Overheard at Work

[Papa Mustache]

Yeah, I don't have data either - well I do  but's its some tiny amount like 150MB that I rarely tap into. My wife does have a nice phone too with data but it's a $35 unlimited Cricket plan. That's her one splurge.

She doesn't buy fancy clothes, doesn't want a new car, etc. We have used it occasionally for maps, business hours, solving trivia discussions while traveling, etc. She uses it alot to keep up with her/our friends. She is in charge of our family social media.

I paid to have an off-line GPS app on my phone. Works fine and no data requirements, one time payment, etc.   

We have told a few people about our "off brand" cell services and they said that they have to have the local favorite (Verizon) in case they are down in the country away from the town for some reason - so the cost is worth it to them. $35 vs $1?? per month maybe...  Is it worth that much just in case?

I did a service call in the country for my employer on a piece of equipment. My phone = no service. So I walked 50 feet into the office and called in a question on the landline. Didn't hurt my "swagger" at all. ;)

[Pooperman]

Even the top 2 networks (Verizon and AT&T) have $30 plans with data and all of that stuff. No excuses haha. I put together all my cell bills for the last 7 months that I've worked at my company, and it only totaled around $210. I get reimbursed for it, but it's just good practice!

[theknitcycle]

My endlessly entertaining coworker is at it again.  Last winter she learned that her roof (on the house she bought by taking a hardship distribution from her 401(k) in order to put 3% down) was leaking.  She got a quote for $5k to do the real fix, or something less for a temporary patch job to get her through to summer.  Since she didn't have $5k, she opted for the temporary patch.

So the year moved along -- 3-5 drinks at happy hour a few times a week, restaurant dinners two or three nights a week, manicures, massages, getaway weekends at hotels or rented cabins about once a month, lavish birthday and anniversary celebrations, new patio furniture, two separate week-long trips to expensive cities a few time zones away.  Just the normal, basic things that a modern gal NEEDS in order to not be depriving herself.

Well, now it's winter again.  Which means it's raining.  Which means last year's temporary patch is no longer working, the roof is leaking again, and it's time to pony up the $5k to actually fix the problem.  Shocker, right?  She's stressed out and furious about the sudden surprise expense, which she will be "forced" to put on her credit card because of course she does not have $5k just sitting around.  How could she possibly?  Surely there was no way to predict this, and nothing she could have done to save up money even if she had known...

[mtn]

Is that the entire roof? I thought I remember my parents complaining* about the cost of their fairly big house to be re-roofed was around $6,500.

*My dad was complaining that he was going to have to spend a lot of time crunching the numbers and figuring out when he was going to do it and how he was going to fund it (pay off mortgage early, HELOC, cash, or sell some vanguard stock) while juggling another house purchase and tax season.

[johnny847]

Related financial tie-in: I don't have data so unless there's wifi, no internet for me. Both of these coworkers have big data plans through major carriers and constantly complain about the price. One pays for her daughter and son-in-law's phones (the daughter is older than I am) and the other has a smart phone for at least his 15 year old son, possibly the 9 year old daughter too. When I mention my $12/line phone bill they say "Must be nice" like I got lucky to get that deal. The woman says Sprint has messed up her phone bill every month for something like 6 months now and she has to call each time to get it fixed (extra crazy since Sprints coverage isn't that great here). PagePlus hasn't messed mine up once.

You might get shot down with this, but I like to play the phone game at a meal:

Everyone puts their phone at the center of the table.
The first person to retrieve their phone before the meal is over (define this clearly - whether it's when people are getting up to leave, when the check has arrived, etc.) loses.
Whoever loses pays the entire bill for everyone.
Otherwise, everyone wins and you each pay for what you ordered.

[zolotiyeruki]

Even the top 2 networks (Verizon and AT&T) have $30 plans with data and all of that stuff. No excuses haha.

Having looked at AT&T's plans, I'm not sure where you're seeing it.  IIRC, AT&T is $20/phone, *plus* you are required to have a data plan (a minimum of $30/mo). Each additional phone is $20.  So for my wife and me to get AT&T, it would be $70.  Verizon is similar.  So is T-mobile.

[Pooperman]

Even the top 2 networks (Verizon and AT&T) have $30 plans with data and all of that stuff. No excuses haha.

Having looked at AT&T's plans, I'm not sure where you're seeing it.  IIRC, AT&T is $20/phone, *plus* you are required to have a data plan (a minimum of $30/mo). Each additional phone is $20.  So for my wife and me to get AT&T, it would be $70.  Verizon is similar.  So is T-mobile.

I meant through the MVNOs (Page Plus and H2O). For $31.50 per month, you get 500 MB and unlimited slow data after on H2O (AT&T). Totally a good deal IMO. Definitely a better network than the other, and yes, I will pay $1.50 more per month so I have reception in the mountainous areas where my grandparents live haha.

