I really hate that call, not looking forward to it.  But it'll probably save me like $240 so it's worth it

Don't call - just do it via chat while you're watching tv or doing something else. If they won't bother to give you the discount, just end the chat and do it again.

Much less time wasted since I can just do something else at the same time. The only problem is I frequently forget I have the chat window open while I'm waiting to connect with someone so they end up waiting a few minutes before disconnecting and I have to start again at the beginning of the queue

Thanks, I'll try that.  I seem to remember very long chat wait times... not sure why I thought I needed to call.

Is there a resource out there that tracks what deals people are getting?  I never know if they offer something like $50/mo... is that good?  Anything is better than nothing!
whenever I've done it, they offer me the same "new customer" deals that are displayed on their website. So go check out what's being offered for your area, and ask for it. Be advised that you have to first tell them you want to cancel, so they transfer you to the retention department, THEN tell them you'll stay if you get discount X.

My cable company constantly mails mespams everyone in my neighborhood the new customer promo offers.  Seems like a dick move to raise my rate since I've been a long time loyal customer.  Seems like a super dick move to do that while simultaneously mailing the new customer rate adverts to my house every fucking month.  If you don't want to honor that price stop spamming it to my address every month.

Call them and demand the new customer rates or you'll cut the cord. Sometimes it works. I did this with several services back when we had debt and were on thin ice. Eventually we did cut the cord, didn't need lower interest rates on debt that was paid off, etc. etc.

If you're married and don't want to deal with this shit, just call and cancel. Tell them you're leaving the country so they don't badger you.

Then have your spouse get the new customer rate.

With comcast, they've told me that promotions are not available to any address within a certain timeframe.  When you do this, do you end up having a few days without service?
My never-fail go-to trick is to straight up tell them to cancel service. Why asked reason, mention the name of their direct competitor and their deal. If they don't agree, I tell them that I'm going to sign up with the other one's offer, cancel in 30 days (no cancellation or sign-up fee), and then sign-up back with the current provider. I tell them it'll will save them a lot of hassle in paperwork and their personal retention numbers will look bad especially at bonus time. Checkmate!

I do this for family too in local area. It ain't hard to pick up phone when family is sitting around gossiping and drinking sweet chai.

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Re: Overheard at Work: The Anti-Antimustachian Edition
« Reply #882 on: March 08, 2017, 08:14:58 AM »
I love the idea of getting a group of people together in one house (drinking chai works for me, YMMV), and then one of you calling to negotiate a price down with some random service-provider on speaker phone for everyone's entertainment. If any of you live in Charlotte, hit me up and we'll do this this weekend.

kelvin

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Re: Overheard at Work: The Anti-Antimustachian Edition
« Reply #883 on: March 15, 2017, 03:55:02 AM »
One of my coworkers bought a modest condo (about 5X his yearly salary for the whole thing) and is looking at renegotiating his mortgage.

Apparently the mortgage broker got him a collateral mortgage. It sounds like it's a mortgage with a line of credit already built in. He's not too happy with it, didn't want that, and interest rates are even lower now than they were were when he signed.

Another one of my coworkers runs his own business on the side doing taxes. He has all sorts of great stories about mustachian and anti-mustachian clients.

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Re: Overheard at Work: The Anti-Antimustachian Edition
« Reply #884 on: March 23, 2017, 06:44:10 AM »
On the way back from a trade show, I found out my workers is quite mustachian, even if he hasn't learned about MMM yet.  He's a year out of college, making a decent wage as an engineer.  He rents a room from a mutual friend for $500/mo, and spends *maybe* another $500/mo on food, utilities, phone, etc.  He's just socking away everything else.

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Re: Overheard at Work: The Anti-Antimustachian Edition
« Reply #885 on: April 05, 2017, 05:43:06 PM »
Had a conversation with a co-worker today.  He knows I pay attention to finances and retirement.  I and a fellow co-worker convinced him to max out our 401k sometime in the last 4 years and to invest it in a target date retirement fund (he wouldn't be comfortable being more aggressive).  He felt the family budget now left them more money and was wondering what to do next.  I asked about a Roth and a Spousal Roth.  He was going to look into opening those soon.  This is on top of him having a son with special needs that easily could justify "we can't afford to save."

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Re: Overheard at Work: The Anti-Antimustachian Edition
« Reply #886 on: April 07, 2017, 10:54:23 AM »
Had a conversation with a co-worker today.  He knows I pay attention to finances and retirement.  I and a fellow co-worker convinced him to max out our 401k sometime in the last 4 years and to invest it in a target date retirement fund (he wouldn't be comfortable being more aggressive).  He felt the family budget now left them more money and was wondering what to do next.  I asked about a Roth and a Spousal Roth.  He was going to look into opening those soon.  This is on top of him having a son with special needs that easily could justify "we can't afford to save."

Good job with your coworker!

