Overheard at Work

[Squirrel away]

My friend at work said the most ridiculous thing... She got a notice that her rent was going up next year -- by $17/month. She's convinced she can't absorb it into her budget.

I'm thinking she must not have any type of emergency fund if she can't handle a $17 monthly budget increase "crisis" lol.:D

[hazelkate]

I went from working at a small non-profit where everyone brought their lunch to work and carpooled (and rarely complained about money) to working with a bunch of attorneys who live in huge houses, drive financed cars, send their kids to private schools, and go out to eat for lunch EVERY DAY. The stuff I've heard here has been crazy: 

One of the higher paid attorneys at my work was looking notably down in the dumps, so I asked her if she was okay. Her response: "My student loan officer called me. My monthly payment is increasing from $565/mo to $925/mo. There's no way we can afford that! I'm going to have to sell my house!" She looked like she was about to cry. Not only does she go out to eat every day, but she's in her mid 40s and is still paying on her law school loan that she took out when she was 22!

I heard another attorney say, "Money's been tight lately. At the end of the month, there's nothing left. It started to get bad when I bought the new KIA. Then, of course, my wife was jealous that I got a new car so I had to get her the new Honda CRV. You know how it goes..."

[JetBlast]

Heard this gem yesterday:

"I need to put in for some vacation.  I just spent $20,000 on a Wyndham time share. Time to start using my investment."

[mm1970]

I went from working at a small non-profit where everyone brought their lunch to work and carpooled (and rarely complained about money) to working with a bunch of attorneys who live in huge houses, drive financed cars, send their kids to private schools, and go out to eat for lunch EVERY DAY. The stuff I've heard here has been crazy: 

One of the higher paid attorneys at my work was looking notably down in the dumps, so I asked her if she was okay. Her response: "My student loan officer called me. My monthly payment is increasing from $565/mo to $925/mo. There's no way we can afford that! I'm going to have to sell my house!" She looked like she was about to cry. Not only does she go out to eat every day, but she's in her mid 40s and is still paying on her law school loan that she took out when she was 22!

I heard another attorney say, "Money's been tight lately. At the end of the month, there's nothing left. It started to get bad when I bought the new KIA. Then, of course, my wife was jealous that I got a new car so I had to get her the new Honda CRV. You know how it goes..."

Ouch, but at least they were Kia and Honda, not BMW and Lexus?

[mm1970]

FinCon14 attracted over 500 bloggers and a large host of sponsors as well as PR staff.

A number of the bloggers are so frugal that Amy Dacyczyn would weep with envy.  But this post is not about the frugalistas.

Every morning during the conference, our breakfast buffet was hosted by a sponsor.  It was the same setup every day, and the food & drink was all-you-can-eat free.  This included a half-dozen coffee dispensers prominently marked with the Starbucks logo, next to Starbucks cups, with Starbucks cardboard sleeves & lids, and stacks of the usual coffee additives.  It was on the second floor of the hotel, right next to the escalator, and almost directly above the Starbucks in the downstairs lobby.

Each morning I'd sit at a table eating my breakfast and watching FinCon attendees come into the buffet area.  They'd walk past the coffee tables, take the escalator down to the lobby, and return a few minutes later holding a Starbucks coffee product.  Then they'd walk by the coffee tables again to choose their breakfast food.

Maybe the lattes, cappuccinos, espressos, and frappes taste better than the plain ol' coffee.  Or maybe they feel that they're saving so much on food expenses that they should splurge for the caffeinated beverage of their choice?

Okay, that's really funny!

I'd love to read about bloggers who would make Amy D cry in envy.

[Nords]

Okay, that's really funny!
I'd love to read about bloggers who would make Amy D cry in envy.

The all-time champion of frugality would have to be Dolly Freed of Possum Living, although technically she's not a blogger. 

My top three:
Ellie Kay
EllieKay.com

Mike & Lauren
http://www.mikeandlauren.com/

Johnny & Mrs. Moneyseed
http://www.johnnymoneyseed.com/

Very honorable mention:
Amanda
http://www.frugalconfessions.com/

Abigail
http://ipickuppennies.net/

Andrea
http://savingslifestyle.com/

Andy
http://artofbeingcheap.com/

Ashley
http://moneytalkscoaching.com/

Erin
http://www.myfrugalhome.com/

And for sheer volume:
http://www.wisebread.com/

There are another 50 or so at this list with the "frugality" keyword, although I haven't read much of their blogs:
http://finconexpo.com/attendee-list/

[Oltmanh]

I am always on the prowl for new sites, so thanks very much for this listing of attendees.  New reading ;)

[vern]

Possum Living was a classic!

