Overheard at Work

[cheapass]

With what clubs?

I found my clubs next to our apartment dumpster :)

[mm1970]

People don't like what they don't like, that's fine, but golf does not have to be an expensive hobby at all.  Plenty of good golf to be played for <$20/round on public courses.

With what clubs?

You're right that golf doesn't have to be as expensive as some people make it, but if you contrast it with soccer, basketball or tennis, which can often be played for free in public parks with less expensive equipment, golf is more costly.

Meh, so you still have to buy a soccer ball.  Or a tennis racket and balls.  My husband used to play tennis with a friend, and had to buy a fair number of balls, plus had to have the racket restrung.

Now, I don't know how many public courses we have here (don't golf), but there are no public tennis courts.  There are a few around that you can get into, but they are owned by the city or by private parks.  They have monitors who go around and check, and charge you a fee if they find you playing ($6-10 per person).  Even first thing in the morning on a Sat or Sun (7:30 am) was not safe.

[mm1970]

People don't like what they don't like, that's fine, but golf does not have to be an expensive hobby at all.  Plenty of good golf to be played for <$20/round on public courses.

With what clubs?

You're right that golf doesn't have to be as expensive as some people make it, but if you contrast it with soccer, basketball or tennis, which can often be played for free in public parks with less expensive equipment, golf is more costly.

Used clubs. I have a total of $300 into my golf clubs. More than half of that is in my two putters--but I can get a superb putter for $10, and I'm very unusual in carrying 2. Actually, a full 1/2 of that is in one putter.

I could buy, and have bought, a set of excellent golf clubs including bag, driver, putter, wedges, and irons, for less than $75--and unless you play 100 rounds a year, your clubs will usually last 10-30 years, unless your swing speed changes dramatically in that time.

I'll say that my golf addiction is cheaper than my hockey, racing, and fishing addictions. The only reason my Guitar addiction is cheaper is because they are legitimately appreciating investments.

Sounds cheaper than my running and swimming hobbies. (Swimsuits (x2 per year), YMCA membership, running shoes (x2 per year), race entries)

[mtn]

People don't like what they don't like, that's fine, but golf does not have to be an expensive hobby at all.  Plenty of good golf to be played for <$20/round on public courses.

With what clubs?

You're right that golf doesn't have to be as expensive as some people make it, but if you contrast it with soccer, basketball or tennis, which can often be played for free in public parks with less expensive equipment, golf is more costly.

Used clubs. I have a total of $300 into my golf clubs. More than half of that is in my two putters--but I can get a superb putter for $10, and I'm very unusual in carrying 2. Actually, a full 1/2 of that is in one putter.

I could buy, and have bought, a set of excellent golf clubs including bag, driver, putter, wedges, and irons, for less than $75--and unless you play 100 rounds a year, your clubs will usually last 10-30 years, unless your swing speed changes dramatically in that time.

I'll say that my golf addiction is cheaper than my hockey, racing, and fishing addictions. The only reason my Guitar addiction is cheaper is because they are legitimately appreciating investments.

Sounds cheaper than my running and swimming hobbies. (Swimsuits (x2 per year), YMCA membership, running shoes (x2 per year), race entries)

There are more costs--golf shoes, golf gloves, golf attire (not an added expense for me, but could be for others), golf balls.. but there are ways around all of it to do it cheaper/freer.

[Frankies Girl]

People don't like what they don't like, that's fine, but golf does not have to be an expensive hobby at all.  Plenty of good golf to be played for <$20/round on public courses.

With what clubs?

You're right that golf doesn't have to be as expensive as some people make it, but if you contrast it with soccer, basketball or tennis, which can often be played for free in public parks with less expensive equipment, golf is more costly.

Used clubs. I have a total of $300 into my golf clubs. More than half of that is in my two putters--but I can get a superb putter for $10, and I'm very unusual in carrying 2. Actually, a full 1/2 of that is in one putter.

I could buy, and have bought, a set of excellent golf clubs including bag, driver, putter, wedges, and irons, for less than $75--and unless you play 100 rounds a year, your clubs will usually last 10-30 years, unless your swing speed changes dramatically in that time.

I'll say that my golf addiction is cheaper than my hockey, racing, and fishing addictions. The only reason my Guitar addiction is cheaper is because they are legitimately appreciating investments.

