Overheard at Work

[Malaysia41]

Different kind of crazy: I had a co-worker who inherited a condo in NYC, plus a bunch of money.  I mean millions of dollars.  She worked this miserable job and always working extra OT.  One day I went to borrow a pen from her and what did i see in her drawer?  Probably $40,000 worth of uncashed paychecks.  She said she was "saving them for a rainy day".  Far as I know, she died saving for a rainy day.  Good frugality IQ, terrible quality of life filter.

I don't even get that.  Don't paychecks expire after a set time like 90 or 120 days?  Does not compute.  I mean, at the very least, cash them and stuff the money in a drawer. 

Yes, hers IS a different kind of crazy. 

[Cressida]

I heard one today.

CW1: How was your holiday?
CW2: It was good - I picked up my friend in Longview [we're in Seattle] and we drove down to Portland to do Black Friday shopping.
CW1: Oh, was that crazy?
CW2: Actually it wasn't as crowded as I was afraid of.

So this lady drove a total of six hours to go shopping - on the worst shopping day of the year. I like Portland as well as the next person, but good grief.

I guess if she was already planning to visit her friend this is maybe SLIGHTLY less crazy, but only slightly.

[gimp]

Yeah, my friend jokes about going to Portland (10 hour drive) to shop to not pay the 9% or so california tax. I tell her she'd have to spend about two grand to make it worth it... of course, if she buys a single item like a nice macbook, it'd literally be cheaper to fly there and back (and take the opportunity to enjoy the town.)

[4alpacas]

It was always middle-aged people in nice, fancy cars using the grocery store pickup, so I always laughed at them as I walked past.

But I have no idea how much it costs at home... maybe, since I'm that person who always gets more than what's on the list, it could actually save money? Thoughts?

We cut our grocery bill from $800/month to about $200-250 (two people, including grocery delivery fees).  The best part about the service is that I can sit in my kitchen, look in my pantries, and add only what's needed.  I'm also able to calculate the $/pound (for items we use a lot--rice, beans, eggs, etc.).  We order groceries (on average) 3 times per month.  The delivery fees just increased from $3 to $5. 

I don't have the willpower to walk past the cookie aisle without a few additions.  I'm sure the grocery websites will get slicker, and more difficult to resist temptation, but online grocery delivery through WalMart is working for us.

[gooki]

This whole grocery store conversation is very interesting to me because I actually kind of ENJOY grocery shopping. Not enough that I want to go every day, which was actually becoming our tendency after my boyfriend and I moved in together (thankfully now it's more like 2-3x a week, still working on decreasing), but I definitely don't hate it. I'm sure this would change if I had little kids though.

Like you I enjoy the experience, and even with little kids it's easy. My kids are four and two, we've been going every Saturday morning (around 8am when it's nice a quiet), since they were one year old. It's a good bonding experience for us and gives me the opportunity to discuss money and wants/needs with them.

[wepner]

It was always middle-aged people in nice, fancy cars using the grocery store pickup, so I always laughed at them as I walked past.

But I have no idea how much it costs at home... maybe, since I'm that person who always gets more than what's on the list, it could actually save money? Thoughts?

We cut our grocery bill from $800/month to about $200-250 (two people, including grocery delivery fees).  The best part about the service is that I can sit in my kitchen, look in my pantries, and add only what's needed.  I'm also able to calculate the $/pound (for items we use a lot--rice, beans, eggs, etc.).  We order groceries (on average) 3 times per month.  The delivery fees just increased from $3 to $5. 

I don't have the willpower to walk past the cookie aisle without a few additions.  I'm sure the grocery websites will get slicker, and more difficult to resist temptation, but online grocery delivery through WalMart is working for us.

How many cookies could you possibly being walking past to quadruple your grocery bill?

[eyePod]

Overheard the team a room over talking about a 'order-by-phone, pick-up at store entrance' convenience application/service they would like to see implemented at ... wait for it... the grocery store.

Alternative ideas included a order by phone app/online and deliver to door service. Again, for groceries.

Hmmm.  I've been doing this for about a year. It started with a broken leg and was a godsend while I was housebound. They even carried it up my stairs for me. I kept doing it because it taught me how to plan meals and kept me from wasting food.   I started with pea pod by giant, but about 5 months ago, a few new services started that let you order and get your stuff within 2 hours!  Instacart!  Love it. They send their people out to Costco, Safeway, Harris teeter, whole foods. And two hours later they're delivering a case of Kim Crawford Sauvignon blanc to my door and a rotisserie chicken, enough toilet paper for an army, and a month's supply of kitty litter..I love it. Guess what?  It allows me to finish up another hour of work rather than spending time driving to/from fighting crowds, etc. it costs about 3.99 for delivery and the food is usually uncharged too, but in that one hour, I'll make  about $185. So why do we make people feel guilty for these choices?

Everything made sense until the end. You're spending money (on a valuable service), but how are you making $185?

[jordanread]

Overheard the team a room over talking about a 'order-by-phone, pick-up at store entrance' convenience application/service they would like to see implemented at ... wait for it... the grocery store.

