Overheard at Work

[4alpacas]

The car hopping is apparently from a desire to have a nice car that is repair free. Why pay for a $800 repair when you can trade up? Except that it means perpetual payments. Buy something, fix what needs to be fixed and drive it for the next decade. ALL of my used cars need a few repairs at the beginning it seems but then they are reliable for a long, long time.

Aren't most new cars under warranty for a few years? 

Buying a new car (or even a new to you car) every year sounds miserable.  I hope to have my car for at least another 5-10 years.

[mtn]

On a side note I also did another house call for a retired lady who lives in a very nice house and we got to talking cars. She motioned to her late 90s Pontiac Vibe and said its been a wonderful car. Clearly a Moustachian lady from way back enjoying the benefits of careful choices earlier in life. I know enough about her indirectly to know she is well off and generous with her charities.

Vibe didn't come out until 2003

[Just Joe]

HA! I learned something. Done. I'm calling it a day. j/k

All the exterior plastic had turned grey so I assumed it was older than it was. 

Just had a DUH moment. Coworker is probably trading in and upgrading each time a car has a significant problem that is "unaffordable". Some creative financing magic and newer car, similar payment, problem gone, debt extended...

Not sharing here so much to ridicule just SMH, would like to help but I'm not the voice of reason that has the power to break expensive habits in other people.

Silently leading by example.

[letthelightin]

DH came home one day and told me his coworkers asked him to join a new group they were creating.

There was going to be 10 members in the group. Each week, every member would contribute $50.
At the end of the week, the group would hold a drawing, and the winner would take home that week's money.
They would continue this for 10 weeks, and each person could win only once.

My husband politely declined to join, and his coworker's rebuttal was "But you're guaranteed to win $500!!"

Sadly, DH has no further knowledge on how this turned out.

[RyanAtTanagra]

DH came home one day and told me his coworkers asked him to join a new group they were creating.

There was going to be 10 members in the group. Each week, every member would contribute $50.
At the end of the week, the group would hold a drawing, and the winner would take home that week's money.
They would continue this for 10 weeks, and each person could win only once.

My husband politely declined to join, and his coworker's rebuttal was "But you're guaranteed to win $500!!"

Sadly, DH has no further knowledge on how this turned out.

lol, while not the most unmustachian thing in this thread, since everyone is going to break even, that's definitely the most pointless.

[BabyShark]

DH came home one day and told me his coworkers asked him to join a new group they were creating.

There was going to be 10 members in the group. Each week, every member would contribute $50.
At the end of the week, the group would hold a drawing, and the winner would take home that week's money.
They would continue this for 10 weeks, and each person could win only once.

My husband politely declined to join, and his coworker's rebuttal was "But you're guaranteed to win $500!!"

Sadly, DH has no further knowledge on how this turned out.

lol, while not the most unmustachian thing in this thread, since everyone is going to break even, that's definitely the most pointless.

Unless somebody drops out once they win...

[gaja]

All this talk about lobster reminds me of a law we have on the books. The prisons aren't allowed to feed inmates lobster more than three times a week. Until very recent decades, lobster was considered poor man's food. Lobsters are bottom feeders but great marketing has ensured that maritime lobsters are a high-demand luxury food.

We have similar laws along all the old salmon rivers: "Crofters and servants shall not be served salmon more than 3 times a week". Today the wild salmon is gone from several of the rivers, but the farmed salmon is getting so cheap that the laws might come to use again.

Lobster is nice, but I think crab claws taste equally good. I don't really get the crayfish hype - loads of work and a big mess for very little food.

[Bumperpuff]

DH came home one day and told me his coworkers asked him to join a new group they were creating.

There was going to be 10 members in the group. Each week, every member would contribute $50.
At the end of the week, the group would hold a drawing, and the winner would take home that week's money.
They would continue this for 10 weeks, and each person could win only once.

My husband politely declined to join, and his coworker's rebuttal was "But you're guaranteed to win $500!!"

Sadly, DH has no further knowledge on how this turned out.

That system is called a sou-sou (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sou-sou). It makes sense if you're in an area without banking, or have limited control over your finances, but I'm assuming those things don't apply to you're co-workers.

[letthelightin]

That system is called a sou-sou (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sou-sou). It makes sense if you're in an area without banking, or have limited control over your finances, but I'm assuming those things don't apply to you're co-workers.

Interesting! Thank you for sharing that!