My dad played golf for well over 20 years, and he was as cheap (not frugal - CHEAP) as they come. He played public courses, walked and never rode cart unless someone else insisted on renting one, and got all of his clubs and supplies second-hand (he was addicted to yard sales and you can pick them up soooo cheap there). He taught himself how to cut down club shafts if they were too long, rewrapped/replaced grips and would never miss an opportunity to fish abandoned balls out of the brush or water traps (he had a special golfer's tool that extended and had a little scoop on the end for this).

When he died, we gave away over 2 dozen golf bags and probably close to 3-400 clubs of various brands and age. Way more than he could ever use (and use up) in probably multiple lifetimes.

[infogoon]

With what clubs?

I found my clubs next to our apartment dumpster :)

I got a full set of hand-me-downs for free from someone on my college golf team when he upgraded.

[shelivesthedream]

Tax season deadline in the US... every year I have to hear this, in a military (with contractors and civilians) environment:

• Taxes are too damn high
• Bad roads and infrastructure
• IRS are assholes/thieves
• Bitch Whine Moan

These are the same people who

• buy used luxury cars/trucks on a 6 year loan
• moan about the traffic (the metro is in the top 10-20 worst traffic rankings in North America)
• whine that the Tampa and St. Pete Mayors spend public money to improve their downtowns yet they go downtown for the food/drink/art festivals and free parks
• and stuff we Mustachians are used to hearing

Headphones ON, Music ON, Tune OUT.

There's a lot of stuff I respect and genuinely admire about military culture, like the loyalty and work ethic, but on some issues (see above) so many just don't get it... and what's with everyone loving soldiers/cops/first-responders/etc, and hating the IRS? They're just the soldiers and cops of the financial world, implementing policy created by legislators... don't like tax code, bitch to your Congressman. Meanwhile, obey the fuckin' law. And don't get me started on infrastructure. There's just nothing good to say about our collective myopia thereon. We cost ourselves more money in car damage and public health than we save by not inflation-indexing our gas tax, but NOOO MUH TAXEZZZ :P

/rant

Also, are military salaries not paid through taxes? If taxes were lower, wouldn't many of these people lose their jobs?

[jinga nation]

Tax season deadline in the US... every year I have to hear this, in a military (with contractors and civilians) environment:

• Taxes are too damn high
• Bad roads and infrastructure
• IRS are assholes/thieves
• Bitch Whine Moan

These are the same people who

• buy used luxury cars/trucks on a 6 year loan
• moan about the traffic (the metro is in the top 10-20 worst traffic rankings in North America)
• whine that the Tampa and St. Pete Mayors spend public money to improve their downtowns yet they go downtown for the food/drink/art festivals and free parks
• and stuff we Mustachians are used to hearing

Headphones ON, Music ON, Tune OUT.

There's a lot of stuff I respect and genuinely admire about military culture, like the loyalty and work ethic, but on some issues (see above) so many just don't get it... and what's with everyone loving soldiers/cops/first-responders/etc, and hating the IRS? They're just the soldiers and cops of the financial world, implementing policy created by legislators... don't like tax code, bitch to your Congressman. Meanwhile, obey the fuckin' law. And don't get me started on infrastructure. There's just nothing good to say about our collective myopia thereon. We cost ourselves more money in car damage and public health than we save by not inflation-indexing our gas tax, but NOOO MUH TAXEZZZ :P

/rant

Also, are military salaries not paid through taxes? If taxes were lower, wouldn't many of these people lose their jobs?

Understanding feedback loops is not part of the learning curriculum. Only life or a Control Theory book can teach you that. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Control_theory

When I've suggested to the BMWs (yes that's what I call BitchMoanWhiners) to email their local, state, federal reps, and that there's online sites for that, "Oh that's too damn hard". WTF they're online all day on Facebook and Youtube and Buzzfeed.

Myopia... misery loves company. Meanwhile I'm trying my hardest to FIRE the fuck outta here, despite the curve balls life throws at my personal and professional lives.

[Linea_Norway]

My colleague used to have a building company. He and his brother did all the work in buying building grounds and getting approvals. Everything except for the building itself, which they used their father for. His job was uncertain and planned to be cancelled in 2008. He was planning to make himself an alternative career. Eventually his real job was not cancelled anymore and he got too busy at it. Brother fucked himself up with narcotics and the father with the construction company died. So the whole thing is off.
He also told me he received a whole extra year salary to stay working at his job when it was so uncertain. This was from 2006 to 2008.