[FoundPeace]

I have a coworker who was just graduated from school about 1 year ago. He told me that he was glad that he was initially hired as a contractor initially and got paid less so he could qualify for a house loan with 0% down. This house was a "steal" because it was a $200k repo in the country (abouta 1 hour drive). When his basement flooded he happily took out a loan for the repairs since he had used his saving to finance a mustang (at least it was used), a new dirt bike and 4 wheeler for him, and a dirt bike, a 4 wheeler, and a motorcycle for his girlfriend. He also has about $100k in student loans. He and his girl friend would like to get married, but want to wait until they have enough money to pay for the wedding of her dreams. He says that now that he got a raise and is making just under $70,000 that they might be able to afford it within the next few years.

He was flabergasted when I told him I was saving so I could make a 20-40% down payment with a 15 year mortgage and that I was also contributing more to the 401k than the company matches.

My question is: how on earth is he able to finance so much? I cannot fathom it. I will only ever go into debt for my first house. I worked hard through college so that I didn't get any debt. The fact that this coworker's financial situation looks like most new graduates boggles my mind!

[AlanStache]

I have a coworker who was just graduated from school about 1 year ago. He told me that he was glad that he was initially hired as a contractor initially and got paid less so he could qualify for a house loan with 0% down. ...

Wait a second.  How is it that "the banks" "let you" barrow with less money down when you earn less, right out of school, and as a contractor your job is less secure?  If he made good choices while gaming the system - great for him - but wtf system are we working in?  I hope what he did was all a misunderstanding of the system.

Well I guess him over extending himself does ensure we will keep showing up at work and feeding the system where most of us here intend to check out and live off the dividends at some point (are we even more gaming the system?).

[Paul der Krake]

I have a coworker who was just graduated from school about 1 year ago. He told me that he was glad that he was initially hired as a contractor initially and got paid less so he could qualify for a house loan with 0% down. ...

Wait a second.  How is it that "the banks" "let you" barrow with less money down when you earn less, right out of school, and as a contractor your job is less secure?  If he made good choices while gaming the system - great for him - but wtf system are we working in?  I hope what he did was all a misunderstanding of the system.

Well I guess him over extending himself does ensure we will keep showing up at work and feeding the system where most of us here intend to check out and live off the dividends at some point (are we even more gaming the system?).

It must be a USDA loans: they exist to encourage people to buy homes out in the sticks.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USDA_home_loan

[eyePod]

FinCon14 attracted over 500 bloggers and a large host of sponsors as well as PR staff.

A number of the bloggers are so frugal that Amy Dacyczyn would weep with envy.  But this post is not about the frugalistas.

Every morning during the conference, our breakfast buffet was hosted by a sponsor.  It was the same setup every day, and the food & drink was all-you-can-eat free.  This included a half-dozen coffee dispensers prominently marked with the Starbucks logo, next to Starbucks cups, with Starbucks cardboard sleeves & lids, and stacks of the usual coffee additives.  It was on the second floor of the hotel, right next to the escalator, and almost directly above the Starbucks in the downstairs lobby.

Each morning I'd sit at a table eating my breakfast and watching FinCon attendees come into the buffet area.  They'd walk past the coffee tables, take the escalator down to the lobby, and return a few minutes later holding a Starbucks coffee product.  Then they'd walk by the coffee tables again to choose their breakfast food.

Maybe the lattes, cappuccinos, espressos, and frappes taste better than the plain ol' coffee.  Or maybe they feel that they're saving so much on food expenses that they should splurge for the caffeinated beverage of their choice?

Probably saying "I can just write it off as an expense!" FYI - lowering your taxable income also cuts into your profits! Some people don't understand this.

[ender]

FinCon14 attracted over 500 bloggers and a large host of sponsors as well as PR staff.

A number of the bloggers are so frugal that Amy Dacyczyn would weep with envy.  But this post is not about the frugalistas.

Every morning during the conference, our breakfast buffet was hosted by a sponsor.  It was the same setup every day, and the food & drink was all-you-can-eat free.  This included a half-dozen coffee dispensers prominently marked with the Starbucks logo, next to Starbucks cups, with Starbucks cardboard sleeves & lids, and stacks of the usual coffee additives.  It was on the second floor of the hotel, right next to the escalator, and almost directly above the Starbucks in the downstairs lobby.