[Guesl982374]

All this talk about lobster reminds me of a law we have on the books. The prisons aren't allowed to feed inmates lobster more than three times a week. Until very recent decades, lobster was considered poor man's food. Lobsters are bottom feeders but great marketing has ensured that maritime lobsters are a high-demand luxury food.

Marketing and butter. Lots and lots of butter. Ask a lobster fan to eat one without butter and see what happens.

[Carless]

All this talk about lobster reminds me of a law we have on the books. The prisons aren't allowed to feed inmates lobster more than three times a week. Until very recent decades, lobster was considered poor man's food. Lobsters are bottom feeders but great marketing has ensured that maritime lobsters are a high-demand luxury food.

Marketing and butter. Lots and lots of butter. Ask a lobster fan to eat one without butter and see what happens.

I would take you up on that in a split second.  I once ate a lobster in the airport using only its own claws as a tool (no butter, no cutlery).  I love the taste so much, but it's not a cheap treat.

[ysette9]

I've tried lobster a couple of times and just don't get it. To me it was like crab-meets-rubber-eraser. If others enjoy it though, more power to them.

[Gin1984]

I've tried lobster a couple of times and just don't get it. To me it was like crab-meets-rubber-eraser. If others enjoy it though, more power to them.

It depends on how it is cooked.  Often people just throw the lobster in boiling water and done vs, give them some white wine, plus warm water, increase the temp and then cook it over time.

[stoaX]

All this talk about lobster reminds me of a law we have on the books. The prisons aren't allowed to feed inmates lobster more than three times a week. Until very recent decades, lobster was considered poor man's food. Lobsters are bottom feeders but great marketing has ensured that maritime lobsters are a high-demand luxury food.

Marketing and butter. Lots and lots of butter. Ask a lobster fan to eat one without butter and see what happens.

I would take you up on that in a split second.  I once ate a lobster in the airport using only its own claws as a tool (no butter, no cutlery).  I love the taste so much, but it's not a cheap treat.

This is just one person's opinion but I gotta side with carless on this one.  I thoroughly enjoy lobster without butter or anything else.

[TomTX]

All this talk about lobster reminds me of a law we have on the books. The prisons aren't allowed to feed inmates lobster more than three times a week. Until very recent decades, lobster was considered poor man's food. Lobsters are bottom feeders but great marketing has ensured that maritime lobsters are a high-demand luxury food.

Marketing and butter. Lots and lots of butter. Ask a lobster fan to eat one without butter and see what happens.

Sure. Want to buy me one if I make it to Boston sometime?

[Kaydedid]

That system is called a sou-sou (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sou-sou). It makes sense if you're in an area without banking, or have limited control over your finances, but I'm assuming those things don't apply to you're co-workers.

Interesting! Thank you for sharing that!

This kind of system is common in the Hmung community here.  They also pool money to provide home and real estate loans.  It's a great system when everyone contributes, but a few deadbeats can wreak havoc unless they're kicked out.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

[Metric Mouse]

I've tried lobster a couple of times and just don't get it. To me it was like crab-meets-rubber-eraser. If others enjoy it though, more power to them.

Yeah, I've struggled to make lobster turn out well at home. It seems like the effort to reward ratio is much too high; so many things that are just as tasty but don't require so much work to get right.

[MgoSam]

Before this gets too foamy, I thought I would share what I did on Saturday. I co-host a dinner group that tries to meet monthly for an international dinner (each month a different country). This month we did France, for it I made beef bourguignon for one of the main courses and my friend made bouillabaisse for the other main entree. Appetizers included escargot, cheese/bread, and caviar. For dessert we had custard, crepes, and a flan-like dish.

The meal was insanely extravagant and delicious, one of the best meals I can recall every having. Because the main host doesn't drink we didn't serve wine or any alcohol. Total cost was about $20 per person, mostly to cover the seafood!

[BTDretire]

DH came home one day and told me his coworkers asked him to join a new group they were creating.

There was going to be 10 members in the group. Each week, every member would contribute $50.
At the end of the week, the group would hold a drawing, and the winner would take home that week's money.
They would continue this for 10 weeks, and each person could win only once.

My husband politely declined to join, and his coworker's rebuttal was "But you're guaranteed to win $500!!"

Sadly, DH has no further knowledge on how this turned out.

lol, while not the most unmustachian thing in this thread, since everyone is going to break even, that's definitely the most pointless.

Unless somebody drops out once they win...

The first, second and third winners are going to continue to pay for 9, 8 and 7 more weeks when they have zero chance to win! They don't know people!
 Let us know if it falls apart.
 Hey, I know, keep each weeks winnings until the end of the 10 weeks before distribution.
Then give each person $500! :-)
A community that does this as a financing tool may do better, but not as an office pool.

