Overheard at Work

[RWD]

Friend the other day attempted to argue that $12m was not enough to retire on. How can people be so financially illiterate? We spend at least 40 hours and more likely 50+ hours per week devoted to earning this money and to be so willy-nilly with it is baffling.

Of course it isn't! That's less than half a million a year with a 4% withdrawal rate. Jet fuel isn't free, you know?

[bzzzt]

Every once in a while a handful of us will do a lotto pool.  We were playing a smaller one, around 40mil.  The payout after taxes would have been about 3mil each.

I've participated in these as well. I used to be the guy who would say "Even if I won, I would keep working." Now, it would be more like the scene out of Half Baked: "FU. FU. FU. You're cool. FU. I'm out."

Link for those who haven't seen it (NSFW, language): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTOKJTRHMdw

[auntie_betty]

We had 12 bus drivers near me win around £3 million each. All quit their jobs (though no no-one did walk off leaving the bus half way round a route which was the rumour for a while!). It's a very Labour, working class town - the standing joke was the lottery created more job vacancies in the town than the Conservatives had ever managed to do. 

Where I used to work we had a lottery syndicate. One director was worried about the impact on the company if we won - so she joined as well so she could lead the conga out the door :) Never happened though.

[Wings5]

I can't even. Barring paying for multiple kids' tuitions at expensive private universities in full (and even that should be only for four years per kid), how the fuck can somebody spend that much in a year?
I doubt I could spend that much even if I tried.

Neither can sorority girls; that's why they go out in groups of three. Try this book...

[dragoncar]

Friend the other day attempted to argue that $12m was not enough to retire on. How can people be so financially illiterate? We spend at least 40 hours and more likely 50+ hours per week devoted to earning this money and to be so willy-nilly with it is baffling.

It might not be illiteracy.  Your friend might have a goal to live large.  The largest life possible.  In which case, no amount of money is enough to stop hustling.

[Middlesbrough]

That is hilarious wings5!

[Hedge_87]

Every once in a while a handful of us will do a lotto pool.  We were playing a smaller one, around 40mil.  The payout after taxes would have been about 3mil each.

I've participated in these as well. I used to be the guy who would say "Even if I won, I would keep working." Now, it would be more like the scene out of Half Baked: "FU. FU. FU. You're cool. FU. I'm out."

Link for those who haven't seen it (NSFW, language): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTOKJTRHMdw

Yep that's what I would do too.... there are days it's hard to resist even though I am nowhere near FI.... one of these days though.

[boarder42]

"A million dollars really isn't that much money anymore."

Every once in a while a handful of us will do a lotto pool.  We were playing a smaller one, around 40mil.  The payout after taxes would have been about 3mil each.

CW: Yea that's not that much, it's not like it'd be enough to stop working
Me: That would be $120k/yr forever
CW: Exactly, so you'd have to keep working
Me: O_o

I can't even. Barring paying for multiple kids' tuitions at expensive private universities in full (and even that should be only for four years per kid), how the fuck can somebody spend that much in a year?
I doubt I could spend that much even if I tried.

B/c they arent looking at their spending they are looking at what they are making.  i fell into the same trap before i found this site last year.  Most people save "some" of their salary.  also FICA and taxes come in to play too.  so once you take out those expenses.  you would likely pay 0 tax on the 120k b/c it would be in qualifying accounts ie LTCGs or QDs.  and pretty much forever you wouldnt be paying taxes b/c you'd be in the 15% bracket on earnings.  so 120k per year in taxable withdraws is really closer to 150-160k in annual income.

[johnny847]

"A million dollars really isn't that much money anymore."

Every once in a while a handful of us will do a lotto pool.  We were playing a smaller one, around 40mil.  The payout after taxes would have been about 3mil each.

CW: Yea that's not that much, it's not like it'd be enough to stop working
Me: That would be $120k/yr forever
CW: Exactly, so you'd have to keep working
Me: O_o

I can't even. Barring paying for multiple kids' tuitions at expensive private universities in full (and even that should be only for four years per kid), how the fuck can somebody spend that much in a year?
I doubt I could spend that much even if I tried.

B/c they arent looking at their spending they are looking at what they are making.  i fell into the same trap before i found this site last year.  Most people save "some" of their salary.  also FICA and taxes come in to play too.  so once you take out those expenses.  you would likely pay 0 tax on the 120k b/c it would be in qualifying accounts ie LTCGs or QDs.  and pretty much forever you wouldnt be paying taxes b/c you'd be in the 15% bracket on earnings.  so 120k per year in taxable withdraws is really closer to 150-160k in annual income.