Alternative ideas included a order by phone app/online and deliver to door service. Again, for groceries.

Hmmm.  I've been doing this for about a year. It started with a broken leg and was a godsend while I was housebound. They even carried it up my stairs for me. I kept doing it because it taught me how to plan meals and kept me from wasting food.   I started with pea pod by giant, but about 5 months ago, a few new services started that let you order and get your stuff within 2 hours!  Instacart!  Love it. They send their people out to Costco, Safeway, Harris teeter, whole foods. And two hours later they're delivering a case of Kim Crawford Sauvignon blanc to my door and a rotisserie chicken, enough toilet paper for an army, and a month's supply of kitty litter..I love it. Guess what?  It allows me to finish up another hour of work rather than spending time driving to/from fighting crowds, etc. it costs about 3.99 for delivery and the food is usually uncharged too, but in that one hour, I'll make  about $185. So why do we make people feel guilty for these choices?

Everything made sense until the end. You're spending money (on a valuable service), but how are you making $185?

Working and outsourcing instead of spending that time not working and doing the task.

[Zikoris]

I don't mind grocery shopping now - it's become sort of a game where we find deals, and with two people to split the load between for carrying stuff home it's way easier. Boyfriend also deals with any incidentals that come up during the week. In my previous life as a single person it a bit of a chore though.

[golden1]

I had one or two years when I had an infant and a toddler and I LOVED the grocery delivery.  Just me and an infant in a grocery store, I can handle that.  Heck, me and a toddler would be fine, but the both of them was just tough and slowed the shopping to a crawl.  Plus there would be the occasional trip where one of them would lose it over something and I had to leave a full cart of groceries in the store - no fun. 

So the extra $5 for peapod delivery was well worth it.  Now, I don't need it and I like doing my own shopping.  The down side of delivery is that you don't get to pick out your own produce, meats and you can end up with stuff you would prefer not to have.

[RyanAtTanagra]

Like you I enjoy the experience, and even with little kids it's easy. My kids are four and two, we've been going every Saturday morning (around 8am when it's nice a quiet), since they were one year old. It's a good bonding experience for us and gives me the opportunity to discuss money and wants/needs with them.

Wow, you brought back some old memories I haven't though of in decades.  I used to go grocery shopping with my mom on Saturday mornings when I was a kid as well, and always looked forward to it.  Thanks for digging that one up out of the depths for me :-)

[SisterX]

This whole grocery store conversation is very interesting to me because I actually kind of ENJOY grocery shopping. Not enough that I want to go every day, which was actually becoming our tendency after my boyfriend and I moved in together (thankfully now it's more like 2-3x a week, still working on decreasing), but I definitely don't hate it. I'm sure this would change if I had little kids though.

Like you I enjoy the experience, and even with little kids it's easy. My kids are four and two, we've been going every Saturday morning (around 8am when it's nice a quiet), since they were one year old. It's a good bonding experience for us and gives me the opportunity to discuss money and wants/needs with them.

I like grocery shopping too, even with my toddler.  But, she loves going to the store.  She's so active that all the colors and lights and people and all the sensations are perfect for her because she loves to take it all in.  For some kids that's incredibly overwhelming.  So while I've never had a bad grocery run with my daughter, I regularly see kids who are melting down over nothing because it's just too much for them to handle.  I think this is one thing where YMMV greatly, and for some people the small fee is worth the avoided headaches, at least occasionally.

[ash7962]

It's a college campus, so there's a Tim Horton's, a Starbucks, the aforementioned Quiznos, a cafeteria and a pub.

I'm curious about the pub.  We've got one on our campus here, but it was my understanding that it's very rare to have a pub or bar on a college campus.  As in, only two or three colleges besides University of Alaska Fairbanks has one.  So, where are you?  If you don't mind my asking.

Not that rare:

http://collegestats.org/2012/12/21-best-campus-bars/

I wish we had one on ours, although by the time I turned 21 and could have used it, I was past the 'lets get drunk' phase, and I bet the bar scene on a college campus is really annoying.

Yes, but are these bars actually on campus, or are they just close to campus and affiliated?  Part of my understanding was that actually having a pub on the campus, rather than just officially or unofficially sanctioned and close by, was what was rare.
Our Pub only serves beer, wine, and cider, plus a few food items like Chex mix, nachos, M&M's, etc.  It's really low-key and just a fun place to hang out, even for staff and faculty.  They barely (or don't) break even, put on a lot of fun events (they're having a champagne tasting soon, host trivia every Tuesday night, etc.), and rarely have problems like fights.  It's not a "let's get wasted!" type of place.  If people want to do that, they can walk down the hill to the Marlin.

I could name 6 bars on my college campus (not affiliated with the university though), and I'm probably missing a couple.  It was a fairly big party school though, but also had a good engineering program!  I went for the engineering program... Its University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign if you're curious.

[Tallgirl1204]

It's a college campus, so there's a Tim Horton's, a Starbucks, the aforementioned Quiznos, a cafeteria and a pub.

