Overheard at Work

[johnintaiwan]

A bit of a long story:

Co-worker has been working part-time at a gig she found on craigslist. It involved gathering data about businesses online. The company will then use this data to create some kind of website ( this is pretty vague to keep privacy and also becaus ethat is about as much as I could figure out). there are about 10-20 other "team members" doing this around the world and they are getting paid only in stock (not a public company). now that data acquisition is over he told me that the initial investor has backed out but that a new investor has taken his place. They are now being offered a chance to buy more stock in the company.

CW: I think we should buy some more, its only $1/share.
Me: That doesn't mean anything. how much is the company worth? what is their business plan? how many shares are there?
CW: i dont know, but $1 is pretty cheap. I think it will go to at least $10/share when they go live.
Me: why do you think it will do that?
CW: I just have a feeling. You should think about buying some as well, I know you are into investing.
Me: (giving up) yeah I guess i will have to think about it.

I keep trying to talk her out of it but I fear she doesn't even know enough to be worried. I have a tough time even finding where to start since there are so many problems with this situation.

[Nudelkopf]

My workplace will pay 12.75% into Super (Australian Pension Fund) if we contribute 5% - but you can choose to reduce your percentage contribution (down to 2%). This results in a reduction from the employer of the same percentage - so I contribute 5% plus 12.75% = 17.75%, many of my workmates are at the minimum 2% plus 9.75% = 11.75% - to me a huge difference! This is to get 'extra' in their pay packet (not one person in my office earns less than $70K AUD).

Also, the standard set up is to pay Super contributions post-tax, it requires filling in one form to make those payments pre-tax and thus increasing your take home pay due to reducing your taxable income (or you can match your take home pay and put extra into Super). Perfectly legal, easy and a no-brainer as far as I'm concerned. Not so 50% of my workmates - 'too much hassle', 'dodgy', 'doesn't make sense'.

Crazy.

I know! I'm in the same boat, although it did take me a year to finally start contributing pre-tax. I mentioned this to some others, that I was so dumb that it took me a whole year... Some had been teachers for nearly 10 years without doing this.. What?!

[Zamboni]

John, have her watch the first 45 minutes or so of The Wolf of Wall Street. She might not even have to watch that much. **Parental advisory for adult content**

It seems we've zeroed in on poster vehicles for the anti-mustachian man:
the bitchin' leased Dodge Camaro
the Ferd Super Duty truck with an 8-ball license plate

[Gin1984]

Sigh.  We had a holiday party that our department was asked to make a basket for raffling off less than a week prior.  I and one other person said no, we don't have money.  The other three did it anyway.  Fine, whatever.  But then one of them won a basket and when he was told how that was so lucky he responded with yea, I only have $5 in my account, I only seem to win things when I am desperate. 

[infogoon]

Welcome to Kohl's.  I hate when they say how much you "saved" when they hand over the receipt.

Kohl's drives me absolutely batty. I've never had to do that much math to buy socks before.

[frugalnacho]

My wife's family came to visit for the holidays:

conversation turned to saving for retirement...

cousin: At my last job (accounting) I got a 7% 401k match, so I put in the full 7% in to get the free money.
me: That's great.
cousin:  They had a stock sharing plan too, so  I used all that money to invest in the company.
my brain: (OMG that's terrible!)
cousin: I sold it when I left the company, and they ended up doing really well so it all worked out for me though. 
me: That's great.
cousin: School is really expensive though, so I had to use it to pay for that.
me: You mean you took a loan out against it?
cousin: No, I was able to cash it all in without penalty to pay for school.
my brain: (OMG that's terrible!)

She is 30 years old and going to school for fashion design. 

[nawhite]

My wife's family came to visit for the holidays:

conversation turned to saving for retirement...

cousin: At my last job (accounting) I got a 7% 401k match, so I put in the full 7% in to get the free money.
me: That's great.
cousin:  They had a stock sharing plan too, so  I used all that money to invest in the company.
my brain: (OMG that's terrible!)
cousin: I sold it when I left the company, and they ended up doing really well so it all worked out for me though. 
me: That's great.
cousin: School is really expensive though, so I had to use it to pay for that.
me: You mean you took a loan out against it?
cousin: No, I was able to cash it all in without penalty to pay for school.
my brain: (OMG that's terrible!)

She is 30 years old and going to school for fashion design.

While I can't say anything about going to school for fashion design, the rest of the choices there don't sound that terrible.

The last job I had had an Employee Stock Purchase Plan that was a better deal than even 401k matching. I maxed it out and sold it all off the minute it cleared my account and I profited 10k in free money (only risk was that the price of the stock would go down more than 15% in the 2 days I waited from when the shares were purchased until the sell order cleared.)

Taking that money and using it to pay for school seems like a much better plan than taking out loans.

[frugalnacho]

My wife's family came to visit for the holidays:

conversation turned to saving for retirement...

cousin: At my last job (accounting) I got a 7% 401k match, so I put in the full 7% in to get the free money.
me: That's great.
cousin:  They had a stock sharing plan too, so  I used all that money to invest in the company.
my brain: (OMG that's terrible!)
cousin: I sold it when I left the company, and they ended up doing really well so it all worked out for me though. 
me: That's great.
cousin: School is really expensive though, so I had to use it to pay for that.
me: You mean you took a loan out against it?
cousin: No, I was able to cash it all in without penalty to pay for school.
my brain: (OMG that's terrible!)

She is 30 years old and going to school for fashion design.

While I can't say anything about going to school for fashion design, the rest of the choices there don't sound that terrible.

The last job I had had an Employee Stock Purchase Plan that was a better deal than even 401k matching. I maxed it out and sold it all off the minute it cleared my account and I profited 10k in free money (only risk was that the price of the stock would go down more than 15% in the 2 days I waited from when the shares were purchased until the sell order cleared.)