Heh true. Lots of people have no idea how much they spend in a year, but they do know their gross income and their paycheck amounts (which is probably not going to multiply out to their net income because they probably have their tax withholding set up incorrectly).

[forummm]

"A million dollars really isn't that much money anymore."

Every once in a while a handful of us will do a lotto pool.  We were playing a smaller one, around 40mil.  The payout after taxes would have been about 3mil each.

CW: Yea that's not that much, it's not like it'd be enough to stop working
Me: That would be $120k/yr forever
CW: Exactly, so you'd have to keep working
Me: O_o

I can't even. Barring paying for multiple kids' tuitions at expensive private universities in full (and even that should be only for four years per kid), how the fuck can somebody spend that much in a year?
I doubt I could spend that much even if I tried.

B/c they arent looking at their spending they are looking at what they are making.  i fell into the same trap before i found this site last year.  Most people save "some" of their salary.  also FICA and taxes come in to play too.  so once you take out those expenses.  you would likely pay 0 tax on the 120k b/c it would be in qualifying accounts ie LTCGs or QDs.  and pretty much forever you wouldnt be paying taxes b/c you'd be in the 15% bracket on earnings.  so 120k per year in taxable withdraws is really closer to 150-160k in annual income.

Heh true. Lots of people have no idea how much they spend in a year, but they do know their gross income and their paycheck amounts (which is probably not going to multiply out to their net income because they probably have their tax withholding set up incorrectly).

One coworker had a 6-figure income, had a husband with a 6-figure income, the husband had a 6-figure pension, and they had free healthcare for life through her husband's retirement. Yet she was teaching classes at a college on the side ($5k per class) on top of her busy job and being a parent to 4 kids because they "needed the money". They were bringing in at least $400k before the side job.

[greenmimama]

"A million dollars really isn't that much money anymore."

Every once in a while a handful of us will do a lotto pool.  We were playing a smaller one, around 40mil.  The payout after taxes would have been about 3mil each.

CW: Yea that's not that much, it's not like it'd be enough to stop working
Me: That would be $120k/yr forever
CW: Exactly, so you'd have to keep working
Me: O_o

I can't even. Barring paying for multiple kids' tuitions at expensive private universities in full (and even that should be only for four years per kid), how the fuck can somebody spend that much in a year?
I doubt I could spend that much even if I tried.

B/c they arent looking at their spending they are looking at what they are making.  i fell into the same trap before i found this site last year.  Most people save "some" of their salary.  also FICA and taxes come in to play too.  so once you take out those expenses.  you would likely pay 0 tax on the 120k b/c it would be in qualifying accounts ie LTCGs or QDs.  and pretty much forever you wouldnt be paying taxes b/c you'd be in the 15% bracket on earnings.  so 120k per year in taxable withdraws is really closer to 150-160k in annual income.

Heh true. Lots of people have no idea how much they spend in a year, but they do know their gross income and their paycheck amounts (which is probably not going to multiply out to their net income because they probably have their tax withholding set up incorrectly).

One coworker had a 6-figure income, had a husband with a 6-figure income, the husband had a 6-figure pension, and they had free healthcare for life through her husband's retirement. Yet she was teaching classes at a college on the side ($5k per class) on top of her busy job and being a parent to 4 kids because they "needed the money". They were bringing in at least $400k before the side job.

That is incredibly sad, maybe she was trying to stay away from home, 4 kids can be a bunch especially if they are entitled brats ;)

[forummm]

"A million dollars really isn't that much money anymore."

Every once in a while a handful of us will do a lotto pool.  We were playing a smaller one, around 40mil.  The payout after taxes would have been about 3mil each.

CW: Yea that's not that much, it's not like it'd be enough to stop working
Me: That would be $120k/yr forever
CW: Exactly, so you'd have to keep working
Me: O_o

I can't even. Barring paying for multiple kids' tuitions at expensive private universities in full (and even that should be only for four years per kid), how the fuck can somebody spend that much in a year?
I doubt I could spend that much even if I tried.