[marielle]

I have more information about a coworker I mentioned before.

He's 20-21, he bought a used truck and at the end of the loan is going to pay $33k for it. Not sure how much the payments are. He had absolutely no credit going in.

The interest rate is 8.5%. I shit you not.

He also had to get a loan for the tires which are $360 a piece.

He has another, older truck that he cranks and drives around the yard occasionally to keep it running.

I haven't mentioned the best part. He makes $12 an hour.

[LennStar]

I have more information about a coworker I mentioned before.

He's 20-21, he bought a used truck and at the end of the loan is going to pay $33k for it. Not sure how much the payments are. He had absolutely no credit going in.

The interest rate is 8.5%. I shit you not.

He also had to get a loan for the tires which are $360 a piece.

He has another, older truck that he cranks and drives around the yard occasionally to keep it running.

I haven't mentioned the best part. He makes $12 an hour.

Meh, thats only a bit over a month of work for the interest, and the old is not one you want to be seen at work driving around with it, right? So not a bad decision at all!

[gReed Smith]

If I had a nickel for every hillbilly I saw driving around my Appalachian hometown in a truck that was worth as much as their trailer...  But I won't lie, I would really love to have a new shiny F-150.  I just know I can't afford it.

[Just Joe]

Look at the tires. How many are rolling around in fancy trucks with bald tires? I've seen a few with REALLY bald tires.

[Playing with Fire UK]

A loan for tyres?!? A loan for TYRES?!? A LOAN for tyres?!? For a new (to you) truck when you already have a truck.

I have not heard of this thing and I don't think I want to understand it better.

[Freckles080808]

So this wasn't strictly overheard at work, but in a discussion with a former colleague.

"So we were looking at our monthly costs, and realized we were paying all this money for gym memberships that we never really used.  And we wanted to spend money in line with our priorities.  So we decided to rent space in a wine cellar."

This made me chuckle :-)

[force majeure]

"I don't know where the money is going, I have 3 days until pay-day, I am coasting along on gas fumes"

This guy sits near me at work, manages to spend about $20 / day on snacks and soft drinks. The vending machine was created with him in mind.

I fell like doing the sums for him and giving it to him between the eyes...

Listen pal, $20 per day is $4520 each year you are throwing away, out of your nett income.
Over 10 years that's $45200 wasted on junk food.

[marty998]

A loan for tyres?!? A loan for TYRES?!? A LOAN for tyres?!? For a new (to you) truck when you already have a truck.

I have not heard of this thing and I don't think I want to understand it better.

Won't be long until the Banks securitise these loans and sell them off as AAA rated to your pension funds.

[marielle]

"I don't know where the money is going, I have 3 days until pay-day, I am coasting along on gas fumes"

This guy sits near me at work, manages to spend about $20 / day on snacks and soft drinks. The vending machine was created with him in mind.

I fell like doing the sums for him and giving it to him between the eyes...

Listen pal, $20 per day is $4520 each year you are throwing away, out of your nett income.
Over 10 years that's $45200 wasted on junk food.

What? How? That's like 10-15 snacks or sodas a day, at least. There's no way. Is he 500 lbs? Does he not eat a real lunch or breakfast and subsist off the snacks?

[BlueHouse]

Completely doable.
The large RedBull drinks(20oz?) cost about $4 each around me. The vending machine at work has them at $3.50 so all the young guys think it's a deal. That, plus $1 bags of chips and candy bars.

At first, the machine only had two rows of RedBulls, now it's up to 6 rows of them.  These guys drink those like water, 3-4 a day, plus a bag of chips during the morning and usually a snack bar during the afternoon. That's besides getting coffee in the mornings and then lunch, usually Chipotle.  I bet they waste easily $25 a day on RedBull, chips and Chipotle.

I had no idea those silly drinks cost that much.  I've never had one.  I always thought they were just water with caffeine.  Are they more like soda?

[Clean Shaven]

A loan for tyres?!? A loan for TYRES?!? A LOAN for tyres?!? For a new (to you) truck when you already have a truck.

I have not heard of this thing and I don't think I want to understand it better.

Over on this side of the Atlantic, it gets even better (or worse, I suppose).  We have rental wheels and rental tires.

http://www.rentawheel.com/

[TheGrimSqueaker]

Completely doable.
The large RedBull drinks(20oz?) cost about $4 each around me. The vending machine at work has them at $3.50 so all the young guys think it's a deal. That, plus $1 bags of chips and candy bars.