[MrGreen]

A co-worker's wife's brand new Mercedes ($70,000 SUV) was hit by someone else and sustained extensive damage. Now that it's fixed, they want to get a different car. They want to sell it quick before the damage has a chance to hit the Carfax report and devalue the car. However, he doesn't have the $10,000 to float for the likely difference in the sale price and the balance of the loan. My co-worker also just bought a $100,000 BMW 750.  I was floored that they just bought $170,000 worth of cars but don't have 10k rattling around.

[BuffaloStache]

I was floored that they just bought $170,000 worth of cars but don't have 10k rattling around.

Wowza. If this isn't a firm commitment to the clown-car commuting lifestyle, I don't know what is.

[ysette9]

In my new role here there are a few people around me who get takeout food every day for lunch during the workweek. I realize that for this particular thread that is nothing worth posting about, but it has been particularly interesting for me because it highlights how most people at work don't buy food and most bring their own lunch. Thankfully it is just that way things are, so me bringing my lunch doesn't stand out but is totally normal. I would guess that by the nature of our work and industry, most people at work earn between $100-200k depending on how long they have been working.

[TheGrimSqueaker]

A co-worker's wife's brand new Mercedes ($70,000 SUV) was hit by someone else and sustained extensive damage. Now that it's fixed, they want to get a different car. They want to sell it quick before the damage has a chance to hit the Carfax report and devalue the car. However, he doesn't have the $10,000 to float for the likely difference in the sale price and the balance of the loan. My co-worker also just bought a $100,000 BMW 750.  I was floored that they just bought $170,000 worth of cars but don't have 10k rattling around.

Selling the car before the Carfax report is updated to hide the damage from the buyer is a pretty low-down, dirty thing to do. I'd be pretty ticked off someone did that to me. By deliberately concealing the wreck information, the seller is basically ripping the buyer off for the difference between the selling price and the car's actual value based on the Carfax report. The buyer wouldn't find out about the accident until he or she went to sell the vehicle and pulled the Carfax report.

Concealing damage to a vehicle or information that would dramatically affect its value is fraud by concealment. If the difference in value ends up being more than $1000 or so, and it easily could on a vehicle that expensive to begin with, that's a felony level crime. Is he seriously willing to do time because he "wants a different car"?

[RWD]

A co-worker's wife's brand new Mercedes ($70,000 SUV) was hit by someone else and sustained extensive damage. Now that it's fixed, they want to get a different car. They want to sell it quick before the damage has a chance to hit the Carfax report and devalue the car. However, he doesn't have the $10,000 to float for the likely difference in the sale price and the balance of the loan. My co-worker also just bought a $100,000 BMW 750.  I was floored that they just bought $170,000 worth of cars but don't have 10k rattling around.

Selling the car before the Carfax report is updated to hide the damage from the buyer is a pretty low-down, dirty thing to do. I'd be pretty ticked off someone did that to me. By deliberately concealing the wreck information, the seller is basically ripping the buyer off for the difference between the selling price and the car's actual value based on the Carfax report. The buyer wouldn't find out about the accident until he or she went to sell the vehicle and pulled the Carfax report.

Concealing damage to a vehicle or information that would dramatically affect its value is fraud by concealment. If the difference in value ends up being more than $1000 or so, and it easily could on a vehicle that expensive to begin with, that's a felony level crime. Is he seriously willing to do time because he "wants a different car"?

While this is pretty shady, I think it is technically legal as long as the seller doesn't claim the vehicle has never been in an accident. Carfax is not the only way to determine if a vehicle has been in an accident. Any buyer should be having the vehicle inspected by a third party mechanic regardless of what the Carfax report says.

[boyerbt]

I was floored that they just bought $170,000 worth of cars but don't have 10k rattling around.

Any idea of their total income? Even an estimate?

With this sort of spendypants business going on I would assume that your coworker has several other antics that would fit on this thread.

[MrGreen]

A co-worker's wife's brand new Mercedes ($70,000 SUV) was hit by someone else and sustained extensive damage. Now that it's fixed, they want to get a different car. They want to sell it quick before the damage has a chance to hit the Carfax report and devalue the car. However, he doesn't have the $10,000 to float for the likely difference in the sale price and the balance of the loan. My co-worker also just bought a $100,000 BMW 750.  I was floored that they just bought $170,000 worth of cars but don't have 10k rattling around.

Selling the car before the Carfax report is updated to hide the damage from the buyer is a pretty low-down, dirty thing to do. I'd be pretty ticked off someone did that to me. By deliberately concealing the wreck information, the seller is basically ripping the buyer off for the difference between the selling price and the car's actual value based on the Carfax report. The buyer wouldn't find out about the accident until he or she went to sell the vehicle and pulled the Carfax report.