Taking that money and using it to pay for school seems like a much better plan than taking out loans.

She already has been working as an accountant for 7+ years though with benefits and a 401k. I some how doubt that cashing in the entire 401k, and taking out student loans on top of it is going to end up benefiting her financially in the long run, but it's her life.

But putting 100% of your 401k in company stock?  That's flat out stupid man.  The company ended up doing well, but it was still probably a poor decision to place all those eggs in one basket.

[skunkfunk]

On topic: my in-laws moved 10 blocks away from me to be closer to the grandkids. They ROUTINELY drive those 10 blocks. Not only that, they bought an SUV "to make it easier to fit the carseats". They drive my kids places MAYBE once a month.

I can beat that! My aunts live on the same block, literally one house between them. One sister routinely uses the golf cart to go visit. Once I saw her back it out of the driveway to get the mail, then pull it in again.

My aunt can beat this! She doesn't do things like that anymore at all, her husband does all of it! Also, she only bothers to move her eyes and mouth!

She has ALS :(

[MgoSam]

I used to work at a tourist trap attraction on the Las Vegas Strip for a few years.  In 2011, a co-worker of mine wins the anti-mustachian award:

Due to previous DUIs, he was car-less and had been taking the bus to work (he lived in a weekly hotel rental).  He managed to save a few thousand dollars over a six month period.  He confessed to me he had 50k in student loans in default, but decided a car purchase was his priority.  I urged him to purchase an old beater, but that was "beneath him."  Somehow he managed to secure financing for a brand new Corolla with payment north of $500 monthly.  I weep.  Within 3 months of owning the car he gets another DUI; however, that's not the fun part.  While waiting for his court date, he totals his car by drunkenly smashing into a light post while driving across the parking lot of his weekly hotel rental to buy cigarettes at a convenient store that was in the same parking lot.  I wish I had that on video.

Wow, simply wow! How many DUIs does he now have?

[Lia-Aimee]

Not quite overheard at work, but it's an ex-CW.

Backstory: Boyfriend is in ~50K of tax debt. CW's dream is to get married and be a SAHM as soon as possible, but CW also has a weakness for luxury. Both are middle-income earners. 


CW: Boyfriend told me that we probably wouldn't get engaged for a year or so. At first I was very sad, but now I'm okay with it because he has a good reason.
Me: It must be frustrating to wait, but if you're both on the same page about why that's all that matters.
CW: He can't afford to get me a nice engagement ring right now so instead of going with something small or plain we'll just wait, it's okay.


Perhaps this IS mustachian in that Boyfriend isn't putting himself into more debt, but I can't for the life of me fathom putting off a much-wanted engagement due to ring choice (upgrade later!?) and I wouldn't call myself a romantic.

[mtn]

John, have her watch the first 45 minutes or so of The Wolf of Wall Street. She might not even have to watch that much. **Parental advisory for adult content**

It seems we've zeroed in on poster vehicles for the anti-mustachian man:
the bitchin' leased Dodge Camaro
the Ferd Super Duty truck with an 8-ball license plate

I'd really like a Dodge Camaro. If one exists, it is probably so rare that it might be one of those few investment vehicles.

[Le Barbu]

John, have her watch the first 45 minutes or so of The Wolf of Wall Street. She might not even have to watch that much. **Parental advisory for adult content**

It seems we've zeroed in on poster vehicles for the anti-mustachian man:
the bitchin' leased Dodge Camaro
the Ferd Super Duty truck with an 8-ball license plate

I'd really like a Dodge Camaro. If one exists, it is probably so rare that it might be one of those few investment vehicles.

What an adrenaline junkie! I would be perfectly happy with a '84 Honda Rabbit

[mm1970]

So, I got a haircut a couple of days ago, and one of the guys at work noticed.  I said "yeah, I basically get haircuts 2x a year.  I'm busy and cheap, so $30 x 2 = $60".  The guy said "yeah, make sure you invest that $30 wisely" (sarcastically).

Well, considering the average woman spends about $700 per year on haircuts and styling products (more if you color your hair), plus $160 on shampoo and conditioner (I spend maybe $10?  That includes the whole family).

That's more like $790 a year invested wisely.

[mtn]

John, have her watch the first 45 minutes or so of The Wolf of Wall Street. She might not even have to watch that much. **Parental advisory for adult content**

It seems we've zeroed in on poster vehicles for the anti-mustachian man:
the bitchin' leased Dodge Camaro
the Ferd Super Duty truck with an 8-ball license plate

I'd really like a Dodge Camaro. If one exists, it is probably so rare that it might be one of those few investment vehicles.

What an adrenaline junkie! I would be perfectly happy with a '84 Honda Rabbit

Adrenaline junkie is right! Truthfully, I want an '83 Corvette or a '98 Miata.

(Corvette and Miata fans will chuckle)



OK, my anit-mustachian work stories:
My own, I buy my lunch just about every day. Probably $20 to $25 a week, just down the toilet. And frankly, I'm ok with that for now.   
Others, a guy at work makes ok money ($30k for a single guy in a low COL area). He doesn't get the full company match on the 401k. Which is less than $1,000. He still has student loans from his History Education degree (we work at a bank). I don't understand where his money goes, because he doesn't own a car, his bus pass is free, from what I've heard he doesn't know anything about investing, has 3 roommates (although their rent is WAY too high for what they get)... I guess it is all going to TV/Movies/video games.  Although I shouldn't judge, it is also likely going to medical bills; he is disabled (very mild cerebral palsy, which is still bad).

[Travis]

So, I got a haircut a couple of days ago, and one of the guys at work noticed.  I said "yeah, I basically get haircuts 2x a year.  I'm busy and cheap, so $30 x 2 = $60".  The guy said "yeah, make sure you invest that $30 wisely" (sarcastically).