I'm curious about the pub.  We've got one on our campus here, but it was my understanding that it's very rare to have a pub or bar on a college campus.  As in, only two or three colleges besides University of Alaska Fairbanks has one.  So, where are you?  If you don't mind my asking.

Not that rare:

http://collegestats.org/2012/12/21-best-campus-bars/

I wish we had one on ours, although by the time I turned 21 and could have used it, I was past the 'lets get drunk' phase, and I bet the bar scene on a college campus is really annoying.

Yes, but are these bars actually on campus, or are they just close to campus and affiliated?  Part of my understanding was that actually having a pub on the campus, rather than just officially or unofficially sanctioned and close by, was what was rare.
Our Pub only serves beer, wine, and cider, plus a few food items like Chex mix, nachos, M&M's, etc.  It's really low-key and just a fun place to hang out, even for staff and faculty.  They barely (or don't) break even, put on a lot of fun events (they're having a champagne tasting soon, host trivia every Tuesday night, etc.), and rarely have problems like fights.  It's not a "let's get wasted!" type of place.  If people want to do that, they can walk down the hill to the Marlin.

I could name 6 bars on my college campus (not affiliated with the university though), and I'm probably missing a couple.  It was a fairly big party school though, but also had a good engineering program!  I went for the engineering program... Its University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign if you're curious.

I went to a small southern private women's college, and it had an on-campus pub.  Alcohol was forbidden in the dorms (a rule frequently ignored) as were boys (a rule that was usually followed) and the pub was a way for the college to permit moderate drinking, or a date with a new guy who you didn't necessarily want to meet at a frat house, without leaving campus.  In those days, the drinking age was 18, and I sort of regarded the pub as a safe place to have a beer and walk home.  After the first couple of times I staggered home, I learned my limit, with no harm done. 
 

I believe the pub is still open and active. 

[sky_northern]

It's a college campus, so there's a Tim Horton's, a Starbucks, the aforementioned Quiznos, a cafeteria and a pub.

I'm curious about the pub.  We've got one on our campus here, but it was my understanding that it's very rare to have a pub or bar on a college campus.  As in, only two or three colleges besides University of Alaska Fairbanks has one.  So, where are you?  If you don't mind my asking.

I'm in Canada, so perhaps it's more common here? The University I got my degree at also had a pub on campus. Of course, where I am the drinking age is 18, so they can probably do better business than in the states.

And to answer your other question, yes they are very much on campus, as in part of the main building. The one here does brisk business for lunch, and is definitely a full service bar, as in they sells shots and hi balls as well as beer and wine.

My very small Canadian University had a pub in it - in the 'Agora' -  there was the cafeteria, the pub and a Tim Horton. Those were your on-campus options.And Campus was a bit way from the build of the city.

[boyerbt]

It's a college campus, so there's a Tim Horton's, a Starbucks, the aforementioned Quiznos, a cafeteria and a pub.

I'm curious about the pub.  We've got one on our campus here, but it was my understanding that it's very rare to have a pub or bar on a college campus.  As in, only two or three colleges besides University of Alaska Fairbanks has one.  So, where are you?  If you don't mind my asking.

Not that rare:

http://collegestats.org/2012/12/21-best-campus-bars/

I wish we had one on ours, although by the time I turned 21 and could have used it, I was past the 'lets get drunk' phase, and I bet the bar scene on a college campus is really annoying.

Yes, but are these bars actually on campus, or are they just close to campus and affiliated?  Part of my understanding was that actually having a pub on the campus, rather than just officially or unofficially sanctioned and close by, was what was rare.
Our Pub only serves beer, wine, and cider, plus a few food items like Chex mix, nachos, M&M's, etc.  It's really low-key and just a fun place to hang out, even for staff and faculty.  They barely (or don't) break even, put on a lot of fun events (they're having a champagne tasting soon, host trivia every Tuesday night, etc.), and rarely have problems like fights.  It's not a "let's get wasted!" type of place.  If people want to do that, they can walk down the hill to the Marlin.

I could name 6 bars on my college campus (not affiliated with the university though), and I'm probably missing a couple.  It was a fairly big party school though, but also had a good engineering program!  I went for the engineering program... Its University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign if you're curious.

The University of Cincinnati has one bar/pub physically at the center of campus. It is located in the basement of the student center (TUC) and is called the Catskeller. All of the other bars and pubs were technically off campus but only by being on the opposite side of the road that mirrors campus.

[jba302]

I could name 6 bars on my college campus (not affiliated with the university though), and I'm probably missing a couple.  It was a fairly big party school though, but also had a good engineering program!  I went for the engineering program... Its University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign if you're curious.

Class of 2005 here. Off the top of my head -
Murphys
Brothers
Kams
CO's
Firehaus
Legends
Illini Inn
Clybourne

Then some more out of the way stuff, cowboy monkey and others. I feel like I'm missing some.

[4alpacas]

It was always middle-aged people in nice, fancy cars using the grocery store pickup, so I always laughed at them as I walked past.

But I have no idea how much it costs at home... maybe, since I'm that person who always gets more than what's on the list, it could actually save money? Thoughts?