[Prairie Gal]

Co-worker was telling me about how her new truck has air conditioned seats. I didn't even know such a thing existed. This is the big ass gas guzzler that is too expensive to drive so she bought a used small car to commute to work. But hey! When she does drive it her ass is going to be nice and cool.

[Mormon Money Mustache]

Co-worker was telling me about how her new truck has air conditioned seats. I didn't even know such a thing existed. This is the big ass gas guzzler that is too expensive to drive so she bought a used small car to commute to work. But hey! When she does drive it her ass is going to be nice and cool.

LOL. They are pretty nice actually. And in cold climates the heated seats are a dream. But yeah, pairing that with a gas guzzler truck is kind of insane.

[Mormon Money Mustache]

A co-worker and I were talking about early retirement. He threw out that he would bow out at about $6 million because that would give him about $350k/year, which should be just enough to cover his expenses.

I said, "Wow I wouldn't even know how to spend that much money each year." His response: "I would. In fact I practically already do." FYI, there's no way this guy makes >$200k per year on average. I just let the conversation die at this point. What can you say?

[hownowbrowncow]

Bratty of me but...as a going away present, my team got me a bottle of wine and crystal decanter.  Nice bottle, beautiful decanter.  I'd guess $150+ but the thing is I would have preferred cash, an Amazon gift card, or hell something with a gift receipt I could return for useful items. After all my talk about decluttering, minimalism, experiences over things and I got something I will never use and will be a pain in the ass to sell because it's super fragile.  Good thing they threw in the wine!

[LeRainDrop]

My endlessly entertaining coworker is at it again.  Last winter she learned that her roof (on the house she bought by taking a hardship distribution from her 401(k) in order to put 3% down) was leaking.  She got a quote for $5k to do the real fix, or something less for a temporary patch job to get her through to summer.  Since she didn't have $5k, she opted for the temporary patch.

So the year moved along -- 3-5 drinks at happy hour a few times a week, restaurant dinners two or three nights a week, manicures, massages, getaway weekends at hotels or rented cabins about once a month, lavish birthday and anniversary celebrations, new patio furniture, two separate week-long trips to expensive cities a few time zones away.  Just the normal, basic things that a modern gal NEEDS in order to not be depriving herself.

Well, now it's winter again.  Which means it's raining.  Which means last year's temporary patch is no longer working, the roof is leaking again, and it's time to pony up the $5k to actually fix the problem.  Shocker, right?  She's stressed out and furious about the sudden surprise expense, which she will be "forced" to put on her credit card because of course she does not have $5k just sitting around.  How could she possibly?  Surely there was no way to predict this, and nothing she could have done to save up money even if she had known...

Aw, poor girl!  It must suck to be totally blindsided like that!  ;-)

[MgoSam]

Bratty of me but...as a going away present, my team got me a bottle of wine and crystal decanter. 

It's a gift.....

[LeRainDrop]

Even the top 2 networks (Verizon and AT&T) have $30 plans with data and all of that stuff. No excuses haha.

Having looked at AT&T's plans, I'm not sure where you're seeing it.  IIRC, AT&T is $20/phone, *plus* you are required to have a data plan (a minimum of $30/mo). Each additional phone is $20.  So for my wife and me to get AT&T, it would be $70.  Verizon is similar.  So is T-mobile.

I meant through the MVNOs (Page Plus and H2O). For $31.50 per month, you get 500 MB and unlimited slow data after on H2O (AT&T). Totally a good deal IMO. Definitely a better network than the other, and yes, I will pay $1.50 more per month so I have reception in the mountainous areas where my grandparents live haha.

Coincidentally, today I received an email notice from AT&T that they are increasing the cost of my unlimited data plan from $30 to $35:

We'd like to thank you for your business and share an upcoming change. Beginning February 2016, we'll be increasing the price of your unlimited data plan by $5 per month — our first increase in 7 years.

I'm bummed about the increase, but it was a good long run for 7 years.  Plus, my employer fully reimburses me regardless :-)

[Dollar Slice]

Co-worker was telling me about how her new truck has air conditioned seats. I didn't even know such a thing existed. This is the big ass gas guzzler that is too expensive to drive so she bought a used small car to commute to work. But hey! When she does drive it her ass is going to be nice and cool.

I have been sweating my butt off for the last couple of days (respiratory infection + fever + medication side effect + apartment heated to nearly 80 degrees because the super is crazy) and right now I would probably be willing to pay to get this installed in my couch and/or bed.

[dragoncar]

Co-worker was telling me about how her new truck has air conditioned seats. I didn't even know such a thing existed. This is the big ass gas guzzler that is too expensive to drive so she bought a used small car to commute to work. But hey! When she does drive it her ass is going to be nice and cool.