Each morning I'd sit at a table eating my breakfast and watching FinCon attendees come into the buffet area.  They'd walk past the coffee tables, take the escalator down to the lobby, and return a few minutes later holding a Starbucks coffee product.  Then they'd walk by the coffee tables again to choose their breakfast food.

Maybe the lattes, cappuccinos, espressos, and frappes taste better than the plain ol' coffee.  Or maybe they feel that they're saving so much on food expenses that they should splurge for the caffeinated beverage of their choice?

Probably saying "I can just write it off as an expense!" FYI - lowering your taxable income also cuts into your profits! Some people don't understand this.

Alternatively, they see it as a way to save 40% or more on whatever they buy (14% FICA, 25% federal, some state too)?

[crazyworld]

FinCon14 attracted over 500 bloggers and a large host of sponsors as well as PR staff.

A number of the bloggers are so frugal that Amy Dacyczyn would weep with envy.  But this post is not about the frugalistas.

Every morning during the conference, our breakfast buffet was hosted by a sponsor.  It was the same setup every day, and the food & drink was all-you-can-eat free.  This included a half-dozen coffee dispensers prominently marked with the Starbucks logo, next to Starbucks cups, with Starbucks cardboard sleeves & lids, and stacks of the usual coffee additives.  It was on the second floor of the hotel, right next to the escalator, and almost directly above the Starbucks in the downstairs lobby.

Each morning I'd sit at a table eating my breakfast and watching FinCon attendees come into the buffet area.  They'd walk past the coffee tables, take the escalator down to the lobby, and return a few minutes later holding a Starbucks coffee product.  Then they'd walk by the coffee tables again to choose their breakfast food.

Maybe the lattes, cappuccinos, espressos, and frappes taste better than the plain ol' coffee.  Or maybe they feel that they're saving so much on food expenses that they should splurge for the caffeinated beverage of their choice?

Actually, I would be one of these people. I don't care for drip coffee at all and only like cappuccinos.  If someone has any hacks for making one, I am all ears.  Bit of a waste paying for it, but I need a LOT of foam and very little milk in mine and the large machines at coffee shops can do this.  I tried the bialetti cappuccino maker, but it doesn't really foam mile enough.

[skunkfunk]

Actually, I would be one of these people. I don't care for drip coffee at all and only like cappuccinos.  If someone has any hacks for making one, I am all ears.  Bit of a waste paying for it, but I need a LOT of foam and very little milk in mine and the large machines at coffee shops can do this.  I tried the bialetti cappuccino maker, but it doesn't really foam mile enough.

[facepunch]

I think we've got a fancypants, guys.

[/facepunch]

My hack is to suck it up and drink it black.

[Cheddar Stacker]

Actually, I would be one of these people. I don't care for drip coffee at all and only like cappuccinos.  If someone has any hacks for making one, I am all ears.  Bit of a waste paying for it, but I need a LOT of foam and very little milk in mine and the large machines at coffee shops can do this.  I tried the bialetti cappuccino maker, but it doesn't really foam mile enough.

[facepunch]

I think we've got a fancypants, guys.

[/facepunch]

My hack is to suck it up and drink it black.

Yeah, we've all got a weakness. I'd guess I pay about $0.10/day for my coffee, which is 2-5 cups depending on my mood. So, expensive coffee is not my weakness.

I've got a "foam hack" for you to try though. I've done it and it makes me feel very fancypants, but then again I just said above expensive coffee is not my weakness.

Take a very small container (like, a side of dressing type size) and fill it half way with milk. Put the lid on. Shake the hell out of it for 30 seconds. Open the lid and pour it in your coffee. It makes a nice little milk foam that fizzles out within a minute or two, but it might trick your brain into thinking you paid $4 for the drink?

[HairyUpperLip]

Actually, I would be one of these people. I don't care for drip coffee at all and only like cappuccinos.  If someone has any hacks for making one, I am all ears.  Bit of a waste paying for it, but I need a LOT of foam and very little milk in mine and the large machines at coffee shops can do this.  I tried the bialetti cappuccino maker, but it doesn't really foam mile enough.

[facepunch]

I think we've got a fancypants, guys.