We cut our grocery bill from $800/month to about $200-250 (two people, including grocery delivery fees).  The best part about the service is that I can sit in my kitchen, look in my pantries, and add only what's needed.  I'm also able to calculate the $/pound (for items we use a lot--rice, beans, eggs, etc.).  We order groceries (on average) 3 times per month.  The delivery fees just increased from $3 to $5. 

I don't have the willpower to walk past the cookie aisle without a few additions.  I'm sure the grocery websites will get slicker, and more difficult to resist temptation, but online grocery delivery through WalMart is working for us.

How many cookies could you possibly being walking past to quadruple your grocery bill?

Ha!  :)  I really like cookies!

I struggle with sticking to a list when I go grocery shopping.  I'm still getting comfortable cooking, and I also love snacks.  I've found grocery delivery works for me.  I'm not tempted by prepared food because I don't see it.  I'm also forced to be creative between deliveries.  No quick stops at the grocery store to pick up an item (that multiples to 10 items). 

I shared my story to show that things that might be unmustachian can help your bottom line (and waist line).

[Beric01]

It was always middle-aged people in nice, fancy cars using the grocery store pickup, so I always laughed at them as I walked past.

But I have no idea how much it costs at home... maybe, since I'm that person who always gets more than what's on the list, it could actually save money? Thoughts?

We cut our grocery bill from $800/month to about $200-250 (two people, including grocery delivery fees).  The best part about the service is that I can sit in my kitchen, look in my pantries, and add only what's needed.  I'm also able to calculate the $/pound (for items we use a lot--rice, beans, eggs, etc.).  We order groceries (on average) 3 times per month.  The delivery fees just increased from $3 to $5. 

I don't have the willpower to walk past the cookie aisle without a few additions.  I'm sure the grocery websites will get slicker, and more difficult to resist temptation, but online grocery delivery through WalMart is working for us.

How many cookies could you possibly being walking past to quadruple your grocery bill?

Ha!  :)  I really like cookies!

I struggle with sticking to a list when I go grocery shopping.  I'm still getting comfortable cooking, and I also love snacks.  I've found grocery delivery works for me.  I'm not tempted by prepared food because I don't see it.  I'm also forced to be creative between deliveries.  No quick stops at the grocery store to pick up an item (that multiples to 10 items). 

I shared my story to show that things that might be unmustachian can help your bottom line (and waist line).

Ha - I was exactly the same way! I have a major sweet tooth and was buying 2-3 packages of cookies every time I went to the store. No problem with the waistline (I'm blessed genetically there) but definitely not good for my health.

I've recently gone cold turkey with cookies and sweets, and am now buying raw unsalted nuts. Hopefully that helps!

[AlanStache]

It was always middle-aged people in nice, fancy cars using the grocery store pickup, so I always laughed at them as I walked past.

But I have no idea how much it costs at home... maybe, since I'm that person who always gets more than what's on the list, it could actually save money? Thoughts?

We cut our grocery bill from $800/month to about $200-250 (two people, including grocery delivery fees).  The best part about the service is that I can sit in my kitchen, look in my pantries, and add only what's needed.  I'm also able to calculate the $/pound (for items we use a lot--rice, beans, eggs, etc.).  We order groceries (on average) 3 times per month.  The delivery fees just increased from $3 to $5. 

I don't have the willpower to walk past the cookie aisle without a few additions.  I'm sure the grocery websites will get slicker, and more difficult to resist temptation, but online grocery delivery through WalMart is working for us.

How many cookies could you possibly being walking past to quadruple your grocery bill?

Ha!  :)  I really like cookies!

I struggle with sticking to a list when I go grocery shopping.  I'm still getting comfortable cooking, and I also love snacks.  I've found grocery delivery works for me.  I'm not tempted by prepared food because I don't see it.  I'm also forced to be creative between deliveries.  No quick stops at the grocery store to pick up an item (that multiples to 10 items). 

I shared my story to show that things that might be unmustachian can help your bottom line (and waist line).

Ha - I was exactly the same way! I have a major sweet tooth and was buying 2-3 packages of cookies every time I went to the store. No problem with the waistline (I'm blessed genetically there) but definitely not good for my health.

I've recently gone cold turkey with cookies and sweets, and am now buying raw unsalted nuts. Hopefully that helps!

I have VERY rarely wanted cookies or ice cream bad enough to go out and get them; few minutes of will power at the store or while pointing/clicking is way easier than 24/7 power.

[wepner]

It was always middle-aged people in nice, fancy cars using the grocery store pickup, so I always laughed at them as I walked past.

But I have no idea how much it costs at home... maybe, since I'm that person who always gets more than what's on the list, it could actually save money? Thoughts?

We cut our grocery bill from $800/month to about $200-250 (two people, including grocery delivery fees).  The best part about the service is that I can sit in my kitchen, look in my pantries, and add only what's needed.  I'm also able to calculate the $/pound (for items we use a lot--rice, beans, eggs, etc.).  We order groceries (on average) 3 times per month.  The delivery fees just increased from $3 to $5. 