I have been sweating my butt off for the last couple of days (respiratory infection + fever + medication side effect + apartment heated to nearly 80 degrees because the super is crazy) and right now I would probably be willing to pay to get this installed in my couch and/or bed.

In theory, air conditioned seats could use less energy by more effectively cooling the driver.  Think of how a heating blanket could let you turn your thermostat down (although in internal combustion cars, heat is typically "free")

[Davids]

A co-worker and I were talking about early retirement. He threw out that he would bow out at about $6 million because that would give him about $350k/year, which should be just enough to cover his expenses.

I said, "Wow I wouldn't even know how to spend that much money each year." His response: "I would. In fact I practically already do." FYI, there's no way this guy makes >$200k per year on average. I just let the conversation die at this point. What can you say?

You should have commented to him that he actually needs $9M saved then based on $350K/yr of expenses.

[Papa Mustache]

Bratty of me but...as a going away present, my team got me a bottle of wine and crystal decanter.  Nice bottle, beautiful decanter.  I'd guess $150+ but the thing is I would have preferred cash, an Amazon gift card, or hell something with a gift receipt I could return for useful items. After all my talk about decluttering, minimalism, experiences over things and I got something I will never use and will be a pain in the ass to sell because it's super fragile.  Good thing they threw in the wine!

That was a revenge gift - buying you something that they like and you'd never buy for yourself... ;)

[Papa Mustache]

Co-worker was telling me about how her new truck has air conditioned seats. I didn't even know such a thing existed. This is the big ass gas guzzler that is too expensive to drive so she bought a used small car to commute to work. But hey! When she does drive it her ass is going to be nice and cool.

I have been sweating my butt off for the last couple of days (respiratory infection + fever + medication side effect + apartment heated to nearly 80 degrees because the super is crazy) and right now I would probably be willing to pay to get this installed in my couch and/or bed.

Open a window? ;)

[saving_dutchman]

Related financial tie-in: I don't have data so unless there's wifi, no internet for me. Both of these coworkers have big data plans through major carriers and constantly complain about the price. One pays for her daughter and son-in-law's phones (the daughter is older than I am) and the other has a smart phone for at least his 15 year old son, possibly the 9 year old daughter too. When I mention my $12/line phone bill they say "Must be nice" like I got lucky to get that deal. The woman says Sprint has messed up her phone bill every month for something like 6 months now and she has to call each time to get it fixed (extra crazy since Sprints coverage isn't that great here). PagePlus hasn't messed mine up once.

You might get shot down with this, but I like to play the phone game at a meal:

Everyone puts their phone at the center of the table.
The first person to retrieve their phone before the meal is over (define this clearly - whether it's when people are getting up to leave, when the check has arrived, etc.) loses.
Whoever loses pays the entire bill for everyone.
Otherwise, everyone wins and you each pay for what you ordered.

I've heard of that but since I'm rarely out to eat with anyone besides DH I usually don't need it. And it this meal the other two had already agreed to split the check to treat me so it would have ended up the same

There is also the added benefit of not having people check their smartphone every few minutes.

[MgoSam]

Related financial tie-in: I don't have data so unless there's wifi, no internet for me. Both of these coworkers have big data plans through major carriers and constantly complain about the price. One pays for her daughter and son-in-law's phones (the daughter is older than I am) and the other has a smart phone for at least his 15 year old son, possibly the 9 year old daughter too. When I mention my $12/line phone bill they say "Must be nice" like I got lucky to get that deal. The woman says Sprint has messed up her phone bill every month for something like 6 months now and she has to call each time to get it fixed (extra crazy since Sprints coverage isn't that great here). PagePlus hasn't messed mine up once.

You might get shot down with this, but I like to play the phone game at a meal:

Everyone puts their phone at the center of the table.
The first person to retrieve their phone before the meal is over (define this clearly - whether it's when people are getting up to leave, when the check has arrived, etc.) loses.
Whoever loses pays the entire bill for everyone.
Otherwise, everyone wins and you each pay for what you ordered.

I've heard of that but since I'm rarely out to eat with anyone besides DH I usually don't need it. And it this meal the other two had already agreed to split the check to treat me so it would have ended up the same

There is also the added benefit of not having people check their smartphone every few minutes.

I hear people complaining about this all the time and all I have to ask, what sort of friends do you have? I'm 28, perfect age for this type of behavior and don't see it. When I'm eating with friends, we are talking, the only time someone pulls out their phone if they receive a phone call/text or if they are looking something up (like a fact relating to the conversation).

Maybe I'm the lucky one that has friends that value face-to-face conversation. Rather I suspect that this has just become a meme that people repeat over and over again, until they beat it to death.