B/c they arent looking at their spending they are looking at what they are making.  i fell into the same trap before i found this site last year.  Most people save "some" of their salary.  also FICA and taxes come in to play too.  so once you take out those expenses.  you would likely pay 0 tax on the 120k b/c it would be in qualifying accounts ie LTCGs or QDs.  and pretty much forever you wouldnt be paying taxes b/c you'd be in the 15% bracket on earnings.  so 120k per year in taxable withdraws is really closer to 150-160k in annual income.

Heh true. Lots of people have no idea how much they spend in a year, but they do know their gross income and their paycheck amounts (which is probably not going to multiply out to their net income because they probably have their tax withholding set up incorrectly).

One coworker had a 6-figure income, had a husband with a 6-figure income, the husband had a 6-figure pension, and they had free healthcare for life through her husband's retirement. Yet she was teaching classes at a college on the side ($5k per class) on top of her busy job and being a parent to 4 kids because they "needed the money". They were bringing in at least $400k before the side job.

That is incredibly sad, maybe she was trying to stay away from home, 4 kids can be a bunch especially if they are entitled brats ;)

2 weren't living with them any more (older). But they were probably spoiled.

[MillenialMustache]

I think I have a pretty good one.

When I started my job I was given a company iPad. I think an older one - it is four years old now. I never use it, because I know I am going to retire in the next couple of years and I didn't want to get attached/break it. My coworker uses his all the time and something stopped working. He asked our supervisor for a new one. This caused us all to get brand new iPad Airs. I even said I didn't want one, and that my current one was fine. Nope, still have a brand new iPad Air. Not even sure exactly what they are doing with the old ones.

[Tallgirl1204]

I think I have a pretty good one.

When I started my job I was given a company iPad. I think an older one - it is four years old now. I never use it, because I know I am going to retire in the next couple of years and I didn't want to get attached/break it. My coworker uses his all the time and something stopped working. He asked our supervisor for a new one. This caused us all to get brand new iPad Airs. I even said I didn't want one, and that my current one was fine. Nope, still have a brand new iPad Air. Not even sure exactly what they are doing with the old ones.

I confess we're hooked on our iPad-- it has 3G and we use it a lot while traveling.  That said, my husband does not have a cell phone and I only have a work one-- so the iPad is our primary lifeline to the world when we travel, at $20/month (which we can turn off and on as needed).  That also said, it's about four years old, still works great, and (knock on wood) there's no reason to fix what isn't broken. 

[Middlesbrough]

I think I have a pretty good one.

When I started my job I was given a company iPad. I think an older one - it is four years old now. I never use it, because I know I am going to retire in the next couple of years and I didn't want to get attached/break it. My coworker uses his all the time and something stopped working. He asked our supervisor for a new one. This caused us all to get brand new iPad Airs. I even said I didn't want one, and that my current one was fine. Nope, still have a brand new iPad Air. Not even sure exactly what they are doing with the old ones.

I confess we're hooked on our iPad-- it has 3G and we use it a lot while traveling.  That said, my husband does not have a cell phone and I only have a work one-- so the iPad is our primary lifeline to the world when we travel, at $20/month (which we can turn off and on as needed).  That also said, it's about four years old, still works great, and (knock on wood) there's no reason to fix what isn't broken.

Hahaha! I am currently reading from the company iPad. Executive within my department is an Ifreak and upgrades every time a new Idevice comes out. Two IPads ago, I received the old one. It is really nice, but it isn't nearly as good as my ancient laptop I have had since college. Spreadsheets being a big one. I think a lot of people would agree on this board.

[coffeehound]

"I just hired a financial manager, to manage my finances.  Only $750 a year."  Yeesh.

[LennStar]

"I just hired a financial manager, to manage my finances.  Only $750 a year."  Yeesh.

I'll do the job for only $500 ;)

[infogoon]

Hahaha! I am currently reading from the company iPad. Executive within my department is an Ifreak and upgrades every time a new Idevice comes out. Two IPads ago, I received the old one. It is really nice, but it isn't nearly as good as my ancient laptop I have had since college. Spreadsheets being a big one. I think a lot of people would agree on this board.

iPads are terrible for creating content, in general. They're really designed more for consumption.

I'm heavily involved with the mobility program for my employer; there are a lot of specific use cases that tablets are great for, but they're just awful for general office productivity.

[rocksinmyhead]

I think I have a pretty good one.

When I started my job I was given a company iPad. I think an older one - it is four years old now. I never use it, because I know I am going to retire in the next couple of years and I didn't want to get attached/break it. My coworker uses his all the time and something stopped working. He asked our supervisor for a new one. This caused us all to get brand new iPad Airs. I even said I didn't want one, and that my current one was fine. Nope, still have a brand new iPad Air. Not even sure exactly what they are doing with the old ones.