I don't have the willpower to walk past the cookie aisle without a few additions.  I'm sure the grocery websites will get slicker, and more difficult to resist temptation, but online grocery delivery through WalMart is working for us.

How many cookies could you possibly being walking past to quadruple your grocery bill?

Ha!  :)  I really like cookies!

I struggle with sticking to a list when I go grocery shopping.  I'm still getting comfortable cooking, and I also love snacks.  I've found grocery delivery works for me.  I'm not tempted by prepared food because I don't see it.  I'm also forced to be creative between deliveries.  No quick stops at the grocery store to pick up an item (that multiples to 10 items). 

I shared my story to show that things that might be unmustachian can help your bottom line (and waist line).

Yeah I was just giving you a hard time, small trips and a few extra things each time add up for sure. :)

[greenmimama]

It was always middle-aged people in nice, fancy cars using the grocery store pickup, so I always laughed at them as I walked past.

But I have no idea how much it costs at home... maybe, since I'm that person who always gets more than what's on the list, it could actually save money? Thoughts?

We cut our grocery bill from $800/month to about $200-250 (two people, including grocery delivery fees).  The best part about the service is that I can sit in my kitchen, look in my pantries, and add only what's needed.  I'm also able to calculate the $/pound (for items we use a lot--rice, beans, eggs, etc.).  We order groceries (on average) 3 times per month.  The delivery fees just increased from $3 to $5. 

I don't have the willpower to walk past the cookie aisle without a few additions.  I'm sure the grocery websites will get slicker, and more difficult to resist temptation, but online grocery delivery through WalMart is working for us.

How many cookies could you possibly being walking past to quadruple your grocery bill?

Ha!  :)  I really like cookies!

I struggle with sticking to a list when I go grocery shopping.  I'm still getting comfortable cooking, and I also love snacks.  I've found grocery delivery works for me.  I'm not tempted by prepared food because I don't see it.  I'm also forced to be creative between deliveries.  No quick stops at the grocery store to pick up an item (that multiples to 10 items). 

I shared my story to show that things that might be unmustachian can help your bottom line (and waist line).

Ha - I was exactly the same way! I have a major sweet tooth and was buying 2-3 packages of cookies every time I went to the store. No problem with the waistline (I'm blessed genetically there) but definitely not good for my health.

I've recently gone cold turkey with cookies and sweets, and am now buying raw unsalted nuts. Hopefully that helps!

I have VERY rarely wanted cookies or ice cream bad enough to go out and get them; few minutes of will power at the store or while pointing/clicking is way easier than 24/7 power.

Really? I have made ice cream runs way too often in my life, and I make cookies when the mood strikes, actually I don't make them near as often as the mood striking, or I would weigh a lot more.

[mxt0133]

I'm listing to some coworkers right now talk about fancy restaurants and their discussing what they paid.

Employee1:  I looked at the menu and saw wine paring for $220 and thought well sure for $20 bucks more we can have some wine with our meals.  But then when I got the check it was $220 just for the wine pairing and did not include the $200 meal.

Employee2:  For two people at French Laundry, without wine it was about $750.

http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-french-laundry-yountville-2

I eating my non-fancy mixed nuts and almost chocked on an almond when I heard that one meal for two cost half my rent or food for a month for a family of 4.

[Cherry Lane]

Ha - I was exactly the same way! I have a major sweet tooth and was buying 2-3 packages of cookies every time I went to the store. No problem with the waistline (I'm blessed genetically there) but definitely not good for my health.

I've recently gone cold turkey with cookies and sweets, and am now buying raw unsalted nuts. Hopefully that helps!

I have VERY rarely wanted cookies or ice cream bad enough to go out and get them; few minutes of will power at the store or while pointing/clicking is way easier than 24/7 power.

Really? I have made ice cream runs way too often in my life, and I make cookies when the mood strikes, actually I don't make them near as often as the mood striking, or I would weigh a lot more.

About a dozen years ago I came up with the Ice Cream Rule.  It has two parts:
1.  Ice Cream (or similar frozen treats) is not allowed in my house
2.  I can have ice cream whenever I want, but I must walk to get it

There's a Baskin Robbins two blocks away, so this could be dangerous.  But I've found I'm too cheap to pay ice cream parlor prices (I think I've only been there twice ever) and too lazy to make a special trip walking the 3/4 mile to the grocery store for cheaper options.  So not too tempting.

But then the nearby 7-11 (that I pass all the time) started stocking single serve Haagen-Dazs.  I may need a new rule.

[Cherry Lane]

I finally have a contribution to this thread, though I struggled with where to place it.  It is both antimustachian and anti-antimustachian.

The other day at an organization-wide meeting, the director mentioned, "...and another good news story:  I'm told that 45% of FERS employees* contribute at least 5% to their TSP**."

My coworker then turned to me and said "What good news?  That's terrible!"

So kudos to my one coworker for recognizing this is not a "good news story" (and, presumably, contributing at least 5% to her own TSP) and shame on the over half of eligible coworkers who are leaving free money on the table!