Concealing damage to a vehicle or information that would dramatically affect its value is fraud by concealment. If the difference in value ends up being more than $1000 or so, and it easily could on a vehicle that expensive to begin with, that's a felony level crime. Is he seriously willing to do time because he "wants a different car"?

While this is pretty shady, I think it is technically legal as long as the seller doesn't claim the vehicle has never been in an accident. Carfax is not the only way to determine if a vehicle has been in an accident. Any buyer should be having the vehicle inspected by a third party mechanic regardless of what the Carfax report says.

I had a 2006 that needed frame repair and the replacement part was laser cut with precision. When my car came out of the shop it was almost impossible to tell work was done. I'm not saying that makes it okay but I think most people still think of frame damage as something that means the car is never the same.

[MrGreen]

I was floored that they just bought $170,000 worth of cars but don't have 10k rattling around.

Any idea of their total income? Even an estimate?

With this sort of spendypants business going on I would assume that your coworker has several other antics that would fit on this thread.

I think their combined income is in the neighborhood of 400k.

[marielle]

In my new role here there are a few people around me who get takeout food every day for lunch during the workweek. I realize that for this particular thread that is nothing worth posting about, but it has been particularly interesting for me because it highlights how most people at work don't buy food and most bring their own lunch. Thankfully it is just that way things are, so me bringing my lunch doesn't stand out but is totally normal. I would guess that by the nature of our work and industry, most people at work earn between $100-200k depending on how long they have been working.

It's not even that bad when they make that much. People where I work still buy food and some make as little as $10.50 an hour, or 21k a year before overtime. Granted, it's stuff like Taco Bell and McDonald's, or maybe Zaxby's, but still $5 minimum...

[MgoSam]

In my new role here there are a few people around me who get takeout food every day for lunch during the workweek. I realize that for this particular thread that is nothing worth posting about, but it has been particularly interesting for me because it highlights how most people at work don't buy food and most bring their own lunch. Thankfully it is just that way things are, so me bringing my lunch doesn't stand out but is totally normal. I would guess that by the nature of our work and industry, most people at work earn between $100-200k depending on how long they have been working.

It's not even that bad when they make that much. People where I work still buy food and some make as little as $10.50 an hour, or 21k a year before overtime. Granted, it's stuff like Taco Bell and McDonald's, or maybe Zaxby's, but still $5 minimum...

That shit adds up! I started meal prepping and one of my favorite things to make is a chicken burrito bowl. It has black beans, rice, vegetables, chicken, shredded cheese, and salsa and like 4 meals is under $10 and tastes way better than Taco Bell and is loads healthier.

[RyanAtTanagra]

A co-worker's wife's brand new Mercedes ($70,000 SUV) was hit by someone else and sustained extensive damage. Now that it's fixed, they want to get a different car. They want to sell it quick before the damage has a chance to hit the Carfax report and devalue the car. However, he doesn't have the $10,000 to float for the likely difference in the sale price and the balance of the loan. My co-worker also just bought a $100,000 BMW 750.  I was floored that they just bought $170,000 worth of cars but don't have 10k rattling around.

Selling the car before the Carfax report is updated to hide the damage from the buyer is a pretty low-down, dirty thing to do. I'd be pretty ticked off someone did that to me. By deliberately concealing the wreck information, the seller is basically ripping the buyer off for the difference between the selling price and the car's actual value based on the Carfax report. The buyer wouldn't find out about the accident until he or she went to sell the vehicle and pulled the Carfax report.

Concealing damage to a vehicle or information that would dramatically affect its value is fraud by concealment. If the difference in value ends up being more than $1000 or so, and it easily could on a vehicle that expensive to begin with, that's a felony level crime. Is he seriously willing to do time because he "wants a different car"?

While this is pretty shady, I think it is technically legal as long as the seller doesn't claim the vehicle has never been in an accident. Carfax is not the only way to determine if a vehicle has been in an accident. Any buyer should be having the vehicle inspected by a third party mechanic regardless of what the Carfax report says.

Withholding information that you should reasonably believe would change the mind of the buyer can still be considered fraud, if I recall my business law classes correctly.

[TheGrimSqueaker]

A co-worker's wife's brand new Mercedes ($70,000 SUV) was hit by someone else and sustained extensive damage. Now that it's fixed, they want to get a different car. They want to sell it quick before the damage has a chance to hit the Carfax report and devalue the car. However, he doesn't have the $10,000 to float for the likely difference in the sale price and the balance of the loan. My co-worker also just bought a $100,000 BMW 750.  I was floored that they just bought $170,000 worth of cars but don't have 10k rattling around.