At first, the machine only had two rows of RedBulls, now it's up to 6 rows of them.  These guys drink those like water, 3-4 a day, plus a bag of chips during the morning and usually a snack bar during the afternoon. That's besides getting coffee in the mornings and then lunch, usually Chipotle.  I bet they waste easily $25 a day on RedBull, chips and Chipotle.

I had no idea those silly drinks cost that much.  I've never had one.  I always thought they were just water with caffeine.  Are they more like soda?

I've tried a couple. To my taste buds, those drinks taste like what would happen if the Jolly Green Giant was out partying one night, showed up to work the next morning still messed up, crashed the tractor, and had to provide a urine sample.

[mtn]

Completely doable.
The large RedBull drinks(20oz?) cost about $4 each around me. The vending machine at work has them at $3.50 so all the young guys think it's a deal. That, plus $1 bags of chips and candy bars.

At first, the machine only had two rows of RedBulls, now it's up to 6 rows of them.  These guys drink those like water, 3-4 a day, plus a bag of chips during the morning and usually a snack bar during the afternoon. That's besides getting coffee in the mornings and then lunch, usually Chipotle.  I bet they waste easily $25 a day on RedBull, chips and Chipotle.

I had no idea those silly drinks cost that much.  I've never had one.  I always thought they were just water with caffeine.  Are they more like soda?

I've tried a couple. To my taste buds, those drinks taste like what would happen if the Jolly Green Giant was out partying one night, showed up to work the next morning still messed up, crashed the tractor, and had to provide a urine sample.

They're nasty for sure, but I keep one or two on hand at the office and at home. Why? Migraines. If you feel a migraine coming on, chug one or two of them. Migraine gone. Doesn't work with coffee, coke, mt. dew, or other energy drinks (Monster, etc.), only RedBull.

YMMV, this could be a complete placebo. It works for me though.

[MrMoogle]

Completely doable.
The large RedBull drinks(20oz?) cost about $4 each around me. The vending machine at work has them at $3.50 so all the young guys think it's a deal. That, plus $1 bags of chips and candy bars.

At first, the machine only had two rows of RedBulls, now it's up to 6 rows of them.  These guys drink those like water, 3-4 a day, plus a bag of chips during the morning and usually a snack bar during the afternoon. That's besides getting coffee in the mornings and then lunch, usually Chipotle.  I bet they waste easily $25 a day on RedBull, chips and Chipotle.

I had no idea those silly drinks cost that much.  I've never had one.  I always thought they were just water with caffeine.  Are they more like soda?

I've tried a couple. To my taste buds, those drinks taste like what would happen if the Jolly Green Giant was out partying one night, showed up to work the next morning still messed up, crashed the tractor, and had to provide a urine sample.

They're nasty for sure, but I keep one or two on hand at the office and at home. Why? Migraines. If you feel a migraine coming on, chug one or two of them. Migraine gone. Doesn't work with coffee, coke, mt. dew, or other energy drinks (Monster, etc.), only RedBull.

YMMV, this could be a complete placebo. It works for me though.

I don't get generic headaches much, but when I do, caffeine always helps me.  It's the rare time when I'll go look for a soda.

[Chris22]

I believe I've only had Redbull when it has had vodka in it (back in my college partying days).  To the point where if I smell redbull say, at the office, I immediately wonder why someone is drinking at work, until I remind myself people can drink it straight. 

[MgoSam]

I think energy drinks have a good thing going for them, they cost a ton and it seems like everyone but us drinks them like they're water. I don't get it, there's rarely a time when I have to be that alert. I know people at my gym that will use it to get a better workout and I always just want to look at them and tell them, "You do realize that once you start using it, you won't be able to stop, because this will become your default state?"

[Just Joe]

Completely doable.
The large RedBull drinks(20oz?) cost about $4 each around me. The vending machine at work has them at $3.50 so all the young guys think it's a deal. That, plus $1 bags of chips and candy bars.

At first, the machine only had two rows of RedBulls, now it's up to 6 rows of them.  These guys drink those like water, 3-4 a day, plus a bag of chips during the morning and usually a snack bar during the afternoon. That's besides getting coffee in the mornings and then lunch, usually Chipotle.  I bet they waste easily $25 a day on RedBull, chips and Chipotle.

I had no idea those silly drinks cost that much.  I've never had one.  I always thought they were just water with caffeine.  Are they more like soda?