* FERS is the federal retirement system under which employees are eligible for an employer match to their contributions
** 5% is the contribution amount to maximize the employer match.  TSP is the gov't version of 401(k)

[fantabulous]

About a dozen years ago I came up with the Ice Cream Rule.  It has two parts:
1.  Ice Cream (or similar frozen treats) is not allowed in my house
2.  I can have ice cream whenever I want, but I must walk to get it

There's a Baskin Robbins two blocks away, so this could be dangerous.  But I've found I'm too cheap to pay ice cream parlor prices (I think I've only been there twice ever) and too lazy to make a special trip walking the 3/4 mile to the grocery store for cheaper options.  So not too tempting.

But then the nearby 7-11 (that I pass all the time) started stocking single serve Haagen-Dazs.  I may need a new rule.

No more ice cream than your body has room for is a good start.

[auntie_betty]

"But then the nearby 7-11 (that I pass all the time) started stocking single serve Haagen-Dazs.  I may need a new rule."

No buying ice-cream with places with numbers in their name?

[GuitarStv]

About a dozen years ago I came up with the Ice Cream Rule.  It has two parts:
1.  Ice Cream (or similar frozen treats) is not allowed in my house
2.  I can have ice cream whenever I want, but I must walk to get it

There's a Baskin Robbins two blocks away, so this could be dangerous.  But I've found I'm too cheap to pay ice cream parlor prices (I think I've only been there twice ever) and too lazy to make a special trip walking the 3/4 mile to the grocery store for cheaper options.  So not too tempting.

But then the nearby 7-11 (that I pass all the time) started stocking single serve Haagen-Dazs.  I may need a new rule.

No more ice cream than your body has room for is a good start.

My body makes room for ice cream.

[MooseOutFront]

Me: So how's married life going now that you've lived together for 7 months?
CW: It's tough sometimes.  We're still working on the best way to do finances, etc.
Me: Yeah
CW: Yeah she goes grocery shopping all the time and we throw out a bunch of food.
Me: Yeah, that's tough.
CW:  And me, I buy cheap shampoo or whatever, but just last week I saw a $200 transaction from Ulta on our debit card.
Me: Ouch.
CW:  I know.  I tried to tell her she should be using a credit card for that so that we can get rewards, but she says her mom tells her to quit using her credit card until she pays down the balance.
Me: poker face

[dandarc]

Me: So how's married life going now that you've lived together for 7 months?
CW: It's tough sometimes.  We're still working on the best way to do finances, etc.
Me: Yeah
CW: Yeah she goes grocery shopping all the time and we throw out a bunch of food.
Me: Yeah, that's tough.
CW:  And me, I buy cheap shampoo or whatever, but just last week I saw a $200 transaction from Ulta on our debit card.
Me: Ouch.
CW:  I know.  I tried to tell her she should be using a credit card for that so that we can get rewards, but she says her mom tells her to quit using her credit card until she pays down the balance.
Me: poker face

You've gotta walk before you can crawl - right?

[eyePod]

I'm listing to some coworkers right now talk about fancy restaurants and their discussing what they paid.

Employee1:  I looked at the menu and saw wine paring for $220 and thought well sure for $20 bucks more we can have some wine with our meals.  But then when I got the check it was $220 just for the wine pairing and did not include the $200 meal.

Employee2:  For two people at French Laundry, without wine it was about $750.

http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-french-laundry-yountville-2

I eating my non-fancy mixed nuts and almost chocked on an almond when I heard that one meal for two cost half my rent or food for a month for a family of 4.

That's impressive. We are having trouble justifying a Sunday brunch which is ~$35 a person (includes crab, so it's not that exorbitant, just way more than I'm used to spending on a brunch). Just thinking of spending that much blows my mind.

[eyePod]

Me: So how's married life going now that you've lived together for 7 months?
CW: It's tough sometimes.  We're still working on the best way to do finances, etc.
Me: Yeah
CW: Yeah she goes grocery shopping all the time and we throw out a bunch of food.
Me: Yeah, that's tough.
CW:  And me, I buy cheap shampoo or whatever, but just last week I saw a $200 transaction from Ulta on our debit card.
Me: Ouch.
CW:  I know.  I tried to tell her she should be using a credit card for that so that we can get rewards, but she says her mom tells her to quit using her credit card until she pays down the balance.
Me: poker face

This kind of stuff is so foreign to me. I've never had a car payment, let alone a credit card balance. It's just so weird for me to think of it. How do they function by just knowing that they have that much debt floating out there.

[jordanread]

[...] How do they function by just knowing that they have that much debt floating out there.

Very carefully, and with lots of stress. Except that it's 'normal'. A very carefully constructed idea as to what life is supposed to be like.

[Cinder]

Ha - I was exactly the same way! I have a major sweet tooth and was buying 2-3 packages of cookies every time I went to the store. No problem with the waistline (I'm blessed genetically there) but definitely not good for my health.

I've recently gone cold turkey with cookies and sweets, and am now buying raw unsalted nuts. Hopefully that helps!