Well, considering the average woman spends about $700 per year on haircuts and styling products (more if you color your hair), plus $160 on shampoo and conditioner (I spend maybe $10?  That includes the whole family).

That's more like $790 a year invested wisely.

Being in the military having fairly short hair is a job requirement and many of my coworkers will get a haircut every two weeks.  I'm usually a 3-week kind of guy, but I also cut my own hair.  Some of my coworkers scoffed at going through the trouble to save on a $10 haircut until I pointed out it's more like $200 worth of haircuts at the end of the year.  I save that much each year with an initial investment of $30 for the clippers.

[mm1970]

So, I got a haircut a couple of days ago, and one of the guys at work noticed.  I said "yeah, I basically get haircuts 2x a year.  I'm busy and cheap, so $30 x 2 = $60".  The guy said "yeah, make sure you invest that $30 wisely" (sarcastically).

Well, considering the average woman spends about $700 per year on haircuts and styling products (more if you color your hair), plus $160 on shampoo and conditioner (I spend maybe $10?  That includes the whole family).

That's more like $790 a year invested wisely.

Being in the military having fairly short hair is a job requirement and many of my coworkers will get a haircut every two weeks.  I'm usually a 3-week kind of guy, but I also cut my own hair.  Some of my coworkers scoffed at going through the trouble to save on a $10 haircut until I pointed out it's more like $200 worth of haircuts at the end of the year.  I save that much each year with an initial investment of $30 for the clippers.

My husband and I were both in the military, but I never got the buzz cut.  Now that he's out, he prefers it a little longer, so his cuts are every couple of months (usually 3 weeks past when he's due - no time!)

I was pretty good at cutting my older son's hair from age birth to 6.  I wouldn't do it every time, maybe every other or 2/3 (it's nice to get it done "right" once in awhile so I can follow along).  He doesn't like the buzz cut and only got one after the unfortunate head lice incident.  My 2 year old has only had 2 hair cuts.

They are both due.  I should get back into the habit of using those clippers so I'm better at it.  I use the longer pieces, like 3/4 inch on the back/sides and maybe 1 to 1.5 on the top.

[Richard3]

Being in the military having fairly short hair is a job requirement

On a related note, don't ever go to a barbers in a military town and ask for "just tidy it up please" unless you really want to know what shape your head is (mine is apparently like an ugly potato.)

[deedeezee]

Well, considering the average woman spends about $700 per year on haircuts and styling products (more if you color your hair), plus $160 on shampoo and conditioner (I spend maybe $10?  That includes the whole family).

Wow. That is a shocking statistic, if true. I haven't had a haircut in forever. The last time may have been in 2010 but I'm not even sure. I don't really see the point. My hair reached terminal length long ago and hasn't gotten longer in years, and it's still healthy.

Well, then I will out myself. I consider myself mustachian in many spending categories, but I spend close to that amount on haircuts and color.  I would add, in my defense, a bunch of crap about why it makes sense (need to present well professionally?) or how I space it out as long as possible and go to someone who works with me on spacing it out. But the truth is, it is unnecessary, and I know it is unnecessary.  Thankfully, everyone else in the house spends very little.  My budget for manicures, pedicures, and massages (all fairly common in my circle of friends) is $0, FWIW, so I don't universally think that I "deserve pampering" or try to keep up with all of my neighbors' grooming habits.

Bringing it back on-topic: I have a co-worker who goes to get her hair colored and cut every six to eight weeks (she is nearly gray without it, and you can tell how long it has been).  I once asked her where she went, and she replied that she will only go to the "head stylist" at a salon near our office - $190 minimum plus tip, per time.  And she's been doing it since I met her (11 + years), other than some breaks during pregnancy.  By my estimate, she has spent at least $15K on her hair alone.

[benjenn]

I have incredibly baby fine, thin, straight hair but I have a wonderful short haircut that looks great (get compliments all the time.)  When it's longer it looks ridiculous... thin and stringy no matter what.  Will not take any kind of curl.  Have worn it this way over 27 years (it was never really in style so it will never really be out of style).  I get it cut every three weeks and it's $45 each time - so yep, $700 per year.  (I color it myself)  I spend $0 on manicures/pedicures/massages.  Yep, it's a lot of money but to me, it's worth it and that's what really matters.  Spending according to our values.

[mm1970]

Well, considering the average woman spends about $700 per year on haircuts and styling products (more if you color your hair), plus $160 on shampoo and conditioner (I spend maybe $10?  That includes the whole family).

Wow. That is a shocking statistic, if true. I haven't had a haircut in forever. The last time may have been in 2010 but I'm not even sure. I don't really see the point. My hair reached terminal length long ago and hasn't gotten longer in years, and it's still healthy.

Well, then I will out myself. I consider myself mustachian in many spending categories, but I spend close to that amount on haircuts and color.  I would add, in my defense, a bunch of crap about why it makes sense (need to present well professionally?) or how I space it out as long as possible and go to someone who works with me on spacing it out. But the truth is, it is unnecessary, and I know it is unnecessary.  Thankfully, everyone else in the house spends very little.  My budget for manicures, pedicures, and massages (all fairly common in my circle of friends) is $0, FWIW, so I don't universally think that I "deserve pampering" or try to keep up with all of my neighbors' grooming habits.

Bringing it back on-topic: I have a co-worker who goes to get her hair colored and cut every six to eight weeks (she is nearly gray without it, and you can tell how long it has been).  I once asked her where she went, and she replied that she will only go to the "head stylist" at a salon near our office - $190 minimum plus tip, per time.  And she's been doing it since I met her (11 + years), other than some breaks during pregnancy.  By my estimate, she has spent at least $15K on her hair alone.