They taste like I imagine shampoo tastes! And shampoo is cheaper at the Dollar store.

[jinga nation]

I believe I've only had Redbull when it has had vodka in it (back in my college partying days).  To the point where if I smell redbull say, at the office, I immediately wonder why someone is drinking at work, until I remind myself people can drink it straight.

You too eh?
I was introduced to RedBull at the same time as Vodka in grad school. Now I love me some top-shelf Vodka in martinis but hate RedBull.
But I like the company's sponsorship of soccer teams, F1, and extreme sports.
Somehow I like me a little bit of Monster Energy, maybe a quarter can. Dunno why though.

[infogoon]

I was introduced to RedBull at the same time as Vodka in grad school. Now I love me some top-shelf Vodka in martinis but hate RedBull.
But I like the company's sponsorship of soccer teams, F1, and extreme sports.

I'm in the same boat -- I can't stand Red Bull, but I'm happy to watch events like the Red Bull Rampage.

[jordanread]

I was introduced to RedBull at the same time as Vodka in grad school. Now I love me some top-shelf Vodka in martinis but hate RedBull.
But I like the company's sponsorship of soccer teams, F1, and extreme sports.

I'm in the same boat -- I can't stand Red Bull, but I'm happy to watch events like the Red Bull Rampage.

Or stratosphere. That actually made me pucker a bit. I loved it!!

[FIT_Goat]

One of the firefighters at the station drinks a minimum of 4 energy drinks a day.  He brings like 6 cans with him each shift.  I am not sure of the exact brand he drinks, I never pay that much attention because I never drink them.  But, we're probably talking $2 a can.  So, $12 a shift.  That's about $1,465 a year, assuming he only drinks them while at work (unlikely).

I can't judge the addiction to caffeine.  I drink around a pot of brewed coffee each day.  But, the cost is killer.

[Rural]

I was introduced to RedBull at the same time as Vodka in grad school. Now I love me some top-shelf Vodka in martinis but hate RedBull.
But I like the company's sponsorship of soccer teams, F1, and extreme sports.

I'm in the same boat -- I can't stand Red Bull, but I'm happy to watch events like the Red Bull Rampage.

 Me, I love the taste of Redbull, or I did for the original formula – maybe it's changed in the last five years or so. I haven't had one in about that time, and in the years preceding I had a total of maybe four of them, but to me they taste like liquid sweet tarts.  But I don't buy them and I drink them, because that shit's expensive, high sugar, and dangerous.

[LennStar]

Completely doable.
The large RedBull drinks(20oz?) cost about $4 each around me. The vending machine at work has them at $3.50 so all the young guys think it's a deal. That, plus $1 bags of chips and candy bars.

At first, the machine only had two rows of RedBulls, now it's up to 6 rows of them.  These guys drink those like water, 3-4 a day, plus a bag of chips during the morning and usually a snack bar during the afternoon. That's besides getting coffee in the mornings and then lunch, usually Chipotle.  I bet they waste easily $25 a day on RedBull, chips and Chipotle.

I had no idea those silly drinks cost that much.  I've never had one.  I always thought they were just water with caffeine.  Are they more like soda?

It's intentionally that expensive, to aim at the "it's expensive so it must be good" crowd, same as probiotic yoghurts and that stuff.

[Playing with Fire UK]

A loan for tyres?!? A loan for TYRES?!? A LOAN for tyres?!? For a new (to you) truck when you already have a truck.

I have not heard of this thing and I don't think I want to understand it better.

Over on this side of the Atlantic, it gets even better (or worse, I suppose).  We have rental wheels and rental tires.
...

I am so confused. How can you think you can afford a car if you have to rent the wheels? Is it common to buy a vehicle with no wheels? Or to think that you should upgrade safe and legal wheels with rented shiny wheels? Do you rent the wheels to go with a rental car? Rental cars still come with the wheels don't they?

Why is this a service and why are people paying for it?

[TheGrimSqueaker]

A loan for tyres?!? A loan for TYRES?!? A LOAN for tyres?!? For a new (to you) truck when you already have a truck.

I have not heard of this thing and I don't think I want to understand it better.

Over on this side of the Atlantic, it gets even better (or worse, I suppose).  We have rental wheels and rental tires.
...

I am so confused. How can you think you can afford a car if you have to rent the wheels? Is it common to buy a vehicle with no wheels? Or to think that you should upgrade safe and legal wheels with rented shiny wheels? Do you rent the wheels to go with a rental car? Rental cars still come with the wheels don't they?