I confess we're hooked on our iPad-- it has 3G and we use it a lot while traveling.  That said, my husband does not have a cell phone and I only have a work one-- so the iPad is our primary lifeline to the world when we travel, at $20/month (which we can turn off and on as needed).  That also said, it's about four years old, still works great, and (knock on wood) there's no reason to fix what isn't broken.

Hahaha! I am currently reading from the company iPad. Executive within my department is an Ifreak and upgrades every time a new Idevice comes out. Two IPads ago, I received the old one. It is really nice, but it isn't nearly as good as my ancient laptop I have had since college. Spreadsheets being a big one. I think a lot of people would agree on this board.

yeah, I have not really understood the appeal of an iPad. if I'm out and about, my phone is fine, I don't need a huge screen. if I'm sitting down somewhere, I'd rather just have a fully functional laptop (or even a Surface or similar... not that I would ever spend that much money, but my dad has one and it's pretty sweet). I guess I can see it as a good kid entertainment device, as much as I hate that idea :)

Hahaha! I am currently reading from the company iPad. Executive within my department is an Ifreak and upgrades every time a new Idevice comes out. Two IPads ago, I received the old one. It is really nice, but it isn't nearly as good as my ancient laptop I have had since college. Spreadsheets being a big one. I think a lot of people would agree on this board.

iPads are terrible for creating content, in general. They're really designed more for consumption.

yeah, that makes sense to me!

[Daleth]

Point of order:
There's consumerist sucka, and then there's functional shit that takes a beating and still delivers. I got tired of struggling with cheap hand-me-down vaccums and spent ~$300 on a refurb Dyson, which still sucks like a pro after 4 years. The dog hair it's processed could clothe an army. Thus, I consider this no more wasteful than my commercial-grade mop bucket, or my DeWalt tools, all of which are like new (functionally) after at least that long. If any of them broke, I'd fix them - because they're quality tools built to last, which makes them worth fixing. Not so much with the things I used to have.
In your CW's case, the merits of fixing vs. replacing would depend on the original equipment. If they actually got something better that will require less maintenance in the long run, and for only $63, then bravo. Now all they need to do is figure out a way to cash out any remaining value in that old one....

Can't agree more. We have a refurbished dyson (bought from Woot) and I think I'm going to get a Mielhe next time...

A third vote for that! I got a discontinued floor-model Miele for half price on eBay, and a friend got one used on Craigslist. FANTASTIC vacuum cleaners. If at some distant point in the future it breaks, I can get parts cheap on eBay too.

[pancakes]

I overheard a co-worker who is always complaining about CC debt (but unwilling to take any serious steps to pay it back quickly) chatting this week about how a sibling returned a car they had been borrowing.

I chimed in to ask if this was a second car and the answer was yes. I suggested selling one of the cars to pay back some of the debt and it was explained to me that this was a terrible idea because:

1. the car is worth $1000-$1500 and this is "not enough to make it worth selling"
and
2. a second car is needed to transport pets around so that pet hair doesn't get in the primary car.

Apparently everyone else in the office agrees that the above are valid points.

[Pooperman]

I overheard a co-worker who is always complaining about CC debt (but unwilling to take any serious steps to pay it back quickly) chatting this week about how a sibling returned a car they had been borrowing.

I chimed in to ask if this was a second car and the answer was yes. I suggested selling one of the cars to pay back some of the debt and it was explained to me that this was a terrible idea because:

1. the car is worth $1000-$1500 and this is "not enough to make it worth selling"
and
2. a second car is needed to transport pets around so that pet hair doesn't get in the primary car.

Apparently everyone else in the office agrees that the above are valid points.

But if the car is only worth $1500, who cares about dog hair? Plastic bags are cheaper than a new car anyways...

[zolotiyeruki]

I overheard a co-worker who is always complaining about CC debt (but unwilling to take any serious steps to pay it back quickly) chatting this week about how a sibling returned a car they had been borrowing.

I chimed in to ask if this was a second car and the answer was yes. I suggested selling one of the cars to pay back some of the debt and it was explained to me that this was a terrible idea because:

1. the car is worth $1000-$1500 and this is "not enough to make it worth selling"
and
2. a second car is needed to transport pets around so that pet hair doesn't get in the primary car.