I am going to admit my  hair is stick straight and I don't much care for styling it.

Also I have my mother's genes. I'm 44, and I have a few gray strands but that's it, so I don't need to color it to look younger.

[mm1970]

Overheard at a friend's house:

a different friend (I guess I kind of work with her husband?  Sort of.)  Pays $500 a month on cleaning service for their house.  She has two cleaning people, is testing the second one out, and keeps both so she can choose.

They are coming to her house every other day right now...when she's out of town in her second ski home.

Now, she only works 2 days a week, her husband has 2 part time jobs (decent paying ones, lecturing and engineering work).  I knew they came from money, I just never realized how much!

[tariskat]

Well, considering the average woman spends about $700 per year on haircuts and styling products (more if you color your hair), plus $160 on shampoo and conditioner (I spend maybe $10?  That includes the whole family).

Wow. That is a shocking statistic, if true. I haven't had a haircut in forever. The last time may have been in 2010 but I'm not even sure. I don't really see the point. My hair reached terminal length long ago and hasn't gotten longer in years, and it's still healthy.

Well, then I will out myself. I consider myself mustachian in many spending categories, but I spend close to that amount on haircuts and color.  I would add, in my defense, a bunch of crap about why it makes sense (need to present well professionally?) or how I space it out as long as possible and go to someone who works with me on spacing it out. But the truth is, it is unnecessary, and I know it is unnecessary.  Thankfully, everyone else in the house spends very little.  My budget for manicures, pedicures, and massages (all fairly common in my circle of friends) is $0, FWIW, so I don't universally think that I "deserve pampering" or try to keep up with all of my neighbors' grooming habits.

Snip

On this off topic-
Do you have any schools for cosmetology that have students do your hair / whatever for cheaper?  It takes longer, but the teachers okay everything, and you get the same service for a deep discount. I started going to the Aveda Institute.

[LALALA]

Do any of you women who keep you hair short consider getting it cut by a barber?

[benjenn]

A barber wouldn't work for my short haircut.  It's nothing like a man's cut at all.  I moved to Phoenix 20 years ago and in 3 years there, I never found anyone who could cut my hair like I like it.  I always looked like a Holocaust refugee.  It was awful.  Was so happy to move home to get my hair cut by the person who has been doing it since the mid-80s.  Seriously considering growing it out once we retire and move nex Thanksgiving just because the idea of finding someone else to cut it like this is so stressful.  Not sure yet which will be worse... finding someone new to cut it like it or growing it out knowing how bad it's going to look.  :(

[deedeezee]

On this off topic-
Do you have any schools for cosmetology that have students do your hair / whatever for cheaper?  It takes longer, but the teachers okay everything, and you get the same service for a deep discount. I started going to the Aveda Institute.

I would go to the Aveda Institute in a second! Right now, time is at a real premium (work crazy, etc. etc.) and the closest one is about an hour away.  I was told I would need to set aside a minimum of 4-5 hours to do my color/cut (they say to allow 2 hours for cut alone).  That basically requires a whole day which just can't happen schedule-wise.  But I am totally interested in doing it at some point.

[horsepoor]

Do any of you women who keep you hair short consider getting it cut by a barber?

Mine is also not like a man's cut.  If it's not thinned with a razor, I wake up looking like a some sort of hybrid of a Brillo pad and a Peruvian Guinea Pig, depending on the exact current length.  I pay $42 every 5-6 weeks.  Sucks, but kinda worth it to not have to do battle with it every morning because of a crappy cut that doesn't help it lay right.

[RyanAtTanagra]

A barber wouldn't work for my short haircut.  It's nothing like a man's cut at all.  I moved to Phoenix 20 years ago and in 3 years there, I never found anyone who could cut my hair like I like it.  I always looked like a Holocaust refugee.  It was awful.  Was so happy to move home to get my hair cut by the person who has been doing it since the mid-80s.  Seriously considering growing it out once we retire and move nex Thanksgiving just because the idea of finding someone else to cut it like this is so stressful.  Not sure yet which will be worse... finding someone new to cut it like it or growing it out knowing how bad it's going to look.  :(

Have your stylist take some pictures after they cut it, so you can show it to potential new stylists, if you haven't tried that yet.

[fantabulous]

A barber wouldn't work for my short haircut.  It's nothing like a man's cut at all.  I moved to Phoenix 20 years ago and in 3 years there, I never found anyone who could cut my hair like I like it.  I always looked like a Holocaust refugee.  It was awful.  Was so happy to move home to get my hair cut by the person who has been doing it since the mid-80s.  Seriously considering growing it out once we retire and move nex Thanksgiving just because the idea of finding someone else to cut it like this is so stressful.  Not sure yet which will be worse... finding someone new to cut it like it or growing it out knowing how bad it's going to look.  :(

Have you considered just shaving your head and wearing a wig? I think about it from time to time.

[lizzie]

A barber wouldn't work for my short haircut.  It's nothing like a man's cut at all.  I moved to Phoenix 20 years ago and in 3 years there, I never found anyone who could cut my hair like I like it.  I always looked like a Holocaust refugee.  It was awful.  Was so happy to move home to get my hair cut by the person who has been doing it since the mid-80s.  Seriously considering growing it out once we retire and move nex Thanksgiving just because the idea of finding someone else to cut it like this is so stressful.  Not sure yet which will be worse... finding someone new to cut it like it or growing it out knowing how bad it's going to look.  :(

Oh I know just how you feel. I actually did give up on keeping it short and started growing my hair out last summer. It's taking forever and the whole thing is one long testament to the triumph of hope over experience. I once read an essay by a guy describing getting a haircut as a demoralizing experience because, as he put it, hairdressers see him not as a human being but as an arduous afternoon project with limited potential. I could totally relate.