Selling the car before the Carfax report is updated to hide the damage from the buyer is a pretty low-down, dirty thing to do. I'd be pretty ticked off someone did that to me. By deliberately concealing the wreck information, the seller is basically ripping the buyer off for the difference between the selling price and the car's actual value based on the Carfax report. The buyer wouldn't find out about the accident until he or she went to sell the vehicle and pulled the Carfax report.

Concealing damage to a vehicle or information that would dramatically affect its value is fraud by concealment. If the difference in value ends up being more than $1000 or so, and it easily could on a vehicle that expensive to begin with, that's a felony level crime. Is he seriously willing to do time because he "wants a different car"?

While this is pretty shady, I think it is technically legal as long as the seller doesn't claim the vehicle has never been in an accident. Carfax is not the only way to determine if a vehicle has been in an accident. Any buyer should be having the vehicle inspected by a third party mechanic regardless of what the Carfax report says.

If their goal is to not reveal something that might devalue the car, then admitting it's been in an accident will drive down the value just the same as the Carfax report would, and there would be no benefit to concealing the Carfax information.

[cheapass]

I was floored that they just bought $170,000 worth of cars but don't have 10k rattling around.

This reminds me of a director at my job. He bought a Mercedes and she bought an Infiniti. Turns out, she liked his car more than hers. So they just bought another Mercedes. And kept the Infiniti.

I just.. 3 cars... 2 drivers... Aaahhh!!!

The best part? He does FINANCIAL ANALYSIS for a living.

[Chris22]

I was floored that they just bought $170,000 worth of cars but don't have 10k rattling around.

This reminds me of a director at my job. He bought a Mercedes and she bought an Infiniti. Turns out, she liked his car more than hers. So they just bought another Mercedes. And kept the Infiniti.

I just.. 3 cars... 2 drivers... Aaahhh!!!

The best part? He does FINANCIAL ANALYSIS for a living.

Meh, I do FINANCIAL ANALYSIS for a living too, and we have 3 cars for 2 drivers.  One of them is a fun car.  I guess the difference is, my two cars are long paid for, and have a combined value of probably half the Mercedes or Infiniti.  I got 2 cars by buying one, paying it off, and keeping it when I bought the second one instead of trading it.  No regrets.

[kayvent]

A co-worker's wife's brand new Mercedes ($70,000 SUV) was hit by someone else and sustained extensive damage. Now that it's fixed, they want to get a different car. They want to sell it quick before the damage has a chance to hit the Carfax report and devalue the car. However, he doesn't have the $10,000 to float for the likely difference in the sale price and the balance of the loan. My co-worker also just bought a $100,000 BMW 750.  I was floored that they just bought $170,000 worth of cars but don't have 10k rattling around.

Selling the car before the Carfax report is updated to hide the damage from the buyer is a pretty low-down, dirty thing to do. I'd be pretty ticked off someone did that to me. By deliberately concealing the wreck information, the seller is basically ripping the buyer off for the difference between the selling price and the car's actual value based on the Carfax report. The buyer wouldn't find out about the accident until he or she went to sell the vehicle and pulled the Carfax report.

Concealing damage to a vehicle or information that would dramatically affect its value is fraud by concealment. If the difference in value ends up being more than $1000 or so, and it easily could on a vehicle that expensive to begin with, that's a felony level crime. Is he seriously willing to do time because he "wants a different car"?

While this is pretty shady, I think it is technically legal as long as the seller doesn't claim the vehicle has never been in an accident. Carfax is not the only way to determine if a vehicle has been in an accident. Any buyer should be having the vehicle inspected by a third party mechanic regardless of what the Carfax report says.

So you think caveat emptor applies here? I think if I went to civil court and such an activity was found (after an accident the car was quickly sold), the judge or peers would employ caveat venditor and say that whether it was intentional or not, the seller should be liable for the price differential that withholding that information incurred.

Edit: I was able to find one court applying caveat venditor to used car sales in Kentury. http://law.justia.com/cases/kentucky/court-of-appeals/1954/268-s-w-2d-627-1.html

[BuffaloStache]

That shit adds up! I started meal prepping and one of my favorite things to make is a chicken burrito bowl. It has black beans, rice, vegetables, chicken, shredded cheese, and salsa and like 4 meals is under $10 and tastes way better than Taco Bell and is loads healthier.