Apparently everyone else in the office agrees that the above are valid points.

But if the car is only worth $1500, who cares about dog hair? Plastic bags are cheaper than a new car anyways...

I think the point they were making is "we'll use the old, junky car for hauling around the pets, and keep the nicer (primary) car pet-free".

It.....kinda makes sense, I guess.  But only if you consider the cost of that second vehicle (gas, insurance, registration, maintenance, etc) to be part of the cost of owning pets.

[Pooperman]

I overheard a co-worker who is always complaining about CC debt (but unwilling to take any serious steps to pay it back quickly) chatting this week about how a sibling returned a car they had been borrowing.

I chimed in to ask if this was a second car and the answer was yes. I suggested selling one of the cars to pay back some of the debt and it was explained to me that this was a terrible idea because:

1. the car is worth $1000-$1500 and this is "not enough to make it worth selling"
and
2. a second car is needed to transport pets around so that pet hair doesn't get in the primary car.

Apparently everyone else in the office agrees that the above are valid points.

But if the car is only worth $1500, who cares about dog hair? Plastic bags are cheaper than a new car anyways...

I think the point they were making is "we'll use the old, junky car for hauling around the pets, and keep the nicer (primary) car pet-free".

It.....kinda makes sense, I guess.  But only if you consider the cost of that second vehicle (gas, insurance, registration, maintenance, etc) to be part of the cost of owning pets.

I guess I'm too mustachian and it makes no sense to me :D.

[theadvicist]

I guess I'm too mustachian and it makes no sense to me :D.

Nor I. So your dog is too dirty to go in your car, but you let it live in your house? Huh?

[mtn]

I overheard a co-worker who is always complaining about CC debt (but unwilling to take any serious steps to pay it back quickly) chatting this week about how a sibling returned a car they had been borrowing.

I chimed in to ask if this was a second car and the answer was yes. I suggested selling one of the cars to pay back some of the debt and it was explained to me that this was a terrible idea because:

1. the car is worth $1000-$1500 and this is "not enough to make it worth selling"
and
2. a second car is needed to transport pets around so that pet hair doesn't get in the primary car.

Apparently everyone else in the office agrees that the above are valid points.

But if the car is only worth $1500, who cares about dog hair? Plastic bags are cheaper than a new car anyways...

I think the point they were making is "we'll use the old, junky car for hauling around the pets, and keep the nicer (primary) car pet-free".

It.....kinda makes sense, I guess.  But only if you consider the cost of that second vehicle (gas, insurance, registration, maintenance, etc) to be part of the cost of owning pets.

Makes perfect sense to me, after I just spent 10 minutes at the office with a lint roller getting my dogs hair off of me--and that was after 15 minutes in the car with a vacuum and a lint roller getting it off of the seats.

But I don't have credit card debt, or any debt for that matter.

[Megma]

I overheard a co-worker who is always complaining about CC debt (but unwilling to take any serious steps to pay it back quickly) chatting this week about how a sibling returned a car they had been borrowing.

I chimed in to ask if this was a second car and the answer was yes. I suggested selling one of the cars to pay back some of the debt and it was explained to me that this was a terrible idea because:

1. the car is worth $1000-$1500 and this is "not enough to make it worth selling"
and
2. a second car is needed to transport pets around so that pet hair doesn't get in the primary car.

Apparently everyone else in the office agrees that the above are valid points.

If the old car isn't worth enough to make it worth selling, they should sell the main/fancy car and pay off the debt and drive around the old one! They can also buy a 3-pack of lint rollers for ~$5 to take care of the pet hair issue.

 Honestly it's not like they won't have pet hair on them all the time anyway just because the pets don't go in their main car, so they would need the lint rollers in addition to the 2 cars.

[zephyr911]

I think the point they were making is "we'll use the old, junky car for hauling around the pets, and keep the nicer (primary) car pet-free".

It.....kinda makes sense, I guess.  But only if you consider the cost of that second vehicle (gas, insurance, registration, maintenance, etc) to be part of the cost of owning pets.

You know for $5 they could get a blanket and cover the seats. Eejits.
I literally still have traces of new car smell (3yo/35k miles) and it works with two stinky dogs. I haul their furry asses all over town like that.

[Sibley]

I overheard a co-worker who is always complaining about CC debt (but unwilling to take any serious steps to pay it back quickly) chatting this week about how a sibling returned a car they had been borrowing.