[benjenn]

I took pictures from all different sides immediately after getting my haircut by my usual stylist and then, just 3 weeks later, took them with me to show the new stylist what I wanted.  Plus, you'd think since it was just 3 weeks later, they could get the idea to do the same thing, just a bit shorter.  NEVER worked.  EVER.  I suffered the bad haircuts and then, ever few months when I came home to visit, I'd go back to my usual stylist for a good haircut and start all over again.  Since I was in my mid-20s when I started wearing my hair this way and it was seriously the first time in my life I felt like my hair looked good and it takes me only 5 minutes to "fix" every morning, I am not interested in changing it.  Now that we've decided to retire at the end of 2015 and move to the beach, I'm faced with trying to find a stylist there who can do a decent job or growing it out, knowing it will be awful but at least I'll be saving money.  Sigh.  Yes, I've thought of shaving my head (my daughter did that for St. Baldrick's last year and looked darling!) but I don't think I'd do wigs, I'd just be bald.  Anyone remember Sinead O'Connor?  LOL.

[tariskat]

On this off topic-
Do you have any schools for cosmetology that have students do your hair / whatever for cheaper?  It takes longer, but the teachers okay everything, and you get the same service for a deep discount. I started going to the Aveda Institute.

I would go to the Aveda Institute in a second! Right now, time is at a real premium (work crazy, etc. etc.) and the closest one is about an hour away.  I was told I would need to set aside a minimum of 4-5 hours to do my color/cut (they say to allow 2 hours for cut alone).  That basically requires a whole day which just can't happen schedule-wise.  But I am totally interested in doing it at some point.

What a bummer. Mine took 3 hours start to finish for full color and cut, but my hair started shorter than shoulder length and ended at half that - I bet you have much thicker hair to need the extra time.

[greenmimama]

I took pictures from all different sides immediately after getting my haircut by my usual stylist and then, just 3 weeks later, took them with me to show the new stylist what I wanted.  Plus, you'd think since it was just 3 weeks later, they could get the idea to do the same thing, just a bit shorter.  NEVER worked.  EVER.  I suffered the bad haircuts and then, ever few months when I came home to visit, I'd go back to my usual stylist for a good haircut and start all over again.  Since I was in my mid-20s when I started wearing my hair this way and it was seriously the first time in my life I felt like my hair looked good and it takes me only 5 minutes to "fix" every morning, I am not interested in changing it.  Now that we've decided to retire at the end of 2015 and move to the beach, I'm faced with trying to find a stylist there who can do a decent job or growing it out, knowing it will be awful but at least I'll be saving money.  Sigh.  Yes, I've thought of shaving my head (my daughter did that for St. Baldrick's last year and looked darling!) but I don't think I'd do wigs, I'd just be bald.  Anyone remember Sinead O'Connor?  LOL.

Whatever beach you end up at, don't give up, just keep asking around for someone who specializes in hair your type. If you are just thinking of shaving it bald anyways, then you have nothing to lose, their are great stylists in every single town, you just need to find them. I can relate to your problem, I'm sorry, I had a lot of people mad at me when I quit to stay home with my boys.

[babysnowbyrd]

Hoping to get this back on track a little:

Some of this is not CW's fault per se. Some problems need to be fixed but all of these problems might not have existed at all or would have been much cheaper if CW had a smaller house for the spouse, 2 kids and dog. The rest of it seemed pretty silly though:

Anyway, the roof needed expensive repairs because of shoddy work done before the home (HUGE with HUGE mortgage to go with it, but it's ok 'cuz it's in a good neighborhood) was bought. Contractor noticed the gutters were full of water and not hung right, so they were taken down. CW decided that while they were down, this would be the best time to repaint the trim since it was more "peach" than "tan" like she wanted. Once the trim was done the rest of the house color was "off" so the whole house got painted, which of course means the trip had to be redone again in the same color it had just been redone in.

It was thousands of $$$. They took a 401k loan to do it. 401k to paint a house on top of a roof re-do.

[Taran Wanderer]

It was thousands of $$$. They took a 401k loan to do it. 401k to paint a house on top of a roof re-do.

Wow.  I plan to paint my own house and take the thousands of dollars of contractor cost down to just the cost of paint and rollers.

[agent_clone]

A barber wouldn't work for my short haircut.  It's nothing like a man's cut at all.  I moved to Phoenix 20 years ago and in 3 years there, I never found anyone who could cut my hair like I like it.  I always looked like a Holocaust refugee.  It was awful.  Was so happy to move home to get my hair cut by the person who has been doing it since the mid-80s.  Seriously considering growing it out once we retire and move nex Thanksgiving just because the idea of finding someone else to cut it like this is so stressful.  Not sure yet which will be worse... finding someone new to cut it like it or growing it out knowing how bad it's going to look.  :(

Have you considered just shaving your head and wearing a wig? I think about it from time to time.

Wigs are too hot.  Think of it as a skintight insulated hat.  If you are in warmer climates this may be problematic.  I can't remember what other remarks a lady I know who has made either.  I just remember that they are hot in summer.

My understanding is that good wigs aren't cheap either.

[Zamboni]

Not at work, but ex-coworker at a party.  I used to work with him daily but hadn't seen him in several years so we were catching up.

Backstory:
Ex-coworker is full retirement age (according to IRS) and so is his wife.  The company where we both used to work periodically has lay-offs, and this year it was his turn.  He said he didn't see it coming at all, and I felt bad for him about that. We had fairly high salaries, the company has both a pension and a 401k, and he had worked there a long time (~20 years?) which figures into the pension, so I figured he's all set.   Turns out he wants to keep working.  Okay, I get that some people enjoy working forever, and he has two children in middle school so I'm sure that is playing a role in his decision.  But, here's where it was weird.

ex-CW:  I'm drawing pensions from both our old company and my job from before that because if I don't draw I just lose that money.
me:  Oh, that's great to have those!  So you are retired?
ex-CW wife:  NO, he's unemployed!  Those pensions barely cover our mortgage.