[/facepunch]

My hack is to suck it up and drink it black.

I'm with you man. I used to add sugar and cream but it still tastes terrible so I just MANed up and started drinking it black.

If you need more milk and cream and rainbows in your coffee then maybe you should find a new drink....

[Timmmy]

Actually, I would be one of these people. I don't care for drip coffee at all and only like cappuccinos.  If someone has any hacks for making one, I am all ears.  Bit of a waste paying for it, but I need a LOT of foam and very little milk in mine and the large machines at coffee shops can do this.  I tried the bialetti cappuccino maker, but it doesn't really foam mile enough.

[facepunch]

I think we've got a fancypants, guys.

[/facepunch]

My hack is to suck it up and drink it black.

I'm with you man. I used to add sugar and cream but it still tastes terrible so I just MANed up and started drinking it black.

If you need more milk and cream and rainbows in your coffee then maybe you should find a new drink....

Yep. Once you go black you never go back.

[HairyUpperLip]

My favorite is...

Can I get a decaf coffee with extra sugar and milk?

[arebelspy]

My hack is to suck it up and drink it black.

My hack is to just not drink it.

Water is delicious, and free.

I did laugh at Nords' story.  :D

[eyePod]

My favorite is...

Can I get a decaf coffee with extra sugar and milk?

I'd rather a hot chocolate at that point.

[RWD]

My hack is to suck it up and drink it black.

My hack is to just not drink it.

Water is delicious, and free.

I did laugh at Nords' story.  :D

This. I never started drinking coffee in the first place. Same with alcohol. I figured if I ever got hooked on either it'd be too expensive. I haven't enjoyed the small amounts I've tried, so I figure I'm not missing out anyway.

[Pooperman]

My hack is to suck it up and drink it black.

My hack is to just not drink it.

Water is delicious, and free.

I did laugh at Nords' story.  :D

This. I never started drinking coffee in the first place. Same with alcohol. I figured if I ever got hooked on either it'd be too expensive. I haven't enjoyed the small amounts I've tried, so I figure I'm not missing out anyway.

Both don't taste very good to me. Tea I like though (herbal infusions and actual tea). Cost of tea? $3-5/month.

[Timmmy]

My hack is to suck it up and drink it black.

My hack is to just not drink it.

Water is delicious, and free.

I did laugh at Nords' story.  :D

This. I never started drinking coffee in the first place. Same with alcohol. I figured if I ever got hooked on either it'd be too expensive. I haven't enjoyed the small amounts I've tried, so I figure I'm not missing out anyway.

Coffee at work is free.  Large can of folgers will make my weekend coffee for months for less than $10.  Coffee is hardly an expensive habit.  Alcohol on the other hand... 

[galliver]

Actually, I would be one of these people. I don't care for drip coffee at all and only like cappuccinos.  If someone has any hacks for making one, I am all ears.  Bit of a waste paying for it, but I need a LOT of foam and very little milk in mine and the large machines at coffee shops can do this.  I tried the bialetti cappuccino maker, but it doesn't really foam mile enough.

Are you talking about a moka pot? They call that stovetop espresso, but it doesn't get up to a high enough pressure (only 1-2 bar vs 9-15 bar for an espresso machine) to get the same flavor. As for making milk foam, I hear that lower-fat milk foams better (skim>1%>2%>whole). I got my parents a refurbished Capresso machine for $90 for xmas 3 years ago and it's still going strong. If your coffee makes you happy, this is a much cheaper way than the coffeeshop to enjoy it.

[crazyworld]

Yes, I drink water all day and it tastes just fine to me.  I also drink tea, brewed from whole tea leaves, purchased in bulk quite inexpensively at my indian grocery store. I don't drink much alcohol at all.  I just happen to like cappuccinos - fell for it after a trip to Italy many moons ago.  I don't have to have it everyday, though I go through phases when I do.  Currently in that phase :)  You can facepunch me all you want, but I am not giving it up.
So no hacks for the foam then?

[Lkxe]

have you tried http://www.wikihow.com/Froth-Milk-for-Cappuccino-Without-Fancy-Tools?

[coffeehound]

Call me fancypants, too.  "Real" coffee makes my stomach feel like I've swallowed a porcupine, so I'm all about the lattes.  No foam, though.  It gets in the way of the caffeine. 