I have VERY rarely wanted cookies or ice cream bad enough to go out and get them; few minutes of will power at the store or while pointing/clicking is way easier than 24/7 power.

Really? I have made ice cream runs way too often in my life, and I make cookies when the mood strikes, actually I don't make them near as often as the mood striking, or I would weigh a lot more.

About a dozen years ago I came up with the Ice Cream Rule.  It has two parts:
1.  Ice Cream (or similar frozen treats) is not allowed in my house
2.  I can have ice cream whenever I want, but I must walk to get it

There's a Baskin Robbins two blocks away, so this could be dangerous.  But I've found I'm too cheap to pay ice cream parlor prices (I think I've only been there twice ever) and too lazy to make a special trip walking the 3/4 mile to the grocery store for cheaper options.  So not too tempting.

But then the nearby 7-11 (that I pass all the time) started stocking single serve Haagen-Dazs.  I may need a new rule.

I found something that works very well for me... Diminishing returns..

The very first bit of ice cream is AMAZING WOWZA... the second bite is pretty darn good, and after that I'm just eating it b/c it's in front of me.   I buy and keep a half gallon of the local, university made ice cream in my freezer, and I go over with a clean spoon and take a single scoop out, close it up, put it back in the freezer, and share half of the scoop with my wife.  I get the most ROI on calories consumed vs enjoyment, while also minimizing extra calories consumed.   It's win win win!

[SisterX]

Ha - I was exactly the same way! I have a major sweet tooth and was buying 2-3 packages of cookies every time I went to the store. No problem with the waistline (I'm blessed genetically there) but definitely not good for my health.

I've recently gone cold turkey with cookies and sweets, and am now buying raw unsalted nuts. Hopefully that helps!

I have VERY rarely wanted cookies or ice cream bad enough to go out and get them; few minutes of will power at the store or while pointing/clicking is way easier than 24/7 power.

Really? I have made ice cream runs way too often in my life, and I make cookies when the mood strikes, actually I don't make them near as often as the mood striking, or I would weigh a lot more.

About a dozen years ago I came up with the Ice Cream Rule.  It has two parts:
1.  Ice Cream (or similar frozen treats) is not allowed in my house
2.  I can have ice cream whenever I want, but I must walk to get it

There's a Baskin Robbins two blocks away, so this could be dangerous.  But I've found I'm too cheap to pay ice cream parlor prices (I think I've only been there twice ever) and too lazy to make a special trip walking the 3/4 mile to the grocery store for cheaper options.  So not too tempting.

But then the nearby 7-11 (that I pass all the time) started stocking single serve Haagen-Dazs.  I may need a new rule.

I found something that works very well for me... Diminishing returns..

The very first bit of ice cream is AMAZING WOWZA... the second bite is pretty darn good, and after that I'm just eating it b/c it's in front of me.   I buy and keep a half gallon of the local, university made ice cream in my freezer, and I go over with a clean spoon and take a single scoop out, close it up, put it back in the freezer, and share half of the scoop with my wife.  I get the most ROI on calories consumed vs enjoyment, while also minimizing extra calories consumed.   It's win win win!

I don't have that much willpower.  Thankfully, ice cream is my husband's preferred sweet treat, not mine.  And I do the grocery shopping.  My preference for sweets are baked goods, like cookies and cakes.  Cakes are now out, since it's just us and toddler, so cakes are too big.  Cookies are generally out because my husband doesn't care for most of them and I don't want to eat a whole batch of cookies by myself, or let the 1-year-old eat too many cookies.  So I sort of have external forces keeping me from baking as much as I want to.
I'm really excited because where I work, we give out free cookies and coffee to students during finals week.  I get to make all the Christmas cookies I want but won't feel pressured to eat them all because I can give them away.  Yay!  I can stuff my face with a few of each kind....

[eyePod]

[...] How do they function by just knowing that they have that much debt floating out there.

Very carefully, and with lots of stress. Except that it's 'normal'. A very carefully constructed idea as to what life is supposed to be like.

I've posted this before but it always hits home when I begin to think about it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PV_YAeXOSiw

[Rezdent]

[...] How do they function by just knowing that they have that much debt floating out there.

Very carefully, and with lots of stress. Except that it's 'normal'. A very carefully constructed idea as to what life is supposed to be like.

I've posted this before but it always hits home when I begin to think about it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PV_YAeXOSiw

Aagh !
I clicked on that.   OMG.  Funny and heartbreaking at the same time.

[MooseOutFront]

The funny part is that's who they're marketing to.

[Rezdent]

Um, to me that's the sad part.  Even sadder is they'll get customers.

[mm1970]

Well, talk about a commute -

One of my coworkers lives in the Bay Area and works here on the Central Coast.  He used to stay in a hotel here and fly home weekly.  He's an engineer, and probably overpaid for his worth.  His wife makes 3x what he does in the Bay Area.

Anyway, he joined this new "all you can fly" service.  For only $1600-1800/month, direct flights (private charter), one hour.  So he flies home every night and flies back every morning.  Then again, a 1 BR apartment is about $1500, so maybe he's not all that crazy.