I chimed in to ask if this was a second car and the answer was yes. I suggested selling one of the cars to pay back some of the debt and it was explained to me that this was a terrible idea because:

1. the car is worth $1000-$1500 and this is "not enough to make it worth selling"
and
2. a second car is needed to transport pets around so that pet hair doesn't get in the primary car.

Apparently everyone else in the office agrees that the above are valid points.

If the old car isn't worth enough to make it worth selling, they should sell the main/fancy car and pay off the debt and drive around the old one! They can also buy a 3-pack of lint rollers for ~$5 to take care of the pet hair issue.

 Honestly it's not like they won't have pet hair on them all the time anyway just because the pets don't go in their main car, so they would need the lint rollers in addition to the 2 cars.

Oh god, yes. Pet hair is everywhere, you can never get rid of it completely.

[frugalnacho]

"I just hired a financial manager, to manage my finances.  Only $750 a year."  Yeesh.

Sounds a lot better than someone charging a percentage when you have a lot of money.  Like my boss paying an adviser 1% to manage his finances.   He has a heck of a lot more than $75k being manage, meaning he pays a heck of a lot more than $750/yr.

[ysette9]

I am definitely not a dog person so I probably just don't get it. I wouldn't want dog fur all over the inside of my car. Then again, I don't want dog fur all over the inside of my house!

Seems like if you sign up to love and care for these beasts, dog fur comes as part of the package. If you don't want dog fur in your nice car, either your car is too nice or you shouldn't have pets.....?

[MgoSam]

I am definitely not a dog person so I probably just don't get it. I wouldn't want dog fur all over the inside of my car. Then again, I don't want dog fur all over the inside of my house!

Seems like if you sign up to love and care for these beasts, dog fur comes as part of the package. If you don't want dog fur in your nice car, either your car is too nice or you shouldn't have pets.....?

Or you could do as my parents did and get a non-shedding dog. Of course there is still some cleanup to be done but there isn't a ton of hair all over the place. I would love to get a dog some day but I want to first ensure that I am capable of giving the dog the attention and love they will deserve and require, and am in a place where I am ok with the inevitable damage they may cause (chewing, urinating, damage to other things, ect).

[zephyr911]

Or you could do as my parents did and get a non-shedding dog. Of course there is still some cleanup to be done but there isn't a ton of hair all over the place. I would love to get a dog some day but I want to first ensure that I am capable of giving the dog the attention and love they will deserve and require, and am in a place where I am ok with the inevitable damage they may cause (chewing, urinating, damage to other things, ect).

Much respect for that. It's a shame how many people don't think about these things before getting one.
I went the first decade of my adulthood loving the idea but knowing my lifestyle wouldn't support it. Once I made the jump, I never looked back, but I'm glad I waited.
Now they're such a part of my life that I can't imagine being without them. :D <3

[mtn]

Or you could do as my parents did and get a non-shedding dog. Of course there is still some cleanup to be done but there isn't a ton of hair all over the place. I would love to get a dog some day but I want to first ensure that I am capable of giving the dog the attention and love they will deserve and require, and am in a place where I am ok with the inevitable damage they may cause (chewing, urinating, damage to other things, ect).

Much respect for that. It's a shame how many people don't think about these things before getting one.
I went the first decade of my adulthood loving the idea but knowing my lifestyle wouldn't support it. Once I made the jump, I never looked back, but I'm glad I waited.
Now they're such a part of my life that I can't imagine being without them. :D <3

Agree completely. Fiance and I want a dog badly (the dog referenced above is actually my parents; I'm living with them until Fiance gets a job where I am), but we're not home enough to be fair to the dog. Especially when you consider the amount of love and joy they give to you.

Heck, I feel bad that my parents dog is alone for 7-8 hours a day, even though I know he just sleeps all day (old dog, wasn't always alone all day)

[EricL]

There are a lot of uses for cat and dog hair varying from silly to ingenius.  I'd post links but there are so many it would be gratuitous. Search.