I bought a >$100 espresso maker for my office, bring milk from home, and use the man's microwave.  SO much more satisfying than starbucks.  Oh, and crazyworld?  Italy's where I got hooked, too.

[FIPurpose]

I haven't personally tried it, but I have a co-worker that says that the Ikea milk frother works really well. Not a bad idea to see if it would work for you for 2.50.

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/10076320/

[dragoncar]

My hack is to suck it up and drink it black.

My hack is to just not drink it.

Water is delicious, and free.

I did laugh at Nords' story.  :D

This. I never started drinking coffee in the first place. Same with alcohol. I figured if I ever got hooked on either it'd be too expensive. I haven't enjoyed the small amounts I've tried, so I figure I'm not missing out anyway.

Coffee at work is free.  Large can of folgers will make my weekend coffee for months for less than $10.  Coffee is hardly an expensive habit.  Alcohol on the other hand...

I like my alcohol with plenty of sugar and milk.

[Lis]

"We wanted to get our daughter something special for her sixth birthday, something she'll always remember. We found these adorable diamond earrings for under a thousand, but we figured she may be too young for that type of responsibility. Maybe for her eighth..."

[lemanfan]

"We wanted to get our daughter something special for her sixth birthday, something she'll always remember. We found these adorable diamond earrings for under a thousand, but we figured she may be too young for that type of responsibility. Maybe for her eighth..."

Ouch.  OK, I'm a bit anti-diamond in general but that's brutal...

[seanc0x0]

My hack is to suck it up and drink it black.

My hack is to just not drink it.

Water is delicious, and free.

I did laugh at Nords' story.  :D

This. I never started drinking coffee in the first place. Same with alcohol. I figured if I ever got hooked on either it'd be too expensive. I haven't enjoyed the small amounts I've tried, so I figure I'm not missing out anyway.

I enjoy me some alcohol. In moderation, of course.

My hack for booze is to make it myself.  My favourite drink is mead, which if you can even find it in a liquor store, is usually $25/bottle or more.  Honey, on the other hand, is about $40 for 15lbs, which makes ~30 bottles. Add in yeast, yeast nutrients, and corks and you're looking at under $50 for 30 bottles. Given I drink about 2-3 bottles a week, at $1.66 per bottle I'm out less than 5 dollars a week, on average, for adult beverages. Totally worth it to me.

[dragoncar]

My hack is to suck it up and drink it black.

My hack is to just not drink it.

Water is delicious, and free.

I did laugh at Nords' story.  :D

This. I never started drinking coffee in the first place. Same with alcohol. I figured if I ever got hooked on either it'd be too expensive. I haven't enjoyed the small amounts I've tried, so I figure I'm not missing out anyway.

I enjoy me some alcohol. In moderation, of course.

My hack for booze is to make it myself.  My favourite drink is mead, which if you can even find it in a liquor store, is usually $25/bottle or more.  Honey, on the other hand, is about $40 for 15lbs, which makes ~30 bottles. Add in yeast, yeast nutrients, and corks and you're looking at under $50 for 30 bottles. Given I drink about 2-3 bottles a week, at $1.66 per bottle I'm out less than 5 dollars a week, on average, for adult beverages. Totally worth it to me.

Wait, what's the standard drink equivalent of a bottle? Like 1bottle=1 beer?  Or 1 bottle = 5 glasses of wine?

[chicagomeg]

Yes, I drink water all day and it tastes just fine to me.  I also drink tea, brewed from whole tea leaves, purchased in bulk quite inexpensively at my indian grocery store. I don't drink much alcohol at all.  I just happen to like cappuccinos - fell for it after a trip to Italy many moons ago.  I don't have to have it everyday, though I go through phases when I do.  Currently in that phase :)  You can facepunch me all you want, but I am not giving it up.
So no hacks for the foam then?

It's not a hack if it costs $100, but my Nespresso Aeroccino makes great foam. And that crema on my espresso from the Nespresso coffee maker...yum. Takes me back to Italy w/every cup!

[Daisy]

Yes, I drink water all day and it tastes just fine to me.  I also drink tea, brewed from whole tea leaves, purchased in bulk quite inexpensively at my indian grocery store. I don't drink much alcohol at all.  I just happen to like cappuccinos - fell for it after a trip to Italy many moons ago.  I don't have to have it everyday, though I go through phases when I do.  Currently in that phase :)  You can facepunch me all you want, but I am not giving it up.
So no hacks for the foam then?