"We (or You) can't afford not to save."  is what I preach whenever possible.

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Re: Overheard at Work: The Anti-Antimustachian Edition
« Reply #887 on: April 07, 2017, 03:28:58 PM »
Had a conversation with a co-worker today.  He knows I pay attention to finances and retirement.  I and a fellow co-worker convinced him to max out our 401k sometime in the last 4 years and to invest it in a target date retirement fund (he wouldn't be comfortable being more aggressive).  He felt the family budget now left them more money and was wondering what to do next.  I asked about a Roth and a Spousal Roth.  He was going to look into opening those soon.  This is on top of him having a son with special needs that easily could justify "we can't afford to save."

Good job with your coworker!

"We (or You) can't afford not to save."  is what I preach whenever possible.


Love this.

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Re: Overheard at Work: The Anti-Antimustachian Edition
« Reply #888 on: April 12, 2017, 02:36:46 PM »
A friend of mine makes $150k+ annually, by himself. His savings rate is 50%+ of after tax income. He lives alone, smack in the middle of a HCOL area. He has a very high discretionary income.

Aforementioned friend has an '03 Ford Ranger Pickup with a manual transmission. It's got 167k miles, doesn't have door locks (was broken into more than once), has a rebuilt title, and otherwise is just a very basic rather ugly car. It's not worth much, and just recently the clutch went out, and he'll likely have it towed to a shop. Some of his friends tell him to buy a new car, he laughs at them. For reference, similar vehicles can be purchased for about $3-5k depending on mileage/heritage.

A group of 5 of us (friend included) communicate via a group text message, to help him with his mechanical issues, as he's self-admittedly very non-mechanically inclined.

We asked him, what's your threshold for repair cost versus just dumping the pickup? He says, "I want to hit 250k miles, so I figure, probably $2000. If it's more than that, I might consider a new-to-me car, but even then, I might just repair it. I don't need a new car."

He paid $6500 for the car, 10 years ago, and has driven it 120k miles so far. This guy could easily purchase any new car he wanted to, but won't. FUCK YEA!

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Re: Overheard at Work: The Anti-Antimustachian Edition
« Reply #889 on: April 13, 2017, 01:38:22 AM »
A friend of mine makes $150k+ annually, by himself. His savings rate is 50%+ of after tax income. He lives alone, smack in the middle of a HCOL area. He has a very high discretionary income.

Aforementioned friend has an '03 Ford Ranger Pickup with a manual transmission. It's got 167k miles, doesn't have door locks (was broken into more than once), has a rebuilt title, and otherwise is just a very basic rather ugly car. It's not worth much, and just recently the clutch went out, and he'll likely have it towed to a shop. Some of his friends tell him to buy a new car, he laughs at them. For reference, similar vehicles can be purchased for about $3-5k depending on mileage/heritage.

A group of 5 of us (friend included) communicate via a group text message, to help him with his mechanical issues, as he's self-admittedly very non-mechanically inclined.

We asked him, what's your threshold for repair cost versus just dumping the pickup? He says, "I want to hit 250k miles, so I figure, probably $2000. If it's more than that, I might consider a new-to-me car, but even then, I might just repair it. I don't need a new car."

He paid $6500 for the car, 10 years ago, and has driven it 120k miles so far. This guy could easily purchase any new car he wanted to, but won't. FUCK YEA!
Seems like someone ripe for FIRE discussion! Has he shown any interest in FIRE?

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Re: Overheard at Work: The Anti-Antimustachian Edition
« Reply #890 on: April 14, 2017, 06:40:08 PM »
A friend of mine makes $150k+ annually, by himself. His savings rate is 50%+ of after tax income. He lives alone, smack in the middle of a HCOL area. He has a very high discretionary income.

Aforementioned friend has an '03 Ford Ranger Pickup with a manual transmission. It's got 167k miles, doesn't have door locks (was broken into more than once), has a rebuilt title, and otherwise is just a very basic rather ugly car. It's not worth much, and just recently the clutch went out, and he'll likely have it towed to a shop. Some of his friends tell him to buy a new car, he laughs at them. For reference, similar vehicles can be purchased for about $3-5k depending on mileage/heritage.

A group of 5 of us (friend included) communicate via a group text message, to help him with his mechanical issues, as he's self-admittedly very non-mechanically inclined.

We asked him, what's your threshold for repair cost versus just dumping the pickup? He says, "I want to hit 250k miles, so I figure, probably $2000. If it's more than that, I might consider a new-to-me car, but even then, I might just repair it. I don't need a new car."

He paid $6500 for the car, 10 years ago, and has driven it 120k miles so far. This guy could easily purchase any new car he wanted to, but won't. FUCK YEA!
Seems like someone ripe for FIRE discussion! Has he shown any interest in FIRE?