[LennStar]

I literally still have traces of new car smell (3yo/35k miles)

Argh, I hate that stink. And there are people buying spray for their car so that the stink continues. brrrrrr

[boyerbt]

Discussing a TV show competition (Biggest Loser) with a cash payout:

Me: With a prize of $250k on the line, I would pretty much do anything to guarantee the win and the cash.
CW1: $250k really isn't that much
CW2: Yeah, $250k is basically only a house - I wouldn’t go that crazy.
Me: “blank stare…”

[iamlindoro]

Discussing a TV show competition (Biggest Loser) with a cash payout:

Me: With a prize of $250k on the line, I would pretty much do anything to guarantee the win and the cash.
CW1: $250k really isn't that much
CW2: Yeah, $250k is basically only a house - I wouldn’t go that crazy.
Me: “blank stare…”

Heh, fun fact, my good friend won BL a few years ago.  The real money is in all the endorsements and after the fact corporate attention.

[boyerbt]

Same CW who told me earlier that $250k wasn’t that much money now just reminded me about the “great deal” that a local grocery delivery service is currently offering…

Spend $30 (plus delivery fee) and get a free bag of baby carrots which costs $0.99 at most stores.

I don’t think that she understands that carrots really aren’t free and that the service is costing you more money than the time it is saving by not going to the store…I’ve never understood the allure of these services.

[MgoSam]

Discussing a TV show competition (Biggest Loser) with a cash payout:

Me: With a prize of $250k on the line, I would pretty much do anything to guarantee the win and the cash.
CW1: $250k really isn't that much
CW2: Yeah, $250k is basically only a house - I wouldn’t go that crazy.
Me: “blank stare…”

Heh, fun fact, my good friend won BL a few years ago.  The real money is in all the endorsements and after the fact corporate attention.

Congrats to your friend! Yeah, the prize money is likely great by itself but I imagine the additional perks are nice. Plus I'm sure that they will want to bring you back in from time to time. Has your friend managed to keep off the weight and are they happy with the changes?

[iamlindoro]

Congrats to your friend! Yeah, the prize money is likely great by itself but I imagine the additional perks are nice. Plus I'm sure that they will want to bring you back in from time to time. Has your friend managed to keep off the weight and are they happy with the changes?

Yeah, you're spot on- they bring her back all the time both for the show and for events at all their related businesses (the weight loss resorts, etc).  She's kept the weight off and looks great.  Her whole life is about fitness now, so it seems like she is sought after as a spokesperson and she just generally seems very happy (we live across the country from one another now, so my updates are all through Facebook).  She's definitely on the "loves it, wouldn't change a thing" end of the BL contestant spectrum.  It's always funny to be in line at the supermarket and see your friend on one of those trashy celeb/lifestyle magazines :D (She's not trashy, though, she's just a normal person who ended up a small/medium reality star)

[MgoSam]

Congrats to your friend! Yeah, the prize money is likely great by itself but I imagine the additional perks are nice. Plus I'm sure that they will want to bring you back in from time to time. Has your friend managed to keep off the weight and are they happy with the changes?

Yeah, you're spot on- they bring her back all the time both for the show and for events at all their related businesses (the weight loss resorts, etc).  She's kept the weight off and looks great.  Her whole life is about fitness now, so it seems like she is sought after as a spokesperson and she just generally seems very happy (we live across the country from one another now, so my updates are all through Facebook).  She's definitely on the "loves it, wouldn't change a thing" end of the BL contestant spectrum.  It's always funny to be in line at the supermarket and see your friend on one of those trashy celeb/lifestyle magazines :D (She's not trashy, though, she's just a normal person who ended up a small/medium reality star)

That's awesome. I imagine it could be easier to be fitness-oriented when it also becomes your livelihood :-).

[greenmimama]

Congrats to your friend! Yeah, the prize money is likely great by itself but I imagine the additional perks are nice. Plus I'm sure that they will want to bring you back in from time to time. Has your friend managed to keep off the weight and are they happy with the changes?

Yeah, you're spot on- they bring her back all the time both for the show and for events at all their related businesses (the weight loss resorts, etc).  She's kept the weight off and looks great.  Her whole life is about fitness now, so it seems like she is sought after as a spokesperson and she just generally seems very happy (we live across the country from one another now, so my updates are all through Facebook).  She's definitely on the "loves it, wouldn't change a thing" end of the BL contestant spectrum.  It's always funny to be in line at the supermarket and see your friend on one of those trashy celeb/lifestyle magazines :D (She's not trashy, though, she's just a normal person who ended up a small/medium reality star)

Good for her! I used t be a big fan of the show, I probably remember her. That has got to be such a weird transition to have the pseudo fame and have people judging and commenting on your weight all the time, at least now it's because she looks good!