It's not a hack if it costs $100, but my Nespresso Aeroccino makes great foam. And that crema on my espresso from the Nespresso coffee maker...yum. Takes me back to Italy w/every cup!

You can get foam on espresso by using a measuring cup, sugar, and strong arms. Yes you can! Cubans have perfected the technique. I'm not sure if it works with non-Cuban espresso beans, but try this trick to get a nice foam on your coffee. Plus, it wins you badass points.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2CQVzWfB_Ok
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuban_espresso

Add warm milk to it to get cafe con leche, aka cafe latte (but much cheaper). Come to Miami if you want to see it done in person.

The trick is to get the first few drops of coffee that come out of the moka pot into the sugar and whisk away with a spoon. For some reason, those first few drops are the only ones that get you a really good foam. The texture you want before adding the whole pot in is a nice creamy sticky gook that is so thick you can lift it with the spoon (before the rest of the liquid is added). It's definitely an art to learn, but once you do you will never go pay fancypants money for one at Starbucks.

[firelight]

Try the Indian filter coffee (locally called 'kaapi') method as well... It can be made as frothy as you want and is usually cafe latte because Indians love milk.

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_filter_coffee

I got hooked on it when I was eleven and its still going strong

[coin]

Asked my boss how her long weekend was:
"Lovely. If I could afford to retire, I would".

I'm still scratching my head on how she can't afford to retire, given that she has no kids or student loan debt. Not to mention she has 2-3 other jobs on top of this one...

[FoundPeace]

A coworker told me that he just had to have an operation to have kidneystones removed. His doctor told him that he won't have kidneystone problems if he doesn't get over his soda addiction (18+ cans a day!!!).

He told me that he has been able to to get down to 12-16 a day by drinking energy drinks and flavored water. He buys most of his sodas by the can because he can't store that many sodas in his fridge and doesn't want to have to cary a bag to work.

Our vending machines sell a can of soda for $1. I don't understand how anyone would pay that much money to create a very painful and expensive problem for themselves.

[LennStar]

Sugar addiction. Same mechanics as in alcohol and tobacco and... with the additional problem that nobody sees this as an addiction, There is also no sugar therapy anywhere as far as I know. But sugar makes for a lot of direct (diabetics) and indirect (feeling down if you are not sugered up etc.) illnesses.

I had an "non-alcohol induced (I dont drink alcohol) fatty liver" that was very likely not from fatty eating but from sugared drinks. I stopped that, mostly drink water since then and the fatty liver got down to normal in 2-3 years without changing anything else. I still indulge in potato chips and ice cream every week.

Getting away from sugar (drinks) is probably the most helpful advice you can give the average american (and, to a bit lesser extend, everyone else).

[bluecheeze]

My boss handed me an envelope to put money in for a co-worker who is leaving the company.  It lists everyone in the department's name and you write how much you donated- so everyone can see it.  The envelope says "$50 minimum".

This happens at least once a month.  I am astonished at how many peole willingly give money to co-workers simply because they are retiring/got a new job.  Some people give upwards of $100.  I don't even know 90% of the people I work with and I would never consider giving them $10.  I might take 1 or 2 of my co-workers to lunch but thats it.  Everytime it comes around I put a big fat zero by name.  The frusterating thing is this time the boss came around and handed it to me personally saying "It's not required but you should really consider it".  Kind of unprofessional tbh- as they really pressure you to "donate" and I am pretty sure it is reflected in rankings and the management opinion of you.

[TheNorwegianGuy]

My boss handed me an envelope to put money in for a co-worker who is leaving the company.  It lists everyone in the department's name and you write how much you donated- so everyone can see it.  The envelope says "$50 minimum".

This happens at least once a month.  I am astonished at how many peole willingly give money to co-workers simply because they are retiring/got a new job.  Some people give upwards of $100.  I don't even know 90% of the people I work with and I would never consider giving them $10.  I might take 1 or 2 of my co-workers to lunch but thats it.  Everytime it comes around I put a big fat zero by name.  The frusterating thing is this time the boss came around and handed it to me personally saying "It's not required but you should really consider it".  Kind of unprofessional tbh- as they really pressure you to "donate" and I am pretty sure it is reflected in rankings and the management opinion of you.

What?! That was a strange thing to do.. I mean, what are you (they) paying for? Paying him to leave the company? Or is it a gift for the accomplishment of leaving the comapany?