Ouch! 

[JamesAt15]

A bit of a long story:

Co-worker has been working part-time at a gig she found on craigslist. It involved gathering data about businesses online. The company will then use this data to create some kind of website ( this is pretty vague to keep privacy and also becaus ethat is about as much as I could figure out). there are about 10-20 other "team members" doing this around the world and they are getting paid only in stock (not a public company). now that data acquisition is over he told me that the initial investor has backed out but that a new investor has taken his place. They are now being offered a chance to buy more stock in the company.

CW: I think we should buy some more, its only $1/share.
Me: That doesn't mean anything. how much is the company worth? what is their business plan? how many shares are there?
CW: i dont know, but $1 is pretty cheap. I think it will go to at least $10/share when they go live.
Me: why do you think it will do that?
CW: I just have a feeling. You should think about buying some as well, I know you are into investing.
Me: (giving up) yeah I guess i will have to think about it.

I keep trying to talk her out of it but I fear she doesn't even know enough to be worried. I have a tough time even finding where to start since there are so many problems with this situation.

There's a red "SCAM!" flashing light and warning klaxon going off in my head. (You may have heard it, or one of your own.) This sounds very fishy to me. I hope your CW is prepared for the possibility that they've been working for free if the value of this "stock" turns out to be zero.

[Rollin]

Unfortunately, I have more stories. lol

1. Co-worker was complaining that diesel fuel costs more than the other fuels right now. Instead of sympathizing with him, I had to clarify his issue, "you're upset that you have to pay more to fuel your brand new audi (which cost at least $50k because to had to make sure it had certain features like panoramic sunroof)?" I followed with an apology that I can't relate to his issue. 

2. Coworker recently left our firm. Old commute = ~11 miles (w/ hardly any traffic). New commute = ~40 miles (in the most frustrating traffic..stop. go 2 miles an hour. stop. rinse repeat and add a few fender benders b/c the person behind you got impatient and hit the gas by accident [had this happen 2 times in one year to me in old commute]).
Coworker claims he wanted to work for new employer because of state retirement pension. I pointed out that he could easily save for his retirement on his own and the real reason is because he basically needs the state to take his money and save it for him. He agreed. I could understand if the pay he will receive is more than what he receives now, but it's only a couple grand more and that extra money will easily get eaten up by the awful commute he is choosing.

You tough!  Good on you.  Sounds as though they were receptive.  Normally, that doesn't go so well.  :)

[dandarc]

Not at work, but ex-coworker at a party.  I used to work with him daily but hadn't seen him in several years so we were catching up.

Backstory:
Ex-coworker is full retirement age (according to IRS) and so is his wife.  The company where we both used to work periodically has lay-offs, and this year it was his turn.  He said he didn't see it coming at all, and I felt bad for him about that. We had fairly high salaries, the company has both a pension and a 401k, and he had worked there a long time (~20 years?) which figures into the pension, so I figured he's all set.   Turns out he wants to keep working.  Okay, I get that some people enjoy working forever, and he has two children in middle school so I'm sure that is playing a role in his decision.  But, here's where it was weird.

ex-CW:  I'm drawing pensions from both our old company and my job from before that because if I don't draw I just lose that money.
me:  Oh, that's great to have those!  So you are retired?
ex-CW wife:  NO, he's unemployed!  Those pensions barely cover our mortgage.

Ouch!

I believe the bold part is what everyone here is trying to avoid.  Really kind of sad - 65+ and having to work.  On the plus side, they can draw social security without income limits - that should help some if he or she finds work.

[JLee]

I'm planning a LAN party (computer games) for people at work this weekend. One of the games we'll play is owned by most of us, but is $10 - coworker says he'll have to get it when he gets paid.

It made me instantly realize how nice it is to not be running paycheck to paycheck...

[babysnowbyrd]

K, this wasn't at work but I don't think there's an "overheard at church" topic. This guy gets high fives and face punches.

Find out a guy (22-24 yrs old I think, single, no kids) at church is working on an investment property. He has some kind of trade skill in high demand, so he makes lots of money.

Me: I'm impressed you're putting money towards an investment property instead of a bunch of Man Toys like most people [here] do. (High Five!)
Guy: *guilty expression* Well....that's what I usually spent my money on. I have a truck, two cars, two motorcycles, and a four-wheeler. (Facepunch!) But they're all paid off! (High five, I guess?)
Me: All that, just for you?!
Guy: Well, I sold two other cars and my boat to pay the down payment on the investment property. (Facepunch for the WAY TOO MANY vehicles, but high five for selling some for an investment property)
Me: You had a truck, FOUR cars, two motorcycles, a fourwheeler AND a boat?!

Services started after that though, so we didn't talk more. Guy kinda had an ashamed look on his face, so I think he's already started to "see the light" and looks to be on his way to more solid financial choices in the future (hopefully!)

[mm1970]

Not at work, but ex-coworker at a party.  I used to work with him daily but hadn't seen him in several years so we were catching up.

Backstory:
Ex-coworker is full retirement age (according to IRS) and so is his wife.  The company where we both used to work periodically has lay-offs, and this year it was his turn.  He said he didn't see it coming at all, and I felt bad for him about that. We had fairly high salaries, the company has both a pension and a 401k, and he had worked there a long time (~20 years?) which figures into the pension, so I figured he's all set.   Turns out he wants to keep working.  Okay, I get that some people enjoy working forever, and he has two children in middle school so I'm sure that is playing a role in his decision.  But, here's where it was weird.

ex-CW:  I'm drawing pensions from both our old company and my job from before that because if I don't draw I just lose that money.
me:  Oh, that's great to have those!  So you are retired?
ex-CW wife:  NO, he's unemployed!  Those pensions barely cover our mortgage.