Ha. Turns out he introduced me to the forum. He's not as frugal with his money as he could be. But he's very frugal with his time. And he earns a shit load, and save the majority. His expenses could be lower, but he values what he spends his money on.

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Re: Overheard at Work: The Anti-Antimustachian Edition
« Reply #891 on: April 21, 2017, 09:30:31 AM »
P2F, though I don't have anything to add yet.  I much prefer reading these stories, as compared to the negative thread.

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Re: Overheard at Work: The Anti-Antimustachian Edition
« Reply #892 on: April 24, 2017, 09:13:42 AM »
Not at work, but with a friend who is retired & somewhere in his late 60s, early 70s:

Him: "We wouldn't be able to live on our own/like we do if my wife hadn't insisted on paying off our mortgage years ago."
Me: Polite, quizzical noise to encourage him.
Him: "Against all math logic - our savings were earning 15%, and our mortgage was locked in at 6% or so, so I told her to save the inheritance she'd gotten and put it to work earning 15%, but she insisted on the peace of mind of a paid off mortgage. Then interest rates fell to single-digits, but we've been able to save all the money that we would've paid into the mortgage, earn some interest on it, and we don't have to worry about still owing the bank in our retirement."
He also told me they haven't borrowed any money since then, not even to buy the fancy but used vehicles they drive; bought them outright.

I had no idea they were a bit mustachian. :)

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Re: Overheard at Work: The Anti-Antimustachian Edition
« Reply #893 on: April 24, 2017, 09:28:09 AM »
My neighbors--every time I see the guy outside, he starts talking about how I should be investing in VTSMX. He and his wife were extremely fortunate--she was a flight attendant, and he a public school teacher, but they made the absolute most of it.

She now has a pension and free flights for them to go to their vacation home, or Costa Rica, or a cruise. He had a pension from the school system--he retired ASAP, then went to work in private education. All the while, both of them maxed their 401k/403b/whatever it was that was available. Now he complains that they make him take out more than he needs.

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Re: Overheard at Work: The Anti-Antimustachian Edition
« Reply #894 on: April 24, 2017, 02:29:02 PM »
My neighbors--every time I see the guy outside, he starts talking about how I should be investing in VTSMX. He and his wife were extremely fortunate--she was a flight attendant, and he a public school teacher, but they made the absolute most of it.

She now has a pension and free flights for them to go to their vacation home, or Costa Rica, or a cruise. He had a pension from the school system--he retired ASAP, then went to work in private education. All the while, both of them maxed their 401k/403b/whatever it was that was available. Now he complains that they make him take out more than he needs.

Poor guy.

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Re: Overheard at Work: The Anti-Antimustachian Edition
« Reply #895 on: April 26, 2017, 08:06:45 AM »
My boss told me they just finished paying his wife's student loans from veterinary school. He said they were ~$50k when they got married, and I don't think they've been married that long (5-6 years maybe? they have a 4 year old and a 2 year old), so it seems like they knocked it out pretty quickly. Not surprised. He brings his lunch almost every day, and it's usually leftovers.

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Re: Overheard at Work: The Anti-Antimustachian Edition
« Reply #896 on: May 08, 2017, 08:11:23 PM »
This might belong here.

A new initiative by Youth Food Movement Australia encourages workplaces to pool their leftovers to avoid food wastage and promote team bonding by cooking in the work kitchen.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-05-09/cook-at-work-to-wage-a-war-on-waste/8506486

kelvin

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Re: Overheard at Work: The Anti-Antimustachian Edition
« Reply #897 on: May 10, 2017, 12:29:20 PM »
I'm just recovering from surgery, first week back. Can't bike to work yet (doctor's orders). Decided to Uber - $15 each way, for a three day work week.

One of my coworkers gave me his Uber login because he had $20 free on Uber that he's not going to use. Thanks, friend!

Dollar Slice

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Re: Overheard at Work: The Anti-Antimustachian Edition
« Reply #898 on: May 10, 2017, 12:48:37 PM »
I'm just recovering from surgery, first week back. Can't bike to work yet (doctor's orders). Decided to Uber - $15 each way, for a three day work week.

One of my coworkers gave me his Uber login because he had $20 free on Uber that he's not going to use. Thanks, friend!

If there are other similar services in your area (Lyft, Via, Gett, etc.), you can get free money through referrals if you sign up and try them out. I use Via and my friends get a $10 credit if they sign up through me. Not sure how much other services give.

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Re: Overheard at Work: The Anti-Antimustachian Edition
« Reply #899 on: May 22, 2017, 08:12:35 AM »
The owner of the building where I work recently changed out their halogen (I think) parking lot lights for LED fixtures.  As it turns out, the old bulbs are similarly efficient to LEDs, but since the LED fixtures are more directional, they can be half the wattage and still illuminate the parking lot just as well.  With the state rebates, it turned out to be a pretty good deal. Plus, they won't have to replace them for a *very* long time.