Totally agree. Even at $5 a pop you are talking ~$1,250 a year. for someone making ~$21k/yr, that's 5% of your salary. I'll have to try your burrito bowl idea, I typically just eat leftovers or bring a sandwich for lunch.

[marielle]

That shit adds up! I started meal prepping and one of my favorite things to make is a chicken burrito bowl. It has black beans, rice, vegetables, chicken, shredded cheese, and salsa and like 4 meals is under $10 and tastes way better than Taco Bell and is loads healthier.

Totally agree. Even at $5 a pop you are talking ~$1,250 a year. for someone making ~$21k/yr, that's 5% of your salary. I'll have to try your burrito bowl idea, I typically just eat leftovers or bring a sandwich for lunch.

Yep, but I think a lot of them spend more than that. They also get stuff out of the vending machine, sometimes multiple times a day. A soda is $1.50 and some snacks are $1.00. A lot of people make more than $21k with overtime or positions that pay slightly more, but still no where near the salaries people make on this forum, and we all bring our lunches. One guy told me he gets extra food from taco bell to save for later, so I imagine some could be spending $7-9 easily.

[MgoSam]

That shit adds up! I started meal prepping and one of my favorite things to make is a chicken burrito bowl. It has black beans, rice, vegetables, chicken, shredded cheese, and salsa and like 4 meals is under $10 and tastes way better than Taco Bell and is loads healthier.

Totally agree. Even at $5 a pop you are talking ~$1,250 a year. for someone making ~$21k/yr, that's 5% of your salary. I'll have to try your burrito bowl idea, I typically just eat leftovers or bring a sandwich for lunch.

Let me know if you have any questions, the only thing I don't know how to do is make the salsa that I use as it's my mom's recipe and I haven't bothered to learn it yet. I absolutely love this dish and it's very easy to make.

[Dave1442397]

This was at my previous job. We had a board of Directors meeting, and I happened to be sitting in the break room when a couple of the Directors came in, and one of them opened the fridge and took out a brown bag lunch.

I was just thinking to myself that he's pretty frugal, when he starts telling the other guy that he has his lunch made by a service that delivers it to his door in Manhattan every morning...and it only costs $45 a day!

[cloudsail]

This was at my previous job. We had a board of Directors meeting, and I happened to be sitting in the break room when a couple of the Directors came in, and one of them opened the fridge and took out a brown bag lunch.

I was just thinking to myself that he's pretty frugal, when he starts telling the other guy that he has his lunch made by a service that delivers it to his door in Manhattan every morning...and it only costs $45 a day!

*picks jaw up from floor*

[JAYSLOL]

This was at my previous job. We had a board of Directors meeting, and I happened to be sitting in the break room when a couple of the Directors came in, and one of them opened the fridge and took out a brown bag lunch.

I was just thinking to myself that he's pretty frugal, when he starts telling the other guy that he has his lunch made by a service that delivers it to his door in Manhattan every morning...and it only costs $45 a day!

Wait, what!?!?  Is that just for lunch or also breakfast and dinner for a day?  Our family of 3 can typically eat a meal out at an actual restaurant for less than that, including a big tip!  I wonder if he charges it as a business/work expense?

[ketchup]

This was at my previous job. We had a board of Directors meeting, and I happened to be sitting in the break room when a couple of the Directors came in, and one of them opened the fridge and took out a brown bag lunch.

I was just thinking to myself that he's pretty frugal, when he starts telling the other guy that he has his lunch made by a service that delivers it to his door in Manhattan every morning...and it only costs $45 a day!

*picks jaw up from floor*

Yeah, I think I need to get in on this business.

[RidetheRain]

This was at my previous job. We had a board of Directors meeting, and I happened to be sitting in the break room when a couple of the Directors came in, and one of them opened the fridge and took out a brown bag lunch.

I was just thinking to myself that he's pretty frugal, when he starts telling the other guy that he has his lunch made by a service that delivers it to his door in Manhattan every morning...and it only costs $45 a day!

*picks jaw up from floor*

I know you're not joking, but I can't help but think you're joking. This messes with my world view so bad.

[Dollar Slice]

There are tons of high-end/boutique lunch delivery services in Manhattan and I don't think I've ever seen one that cost more than $20 a meal. Maybe that's for more than one person? :-/  Let's hope.

[marielle]

My average living expenses are less than $45 a day, including health insurance (which is cheap for me), rent, everything. :/ Not including years with unexpected expenses like a car of course.

Maybe it's for all 3 meals...I'll just pretend it's that so I don't feel as sad.