[Astatine]

My boss handed me an envelope to put money in for a co-worker who is leaving the company.  It lists everyone in the department's name and you write how much you donated- so everyone can see it.  The envelope says "$50 minimum".

This happens at least once a month.  I am astonished at how many peole willingly give money to co-workers simply because they are retiring/got a new job.  Some people give upwards of $100.  I don't even know 90% of the people I work with and I would never consider giving them $10.  I might take 1 or 2 of my co-workers to lunch but thats it.  Everytime it comes around I put a big fat zero by name.  The frusterating thing is this time the boss came around and handed it to me personally saying "It's not required but you should really consider it".  Kind of unprofessional tbh- as they really pressure you to "donate" and I am pretty sure it is reflected in rankings and the management opinion of you.

o.O wow. If someone leaves our organisation or retires, there's usually an envelope for money and a card to be signed and NO expectations that you have to put in money or sign the card. If you're in the same team as the person, then you're expected to sign the card, but the money side is purely optional, and most people only put in a few dollars.

$50 minimum is crazy! I barely spend that on hubby's birthday gift, let alone someone I barely know.

[bluecheeze]

My boss handed me an envelope to put money in for a co-worker who is leaving the company.  It lists everyone in the department's name and you write how much you donated- so everyone can see it.  The envelope says "$50 minimum".

This happens at least once a month.  I am astonished at how many peole willingly give money to co-workers simply because they are retiring/got a new job.  Some people give upwards of $100.  I don't even know 90% of the people I work with and I would never consider giving them $10.  I might take 1 or 2 of my co-workers to lunch but thats it.  Everytime it comes around I put a big fat zero by name.  The frusterating thing is this time the boss came around and handed it to me personally saying "It's not required but you should really consider it".  Kind of unprofessional tbh- as they really pressure you to "donate" and I am pretty sure it is reflected in rankings and the management opinion of you.

What?! That was a strange thing to do.. I mean, what are you (they) paying for? Paying him to leave the company? Or is it a gift for the accomplishment of leaving the comapany?

Part of it is for a lunch and the rest goes towards a cash gift.  I just skip the lunch (which I am on my own diet anyway so I wouldn't even eat if it was free).

[Timmmy]

Sugar addiction. Same mechanics as in alcohol and tobacco and... with the additional problem that nobody sees this as an addiction, There is also no sugar therapy anywhere as far as I know. But sugar makes for a lot of direct (diabetics) and indirect (feeling down if you are not sugered up etc.) illnesses.

I had an "non-alcohol induced (I dont drink alcohol) fatty liver" that was very likely not from fatty eating but from sugared drinks. I stopped that, mostly drink water since then and the fatty liver got down to normal in 2-3 years without changing anything else. I still indulge in potato chips and ice cream every week.

Getting away from sugar (drinks) is probably the most helpful advice you can give the average american (and, to a bit lesser extend, everyone else).

Sugar addictions are the worst.

I had a Mt. Dew addiction for several years.  I realized how addicted I was when the simple act of having a can/bottle near by calmed my nerves.  I didn't actually have to drink it, just have it close by.  I quit at the moment I realized that and haven't had a single soda since then.  That was almost  5 years ago. 

[Elderwood17]

My boss handed me an envelope to put money in for a co-worker who is leaving the company.  It lists everyone in the department's name and you write how much you donated- so everyone can see it.  The envelope says "$50 minimum".

This happens at least once a month.  I am astonished at how many peole willingly give money to co-workers simply because they are retiring/got a new job.  Some people give upwards of $100.  I don't even know 90% of the people I work with and I would never consider giving them $10.  I might take 1 or 2 of my co-workers to lunch but thats it.  Everytime it comes around I put a big fat zero by name.  The frusterating thing is this time the boss came around and handed it to me personally saying "It's not required but you should really consider it".  Kind of unprofessional tbh- as they really pressure you to "donate" and I am pretty sure it is reflected in rankings and the management opinion of you.

What?! That was a strange thing to do.. I mean, what are you (they) paying for? Paying him to leave the company? Or is it a gift for the accomplishment of leaving the comapany?

Wow.  Never heard of that before.  Generally we give a person a card, maybe the closest co workers take the person out for lunch or a happy hour afterwards, but nothing like this.  I would protest too!