Ouch!

I believe the bold part is what everyone here is trying to avoid.  Really kind of sad - 65+ and having to work.  On the plus side, they can draw social security without income limits - that should help some if he or she finds work.

He probably didn't see it coming because of the kids in middle school.  He may do fine, but I would worry.

[Siobhan]

Just came back to work after a 3 week vacation and remembered how much I want to face punch my coworkers....I've counted 5 today

Horribly anti mustachian coworker of my past stories..

Me: Hey how did your ChristmaHaunuakka/New Years go?
CW1: Ugh, it was HORRIBLE
Me: Oh no! What happened?  I'm thinking something went wrong with her very ill parents.
CW1:  My husband got me a LABEL MAKER for Christmas...A LABEL MAKER!!!! And I spent A THOUSAND DOLLARS on his gifts!!! I was so pissed I went out to West Elm and bought all new bedding (to the tune of like 800 bucks).  And to top it all off, we thought his parents were going to get us a new washer/dryer for Christmas because that's what we asked for (mind you they need a custom sized stackable to fit in their space, prices run from 4-8k on the ones she was looking at) and they got us a damn STOCK POT.  I DON'T COOK, wtf am I going to do with a HUGE pot?! 
Me: *thinking that maybe her Korean Mother in Law was hinting at something* Well, did you tell your husband what you really wanted
CW1:  NO!! he should know that by now...didn't your husband get you something AMAZING for Christmas?
Me: No, we didn't do anniversary/bday/Christmas gifts this year (we actually don't really ever do it, or if we do it's like 50 bucks or under)
CW1:  WHAT!?!?! how can you NOT want gifts
Me: We decided that instead of gifts we wanted an additional week of vacation, we don't want more "stuff", we have enough "stuff"
CW2:  Can you train my wife to think like that....she cost me 2 grand for the earrings she wanted...she only wears earrings like twice a year.
CW3:  HA! you got off cheap, mine wanted a new Mercedes, the damn bow alone cost me 300 bucks.
Me:  You bought a CAR....without your wife?
CW3:  Yea!  She TOTALLY loved it
Me:  How's she going to love those car payments?
CW3:  PSH, she doesn't care, it's not coming out of "her" money since she doesn't really work.


How do these people EXIST!?!?!, and how do they marry each other?  On an aside, I asked everyone if we had any announcements about our 401k, they were thinking of switching from our ridiculously priced funds to Vanguard when I left on vacation, I got 2 responses from coworkers that they don't even pay attention to our benefits emails so they weren't sure...

[greenmimama]

Just came back to work after a 3 week vacation and remembered how much I want to face punch my coworkers....I've counted 5 today

Horribly anti mustachian coworker of my past stories..

Me: Hey how did your ChristmaHaunuakka/New Years go?
CW1: Ugh, it was HORRIBLE
Me: Oh no! What happened?  I'm thinking something went wrong with her very ill parents.
CW1:  My husband got me a LABEL MAKER for Christmas...A LABEL MAKER!!!! And I spent A THOUSAND DOLLARS on his gifts!!! I was so pissed I went out to West Elm and bought all new bedding (to the tune of like 800 bucks).  And to top it all off, we thought his parents were going to get us a new washer/dryer for Christmas because that's what we asked for (mind you they need a custom sized stackable to fit in their space, prices run from 4-8k on the ones she was looking at) and they got us a damn STOCK POT.  I DON'T COOK, wtf am I going to do with a HUGE pot?! 
Me: *thinking that maybe her Korean Mother in Law was hinting at something* Well, did you tell your husband what you really wanted
CW1:  NO!! he should know that by now...didn't your husband get you something AMAZING for Christmas?
Me: No, we didn't do anniversary/bday/Christmas gifts this year (we actually don't really ever do it, or if we do it's like 50 bucks or under)
CW1:  WHAT!?!?! how can you NOT want gifts
Me: We decided that instead of gifts we wanted an additional week of vacation, we don't want more "stuff", we have enough "stuff"
CW2:  Can you train my wife to think like that....she cost me 2 grand for the earrings she wanted...she only wears earrings like twice a year.
CW3:  HA! you got off cheap, mine wanted a new Mercedes, the damn bow alone cost me 300 bucks.
Me:  You bought a CAR....without your wife?
CW3:  Yea!  She TOTALLY loved it
Me:  How's she going to love those car payments?
CW3:  PSH, she doesn't care, it's not coming out of "her" money since she doesn't really work.


How do these people EXIST!?!?!, and how do they marry each other?  On an aside, I asked everyone if we had any announcements about our 401k, they were thinking of switching from our ridiculously priced funds to Vanguard when I left on vacation, I got 2 responses from coworkers that they don't even pay attention to our benefits emails so they weren't sure...

Well it's good they marry each other, because if a Mustachian married one their life would just be full of disappointment, or they would see the light, either way, the marriage might end before it could be resolved. 

[Cookie78]

Just came back to work after a 3 week vacation and remembered how much I want to face punch my coworkers....I've counted 5 today

Horribly anti mustachian coworker of my past stories..