[LennStar]

This was at my previous job. We had a board of Directors meeting, and I happened to be sitting in the break room when a couple of the Directors came in, and one of them opened the fridge and took out a brown bag lunch.

I was just thinking to myself that he's pretty frugal, when he starts telling the other guy that he has his lunch made by a service that delivers it to his door in Manhattan every morning...and it only costs $45 a day!

*picks jaw up from floor*

*has to go down 6 stairs to the cellar to find it*

[MgoSam]

I wonder if it really costs like $15 but his assistant (presuming he has one) says its $45 and pockets the difference. That would be $150 a week, or $7800 a year tax-free.

[Fomerly known as something]

I recall some services that were aimed at dieting being advertised when I lived in NYC for about $45/day.  It was for 3 meals and 2 snacks so I'm guessing at that price it isn't just lunch.

ETA:  Yup found it, ZoneManhattan 14 day plan $42.95+ tax.  Go for 31 days it's only $37.95+tax.

[TomTX]

Anyone who is not looking for a new job when they are eligible to retire is lying (pension position).

My thoughts, unless they actually are planning to retire.

No, I know a guy who is less than 2 months away from a 100% pension. He could have retired (easily) a decade ago. If he retired at the end of this month (gotta be end of month), he'd get a 99.8%

However, if you actually do the math: He has been literally paying to work therefor years - because the pension payment doesn't have 10% taken out to fund the pension (paycheck does) and the pension payment doesn't have SSI taken out either - another 7.5%

This guy could walk out the door, and his pension would be 17.3% higher than his current paycheck. And he has the same medical for life.

Now, it will probably be slightly less because the pension is based on your "high 3 years" - and he probably got a few percent bump within the last 3 years. Still. Walk away, make 15% more. And you don't have to work. Or you can do something else. Whatever.

[Dave1442397]

I recall some services that were aimed at dieting being advertised when I lived in NYC for about $45/day.  It was for 3 meals and 2 snacks so I'm guessing at that price it isn't just lunch.

ETA:  Yup found it, ZoneManhattan 14 day plan $42.95+ tax.  Go for 31 days it's only $37.95+tax.

That's quite possible. I was still sitting there figuring out how many lunches I can make for $45 after he left. It came to 24 lunches, and that's using the more expensive meat from the Wegmans deli.

The last time I bought lunch in Manhattan was in December, and we found a hole-in-the-wall pizza joint where we got $1/slice pizza and a can of soda for $1.

[JLee]

I recall some services that were aimed at dieting being advertised when I lived in NYC for about $45/day.  It was for 3 meals and 2 snacks so I'm guessing at that price it isn't just lunch.

ETA:  Yup found it, ZoneManhattan 14 day plan $42.95+ tax.  Go for 31 days it's only $37.95+tax.

That's quite possible. I was still sitting there figuring out how many lunches I can make for $45 after he left. It came to 24 lunches, and that's using the more expensive meat from the Wegmans deli.

The last time I bought lunch in Manhattan was in December, and we found a hole-in-the-wall pizza joint where we got $1/slice pizza and a can of soda for $1.

Those places are everywhere.  It's really convenient to be able to get a couple slices of pizza and a drink in such a generally expensive area for $3.

[Fomerly known as something]

I recall some services that were aimed at dieting being advertised when I lived in NYC for about $45/day.  It was for 3 meals and 2 snacks so I'm guessing at that price it isn't just lunch.

ETA:  Yup found it, ZoneManhattan 14 day plan $42.95+ tax.  Go for 31 days it's only $37.95+tax.

That's quite possible. I was still sitting there figuring out how many lunches I can make for $45 after he left. It came to 24 lunches, and that's using the more expensive meat from the Wegmans deli.

The last time I bought lunch in Manhattan was in December, and we found a hole-in-the-wall pizza joint where we got $1/slice pizza and a can of soda for $1.

Those places are everywhere.  It's really convenient to be able to get a couple slices of pizza and a drink in such a generally expensive area for $3.

Yup worked there for 8 years, get to go back on business at least once a year.  I roll my eyes at my co-workers who complain about the expense.  Yes since I get per diem I likely will pay $10 for lunch and $20 for dinner but I could easily find a $3-5 place without much trouble.

[lifejoy]

"I spend $20 a week on groceries."

My friend at work has a young family of four! I'm in the process of learning from her just how she does it!!

(We're allowed to post positive things on here I hope?)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Vindicated]

"I spend $20 a week on groceries."