[iris lily]

...Everytime it comes around I put a big fat zero by name.  The frusterating thing is this time the boss came around and handed it to me personally saying "It's not required but you should really consider it".  Kind of unprofessional tbh- as they really pressure you to "donate" and I am pretty sure it is reflected in rankings and the management opinion of you.

This is awful, and good for you for proudly listing your $0. I can barely contemplate this scenario!

I am a "boss" and some years ago when the inevitable cards and money grabs made the rounds, I learned that some of the employees in my department had taken it upon themselves to dictate that only those who put money in the kitty could sign the card. Finding that stupid and ungenerous of spirit, I put a stop to that idea and made certain that anyone in the office was welcome to sign a congratulatory greeting card.

 And a few years later I just put a stop to the whole damned thing of collecting money--ever. Now, no one circulates an envelope for money regardless of the office celebration or the employee's occasion.

[cavewoman]

A coworker told me that he just had to have an operation to have kidneystones removed. His doctor told him that he won't have kidneystone problems if he doesn't get over his soda addiction (18+ cans a day!!!).

He told me that he has been able to to get down to 12-16 a day by drinking energy drinks and flavored water. He buys most of his sodas by the can because he can't store that many sodas in his fridge and doesn't want to have to cary a bag to work.

Our vending machines sell a can of soda for $1. I don't understand how anyone would pay that much money to create a very painful and expensive problem for themselves.

We have a girl like this at work.  I've never heard her say anything anti-mustachian but she's the one I'm watching for a story to post.  I don't know if she gets up to 18 a day, but she does bring in 3-4 cans to work.  1 -2 in the morning, plus whatever large fountain drink she gets with her (always fast food) lunch, then 1-2 in the afternoon. 

Then she is always complaining about vague "stomach issues".  I can't even talk to her aside from what I need to say to her for work.

[jordanread]

I enjoy me some alcohol. In moderation, of course.

My hack for booze is to make it myself.  My favourite drink is mead, which if you can even find it in a liquor store, is usually $25/bottle or more.  Honey, on the other hand, is about $40 for 15lbs, which makes ~30 bottles. Add in yeast, yeast nutrients, and corks and you're looking at under $50 for 30 bottles. Given I drink about 2-3 bottles a week, at $1.66 per bottle I'm out less than 5 dollars a week, on average, for adult beverages. Totally worth it to me.

Wait, what's the standard drink equivalent of a bottle? Like 1bottle=1 beer?  Or 1 bottle = 5 glasses of wine?

That's what I was thinking too. Granted, when I drink wine, I find it usually doesn't make it to a glass. I'm super classy like that, since I put an aerator on it and drink from the bottle. :-)

For those with the sugar bit, there is something rattling around in my head that was something to do with the addiction, and methods to break it, but I can't find it.

Oh, and back on topic: I was out visiting with arebelspy in Las Vegas, and as I was walking through a casino with a friend, I saw a lady at the slot machines, putting in more and more money. Her shirt said "Work Over Wishing"...

[nawhite]

Sugar addiction. Same mechanics as in alcohol and tobacco and... with the additional problem that nobody sees this as an addiction, There is also no sugar therapy anywhere as far as I know. But sugar makes for a lot of direct (diabetics) and indirect (feeling down if you are not sugered up etc.) illnesses.

I had an "non-alcohol induced (I dont drink alcohol) fatty liver" that was very likely not from fatty eating but from sugared drinks. I stopped that, mostly drink water since then and the fatty liver got down to normal in 2-3 years without changing anything else. I still indulge in potato chips and ice cream every week.

Getting away from sugar (drinks) is probably the most helpful advice you can give the average american (and, to a bit lesser extend, everyone else).

Sugar addictions are the worst.

I had a Mt. Dew addiction for several years.  I realized how addicted I was when the simple act of having a can/bottle near by calmed my nerves.  I didn't actually have to drink it, just have it close by.  I quit at the moment I realized that and haven't had a single soda since then.  That was almost  5 years ago.

Same here, we had $0.25 cans available at one of my old offices and I would have 2-4 every day. I never thought about it but you're totally right, just having the can on the desk was really calming. I was having trouble sleeping I would have so much caffeine in my system. I went cold turkey on all caffeine and carbonated sodas 4 years ago and feel better than ever. Been so long, a cup of strong tea will give me the shakes.

I will admit the coolest part of being caffeine free is that I never need an alarm to wake up and I have awesome dreams I remember just about every night. About 1/4 of the time they are lucid too.