[Threshkin]

Anyway, he joined this new "all you can fly" service.  For only $1600-1800/month, direct flights (private charter), one hour.  So he flies home every night and flies back every morning.  Then again, a 1 BR apartment is about $1500, so maybe he's not all that crazy.

It looks like he is paying a little over $40 a flight ($80/day).  Not mustachian but probably cheaper than renting a place and driving on the weekends.  He probably gets some pretty good bragging rights out of it as well!

[firelight]

Not to mention seeing his wife and kids every night!!

[crispy]

Ha - I was exactly the same way! I have a major sweet tooth and was buying 2-3 packages of cookies every time I went to the store. No problem with the waistline (I'm blessed genetically there) but definitely not good for my health.

I've recently gone cold turkey with cookies and sweets, and am now buying raw unsalted nuts. Hopefully that helps!

I have VERY rarely wanted cookies or ice cream bad enough to go out and get them; few minutes of will power at the store or while pointing/clicking is way easier than 24/7 power.

Really? I have made ice cream runs way too often in my life, and I make cookies when the mood strikes, actually I don't make them near as often as the mood striking, or I would weigh a lot more.

About a dozen years ago I came up with the Ice Cream Rule.  It has two parts:
1.  Ice Cream (or similar frozen treats) is not allowed in my house
2.  I can have ice cream whenever I want, but I must walk to get it

There's a Baskin Robbins two blocks away, so this could be dangerous.  But I've found I'm too cheap to pay ice cream parlor prices (I think I've only been there twice ever) and too lazy to make a special trip walking the 3/4 mile to the grocery store for cheaper options.  So not too tempting.

But then the nearby 7-11 (that I pass all the time) started stocking single serve Haagen-Dazs.  I may need a new rule.

I found something that works very well for me... Diminishing returns..

The very first bit of ice cream is AMAZING WOWZA... the second bite is pretty darn good, and after that I'm just eating it b/c it's in front of me.   I buy and keep a half gallon of the local, university made ice cream in my freezer, and I go over with a clean spoon and take a single scoop out, close it up, put it back in the freezer, and share half of the scoop with my wife.  I get the most ROI on calories consumed vs enjoyment, while also minimizing extra calories consumed.   It's win win win!

There is no diminishing returns for me when it comes to ice cream especially good ice cream.  Every bite is as good as the next so much so that I could polish off a half gallon in about two days.  Yeah, there is a reason why I can't have ice cream in my house.

[dragoncar]

About a dozen years ago I came up with the Ice Cream Rule.  It has two parts:
1.  Ice Cream (or similar frozen treats) is not allowed in my house
2.  I can have ice cream whenever I want, but I must walk to get it

There's a Baskin Robbins two blocks away, so this could be dangerous.  But I've found I'm too cheap to pay ice cream parlor prices (I think I've only been there twice ever) and too lazy to make a special trip walking the 3/4 mile to the grocery store for cheaper options.  So not too tempting.

But then the nearby 7-11 (that I pass all the time) started stocking single serve Haagen-Dazs.  I may need a new rule.

No more ice cream than your body has room for is a good start.

My body makes room for ice cream.

It goes to my second stomach reserved only for dessert.

[mm1970]

Not to mention seeing his wife and kids every night!!

Well, wife.  No kids.

[Beric01]

It goes to my second stomach reserved only for dessert.

So you too?

That was always the way it was growing up. So stuffed we couldn't eat another bite... but dessert? We we have room for that!

My (skinny and healthy) family has desert at both lunch and dinner every day. I've gone down to desert a couple times a week with difficulty.

[Stacey]

It goes to my second stomach reserved only for dessert.

Yes!  This!  I used to say this all the time when I was a child.  Sorry, Mom, my regular stomach is full, but my dessert stomach is empty.  I even used to pretend my arms were a gauge to show the fullness of my two stomachs.  I love that I'm not the only one with a separate dessert stomach. 

[dragoncar]

It goes to my second stomach reserved only for dessert.

Yes!  This!  I used to say this all the time when I was a child.  Sorry, Mom, my regular stomach is full, but my dessert stomach is empty.  I even used to pretend my arms were a gauge to show the fullness of my two stomachs.  I love that I'm not the only one with a separate dessert stomach.

Just remember that cows have four stomachs!  One for hay and three for dessert.

[WildJager]

It was always middle-aged people in nice, fancy cars using the grocery store pickup, so I always laughed at them as I walked past.

But I have no idea how much it costs at home... maybe, since I'm that person who always gets more than what's on the list, it could actually save money? Thoughts?

As long as the extra food you purchasing doesn't lead to food waste, I never have qualms with buying extra perishables that weren't on the list.  That just means, in the end, it will be slightly longer until your next grocery store run.

If you waste food because it is getting old, however, that is a different story.

[iris lily]

[...] How do they function by just knowing that they have that much debt floating out there.

Very carefully, and with lots of stress. Except that it's 'normal'. A very carefully constructed idea as to what life is supposed to be like.

Good  sum, so true.