Why is this a service and why are people paying for it?

Seasonal tires for people with nowhere to store them?

[cheapass]

I am so confused. How can you think you can afford a car if you have to rent the wheels? Is it common to buy a vehicle with no wheels? Or to think that you should upgrade safe and legal wheels with rented shiny wheels? Do you rent the wheels to go with a rental car? Rental cars still come with the wheels don't they?

Why is this a service and why are people paying for it?

I'd venture a guess that it's kind of like renting a TV from Rent A Center. If you don't have the cash flow to buy big, flashy 20" wheels and be "rollin' on dubs" than you can just rent the "dubs", problem solved.

[Clean Shaven]

I am so confused. How can you think you can afford a car if you have to rent the wheels? Is it common to buy a vehicle with no wheels? Or to think that you should upgrade safe and legal wheels with rented shiny wheels? Do you rent the wheels to go with a rental car? Rental cars still come with the wheels don't they?

Why is this a service and why are people paying for it?

Cars come with wheels and tires here in the US. But they don't come with gigantic 24" shiny wheels and silly rubber band tires wrapped around them.

There's a market for these things, apparently. And there are predatory marketers and lenders willing to take advantage of it.

[frugalnacho]

Completely doable.
The large RedBull drinks(20oz?) cost about $4 each around me. The vending machine at work has them at $3.50 so all the young guys think it's a deal. That, plus $1 bags of chips and candy bars.

At first, the machine only had two rows of RedBulls, now it's up to 6 rows of them.  These guys drink those like water, 3-4 a day, plus a bag of chips during the morning and usually a snack bar during the afternoon. That's besides getting coffee in the mornings and then lunch, usually Chipotle.  I bet they waste easily $25 a day on RedBull, chips and Chipotle.

I had no idea those silly drinks cost that much.  I've never had one.  I always thought they were just water with caffeine.  Are they more like soda?

Go find a stray dog with a dirty butthole.  Lick said butthole.  Give $4 to the dog for the privileged of licking its butthole.  Repeat ad nauseum.  Spend additional money on clothing with advertisements for the dog's butthole.

That is essentially red bull. 

[Kimera757]

Warning: picayune alert. This happened almost ten years ago, and I spent a bit of time reconstructing the memory. I had a co-worker in my low-paying job. She had it worse than me (always having to miss work due to illness, and there were no paid sick days).

She signed up for direct deposit (like me, she'd started with biweekly cheques), but accidentally gave payroll the information for the wrong bank account. She owned up to that part, but seemed furious about the situation she'd ended up in. Not because cheques were bouncing, or missing pre-authorized withdrawals, or anything like that.

She was ticked because the "wrong" bank account never had more than $4 in it before. It usually was at $0, but she would transfer $4 into it by the end of the month to pay for the bank charge. She was spending $4 per month on a bank account she wasn't using. She didn't say how much her regular bank account cost per month. It's only $4, but that's $4 you just don't need to waste. I don't get some people.

[LivlongnProsper]

Several stories have been published recently about the high percentage of people that couldn't come up with $500 or $1000 in an emergency. A coworker's story made me think she is one of those people. She wanted to attend a concert with her daughter and tried to get tickets through an online outlet that she normally used. She ended up using a reseller site which kept giving her error messages when she tried to buy tickets. Turns out the site was putting a hold on her card each time she attempted the purchase which amounted to about $2100. She recalled her absolute panic stating she would not have been able to afford her mortgage or food for her kids without that money. After several hours on the phone with her bank and the reseller she got everything straightened out. It is sad to me that $1800 ($2100 minus the $300 she intended to spend) would completely disrupt her financial life. I know she makes decent money for the area but I also know she spends it just as fast.

[NorthernDreamer]

Our finance person at work told me that she doesn't invest in RRSPs any more since "they don't return much". To be fair, we do have a workplace pension, but the way she was speaking was like there is only ONE way to invest in RRSPs - maybe she was thinking GICs? Ummm, what? I had no idea what to say. I do know she seems to live paycheck to paycheck, so I don't think that is her reason for not investing....

And the other day my mom told me that TFSAs are "not worth it" since you barely get any returns. My jaw hit the floor. I had no idea my mom is so uneducated in these matters. I tried to explain that TFSAs do not have to be just a "high" (1%) interest savings accounts, that we invest in index funds in ours, etc. Her eyes glazed over and I could tell she doesn't care. She'll have a pension but has told me she will "need" to work until 65 or 67. She's 61 now. It makes me sad.