Me: Hey how did your ChristmaHaunuakka/New Years go?
CW1: Ugh, it was HORRIBLE
Me: Oh no! What happened?  I'm thinking something went wrong with her very ill parents.
CW1:  My husband got me a LABEL MAKER for Christmas...A LABEL MAKER!!!! And I spent A THOUSAND DOLLARS on his gifts!!! I was so pissed I went out to West Elm and bought all new bedding (to the tune of like 800 bucks).  And to top it all off, we thought his parents were going to get us a new washer/dryer for Christmas because that's what we asked for (mind you they need a custom sized stackable to fit in their space, prices run from 4-8k on the ones she was looking at) and they got us a damn STOCK POT.  I DON'T COOK, wtf am I going to do with a HUGE pot?! 
Me: *thinking that maybe her Korean Mother in Law was hinting at something* Well, did you tell your husband what you really wanted
CW1:  NO!! he should know that by now...didn't your husband get you something AMAZING for Christmas?
Me: No, we didn't do anniversary/bday/Christmas gifts this year (we actually don't really ever do it, or if we do it's like 50 bucks or under)
CW1:  WHAT!?!?! how can you NOT want gifts
Me: We decided that instead of gifts we wanted an additional week of vacation, we don't want more "stuff", we have enough "stuff"
CW2:  Can you train my wife to think like that....she cost me 2 grand for the earrings she wanted...she only wears earrings like twice a year.
CW3:  HA! you got off cheap, mine wanted a new Mercedes, the damn bow alone cost me 300 bucks.
Me:  You bought a CAR....without your wife?
CW3:  Yea!  She TOTALLY loved it
Me:  How's she going to love those car payments?
CW3:  PSH, she doesn't care, it's not coming out of "her" money since she doesn't really work.


How do these people EXIST!?!?!, and how do they marry each other?  On an aside, I asked everyone if we had any announcements about our 401k, they were thinking of switching from our ridiculously priced funds to Vanguard when I left on vacation, I got 2 responses from coworkers that they don't even pay attention to our benefits emails so they weren't sure...

This blows my mind! Both the lack of appreciation for smaller gifts, the expectations of larger gifts, the expectations of mind-reading, and the purchasing of insanely large gifts. Stunning.

I wish I had stories to share, but my coworkers don't seem out of control. No one has mentioned any gifts they gave or received, just how they spent their time over the holidays.

[skunkfunk]

Just came back to work after a 3 week vacation and remembered how much I want to face punch my coworkers....I've counted 5 today

Horribly anti mustachian coworker of my past stories..

Me: Hey how did your ChristmaHaunuakka/New Years go?
CW1: Ugh, it was HORRIBLE
Me: Oh no! What happened?  I'm thinking something went wrong with her very ill parents.
CW1:  My husband got me a LABEL MAKER for Christmas...A LABEL MAKER!!!! And I spent A THOUSAND DOLLARS on his gifts!!! I was so pissed I went out to West Elm and bought all new bedding (to the tune of like 800 bucks).  And to top it all off, we thought his parents were going to get us a new washer/dryer for Christmas because that's what we asked for (mind you they need a custom sized stackable to fit in their space, prices run from 4-8k on the ones she was looking at) and they got us a damn STOCK POT.  I DON'T COOK, wtf am I going to do with a HUGE pot?! 
Me: *thinking that maybe her Korean Mother in Law was hinting at something* Well, did you tell your husband what you really wanted
CW1:  NO!! he should know that by now...didn't your husband get you something AMAZING for Christmas?
Me: No, we didn't do anniversary/bday/Christmas gifts this year (we actually don't really ever do it, or if we do it's like 50 bucks or under)
CW1:  WHAT!?!?! how can you NOT want gifts
Me: We decided that instead of gifts we wanted an additional week of vacation, we don't want more "stuff", we have enough "stuff"
CW2:  Can you train my wife to think like that....she cost me 2 grand for the earrings she wanted...she only wears earrings like twice a year.
CW3:  HA! you got off cheap, mine wanted a new Mercedes, the damn bow alone cost me 300 bucks.
Me:  You bought a CAR....without your wife?
CW3:  Yea!  She TOTALLY loved it
Me:  How's she going to love those car payments?
CW3:  PSH, she doesn't care, it's not coming out of "her" money since she doesn't really work.


How do these people EXIST!?!?!, and how do they marry each other?  On an aside, I asked everyone if we had any announcements about our 401k, they were thinking of switching from our ridiculously priced funds to Vanguard when I left on vacation, I got 2 responses from coworkers that they don't even pay attention to our benefits emails so they weren't sure...

This blows my mind! Both the lack of appreciation for smaller gifts, the expectations of larger gifts, the expectations of mind-reading, and the purchasing of insanely large gifts. Stunning.

I wish I had stories to share, but my coworkers don't seem out of control. No one has mentioned any gifts they gave or received, just how they spent their time over the holidays.

DW and I filled the other's stocking. I got her some nuts and a $1 back scratcher. She got me some socks and underwear.

We were both thrilled. Well, she didn't like the back scratcher, but she loves to put nuts in her mouth!

[Cookie78]

DW and I filled the other's stocking. I got her some nuts and a $1 back scratcher. She got me some socks and underwear.

We were both thrilled. Well, she didn't like the back scratcher, but she loves to put nuts in her mouth!

I exchange homemade gifts with my girlfriend (She crocheted me a scarf and I made her a chainmail necklace).
Boyfriend (long distance) and I decided not to exchange gifts, but we spent money on a week long road trip together to Baja together instead. Much prefer time spent together over more stuff.

[skunkfunk]

DW and I filled the other's stocking. I got her some nuts and a $1 back scratcher. She got me some socks and underwear.

We were both thrilled. Well, she didn't like the back scratcher, but she loves to put nuts in her mouth!

I exchange homemade gifts with my girlfriend (She crocheted me a scarf and I made her a chainmail necklace).
Boyfriend (long distance) and I decided not to exchange gifts, but we spent money on a week long road trip together to Baja together instead. Much prefer time spent together over more stuff.

Wait what? You exchanged gifts with your girlfriend and went on a trip with your boyfriend?

We have very different lives, lol.

[clones32]

My boss told me today that her children could not have jobs because they were 'too busy' with sports and wouldn't have time...and then continued to complain about how much of her money they spend.