[zephyr911]

Discussing a TV show competition (Biggest Loser) with a cash payout:

Me: With a prize of $250k on the line, I would pretty much do anything to guarantee the win and the cash.
CW1: $250k really isn't that much
CW2: Yeah, $250k is basically only a house - I wouldn’t go that crazy.
Me: “blank stare…”

I'd have happily pointed out that such a windfall would not only double my net worth but multiply my free cash numerous times over and create massive opportunities I wouldn't otherwise have for years to come. Who are these people?

[dragoncar]

Discussing a TV show competition (Biggest Loser) with a cash payout:

Me: With a prize of $250k on the line, I would pretty much do anything to guarantee the win and the cash.
CW1: $250k really isn't that much
CW2: Yeah, $250k is basically only a house - I wouldn’t go that crazy.
Me: “blank stare…”

I mean it isn't enough to do "anything"-- I wouldn't risk my health or life to win 250k.  I've never watched the show but I'm guessing you basically have to lose weight at an unhealthy rate to win (Maybe it's ok if a doctor is supplementing)

[dsmexpat]

I think it mostly comes down to the general desire to diminish anything you don't have as not worth having.

[Hedge_87]

Discussing a TV show competition (Biggest Loser) with a cash payout:

Me: With a prize of $250k on the line, I would pretty much do anything to guarantee the win and the cash.
CW1: $250k really isn't that much
CW2: Yeah, $250k is basically only a house - I wouldn’t go that crazy.
Me: “blank stare…”

I mean it isn't enough to do "anything"-- I wouldn't risk my health or life to win 250k.  I've never watched the show but I'm guessing you basically have to lose weight at an unhealthy rate to win (Maybe it's ok if a doctor is supplementing)

While I agree it's probably not healthy  to drop that much weight that quickly. However the argument could be made that being 2x or more over what your bodyweight should be is just as bad if not worse . I used to really enjoy the show atleast the actual weight loss part and watching them progress. Most of the contestants had a very long list of medical problems onset by being overweight and having a horrible diet.

[dragoncar]

Discussing a TV show competition (Biggest Loser) with a cash payout:

Me: With a prize of $250k on the line, I would pretty much do anything to guarantee the win and the cash.
CW1: $250k really isn't that much
CW2: Yeah, $250k is basically only a house - I wouldn’t go that crazy.
Me: “blank stare…”

I mean it isn't enough to do "anything"-- I wouldn't risk my health or life to win 250k.  I've never watched the show but I'm guessing you basically have to lose weight at an unhealthy rate to win (Maybe it's ok if a doctor is supplementing)

While I agree it's probably not healthy  to drop that much weight that quickly. However the argument could be made that being 2x or more over what your bodyweight should be is just as bad if not worse . I used to really enjoy the show atleast the actual weight loss part and watching them progress. Most of the contestants had a very long list of medical problems onset by being overweight and having a horrible diet.

It's bad to stay obese, but if you can lose weight quickly you can lose weight slowly.  If you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge a ball.

[Melody]

$1000 suitcase...
WTF?

[Tallgirl1204]

Discussing a TV show competition (Biggest Loser) with a cash payout:

Me: With a prize of $250k on the line, I would pretty much do anything to guarantee the win and the cash.
CW1: $250k really isn't that much
CW2: Yeah, $250k is basically only a house - I wouldn’t go that crazy.
Me: “blank stare…”

I mean it isn't enough to do "anything"-- I wouldn't risk my health or life to win 250k.  I've never watched the show but I'm guessing you basically have to lose weight at an unhealthy rate to win (Maybe it's ok if a doctor is supplementing)

While I agree it's probably not healthy  to drop that much weight that quickly. However the argument could be made that being 2x or more over what your bodyweight should be is just as bad if not worse . I used to really enjoy the show atleast the actual weight loss part and watching them progress. Most of the contestants had a very long list of medical problems onset by being overweight and having a horrible diet.

It's bad to stay obese, but if you can lose weight quickly you can lose weight slowly.  If you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge a ball.

I don't know if I agree with your statement that "if you can lose weight quickly you can lose weight slowly."  Maybe it's true in theory, but to live at a "camp" where you have personal training every day, regular consultations with doctors and nutritionists-- along with the competition and camaraderie of others in a similar situation' PLUS the knowledge that the whole world is watching... Those are some remarkably powerful drivers that are not available to someone trying to do it slowly...

Maybe there's a metaphor here with the kind of saving and frugality -- I.e. Money diet-- that many of us on this board are on?