My friend at work has a young family of four! I'm in the process of learning from her just how she does it!!

(We're allowed to post positive things on here I hope?)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Super impressive.  We must know more!

[RWD]

(We're allowed to post positive things on here I hope?)

Technically the most appropriate place would be in the anti-antimustachian thread:
https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/antimustachian-wall-of-shame-and-comedy/overheard-at-work-the-anti-antimustachian-edition/

[BTDretire]

That shit adds up! I started meal prepping and one of my favorite things to make is a chicken burrito bowl. It has black beans, rice, vegetables, chicken, shredded cheese, and salsa and like 4 meals is under $10 and tastes way better than Taco Bell and is loads healthier.

Let me know if you have any questions, the only thing I don't know how to do is make the salsa that I use as it's my mom's recipe and I haven't bothered to learn it yet. I absolutely love this dish and it's very easy to make.

I've been using warmed low fat refried beans mixed with a little water, I mix shredded cheese to the beans after it is warmed. Pace organic salsa, mixing shredded lettuce with peas and chopped celentro. I then take my favorite chip, put a little refried beans, a little salsa and put the lettuce mixture on top. It is a little messy, but a leisurely snack that will fill you up. We had some guacamole the other day, I spread some of that on too.
 I add a little of our homegrown hot peppers to the salsa. I only use the Pace because my wife stocked up on it, and it's good!
 I think this would also be good wrapped up in a tortilla.

[dandarc]

"I spend $20 a week on groceries."

My friend at work has a young family of four! I'm in the process of learning from her just how she does it!!

(We're allowed to post positive things on here I hope?)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Super impressive.  We must know more!

Could go either way - "Actually super easy  - we usually get takeout!"

[Maenad]

That shit adds up! I started meal prepping and one of my favorite things to make is a chicken burrito bowl. It has black beans, rice, vegetables, chicken, shredded cheese, and salsa and like 4 meals is under $10 and tastes way better than Taco Bell and is loads healthier.

Totally agree. Even at $5 a pop you are talking ~$1,250 a year. for someone making ~$21k/yr, that's 5% of your salary. I'll have to try your burrito bowl idea, I typically just eat leftovers or bring a sandwich for lunch.

I use this one: http://iowagirleats.com/2014/08/29/easy-homemade-burrito-bowls/

This one talks about how to split the bowls into warm and cold for optimal reheating: http://gimmedelicious.com/2017/01/07/meal-prep-chicken-burrito-bowls/

[BuffaloStache]

"I spend $20 a week on groceries."

My friend at work has a young family of four! I'm in the process of learning from her just how she does it!!

(We're allowed to post positive things on here I hope?)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Super impressive.  We must know more!

Could go either way - "Actually super easy  - we usually get takeout!"
[/quote]

That's what I was wondering too. Let us know if you find out more!

[lifejoy]

"I spend $20 a week on groceries."

My friend at work has a young family of four! I'm in the process of learning from her just how she does it!!

(We're allowed to post positive things on here I hope?)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Super impressive.  We must know more!

Could go either way - "Actually super easy  - we usually get takeout!"

That's what I was wondering too. Let us know if you find out more!
[/quote]

I am also wondering!!! I'll post an update as soon as I have one :) She wasn't super forthcoming on the details, but I believe she is not exaggerating. Her husband is unemployed and she works part-time. She's a frugal master.

[Fi(re) on the Farm]

Anyone who is not looking for a new job when they are eligible to retire is lying (pension position).

My thoughts, unless they actually are planning to retire.

No, I know a guy who is less than 2 months away from a 100% pension. He could have retired (easily) a decade ago. If he retired at the end of this month (gotta be end of month), he'd get a 99.8%

However, if you actually do the math: He has been literally paying to work therefor years - because the pension payment doesn't have 10% taken out to fund the pension (paycheck does) and the pension payment doesn't have SSI taken out either - another 7.5%

This guy could walk out the door, and his pension would be 17.3% higher than his current paycheck. And he has the same medical for life.

Now, it will probably be slightly less because the pension is based on your "high 3 years" - and he probably got a few percent bump within the last 3 years. Still. Walk away, make 15% more. And you don't have to work. Or you can do something else. Whatever.

I worked with a guy who absolutely hated his job, really truly hated to come to work every day.  He was eligible for a pension of 70% of his pay and there'd be no fica or union dues or parking and he still wouldn't retire because he'd be short $30 a week after doing all the calculations. He was a life insurance actuary - he knew the risk of early death and still wouldn't leave until his pension matched his pay!