[HairyUpperLip]

I hear people complaining about this all the time and all I have to ask, what sort of friends do you have? I'm 28, perfect age for this type of behavior and don't see it. When I'm eating with friends, we are talking, the only time someone pulls out their phone if they receive a phone call/text or if they are looking something up (like a fact relating to the conversation).

Maybe I'm the lucky one that has friends that value face-to-face conversation. Rather I suspect that this has just become a meme that people repeat over and over again, until they beat it to death.

Maybe you are just young enough to be used to it then, but I don't think it's cool when everyone starts pulling out their phones to check texts, reeddit, etc.

I'm 31, not much older than you, but I sure as hell recall going to dinner with family/friends and people not checking their phones.

[merula]

Even the top 2 networks (Verizon and AT&T) have $30 plans with data and all of that stuff. No excuses haha.

Having looked at AT&T's plans, I'm not sure where you're seeing it.  IIRC, AT&T is $20/phone, *plus* you are required to have a data plan (a minimum of $30/mo). Each additional phone is $20.  So for my wife and me to get AT&T, it would be $70.  Verizon is similar.  So is T-mobile.

I meant through the MVNOs (Page Plus and H2O). For $31.50 per month, you get 500 MB and unlimited slow data after on H2O (AT&T). Totally a good deal IMO. Definitely a better network than the other, and yes, I will pay $1.50 more per month so I have reception in the mountainous areas where my grandparents live haha.

T-Mobile has a direct $30/month plan. Unlimited data (throttled after 5GB, but even my husband who never even turns on the wifi on his phone because "battery issues" doesn't use that much) but only 100 minutes. He's not a big talker and generally uses Google Voice at home, so it works for him. In my area, after taxes it's like $33.

http://prepaid-phones.t-mobile.com/other-prepaid-plans?clickid=WLWyM202mUvQR%3A4112zzGyJ5UkXSHlSHOQJ%3A0U0&iradid=189313&cmpid=WTR_AF_189313&irpid=38664&irgwc=1

[saving_dutchman]

Related financial tie-in: I don't have data so unless there's wifi, no internet for me. Both of these coworkers have big data plans through major carriers and constantly complain about the price. One pays for her daughter and son-in-law's phones (the daughter is older than I am) and the other has a smart phone for at least his 15 year old son, possibly the 9 year old daughter too. When I mention my $12/line phone bill they say "Must be nice" like I got lucky to get that deal. The woman says Sprint has messed up her phone bill every month for something like 6 months now and she has to call each time to get it fixed (extra crazy since Sprints coverage isn't that great here). PagePlus hasn't messed mine up once.

You might get shot down with this, but I like to play the phone game at a meal:

Everyone puts their phone at the center of the table.
The first person to retrieve their phone before the meal is over (define this clearly - whether it's when people are getting up to leave, when the check has arrived, etc.) loses.
Whoever loses pays the entire bill for everyone.
Otherwise, everyone wins and you each pay for what you ordered.

I've heard of that but since I'm rarely out to eat with anyone besides DH I usually don't need it. And it this meal the other two had already agreed to split the check to treat me so it would have ended up the same

There is also the added benefit of not having people check their smartphone every few minutes.

I hear people complaining about this all the time and all I have to ask, what sort of friends do you have? I'm 28, perfect age for this type of behavior and don't see it. When I'm eating with friends, we are talking, the only time someone pulls out their phone if they receive a phone call/text or if they are looking something up (like a fact relating to the conversation).

Maybe I'm the lucky one that has friends that value face-to-face conversation. Rather I suspect that this has just become a meme that people repeat over and over again, until they beat it to death.

Unfortunately I can speak from experience on this one. I've seen it happen both in a personal setting and at work. I get a bad taste just thinking about some examples. Luckily I have plenty of friends who don't show this behaviour :).

[maco]

Related financial tie-in: I don't have data so unless there's wifi, no internet for me. Both of these coworkers have big data plans through major carriers and constantly complain about the price. One pays for her daughter and son-in-law's phones (the daughter is older than I am) and the other has a smart phone for at least his 15 year old son, possibly the 9 year old daughter too. When I mention my $12/line phone bill they say "Must be nice" like I got lucky to get that deal. The woman says Sprint has messed up her phone bill every month for something like 6 months now and she has to call each time to get it fixed (extra crazy since Sprints coverage isn't that great here). PagePlus hasn't messed mine up once.

You might get shot down with this, but I like to play the phone game at a meal:

Everyone puts their phone at the center of the table.
The first person to retrieve their phone before the meal is over (define this clearly - whether it's when people are getting up to leave, when the check has arrived, etc.) loses.
Whoever loses pays the entire bill for everyone.
Otherwise, everyone wins and you each pay for what you ordered.

I've heard of that but since I'm rarely out to eat with anyone besides DH I usually don't need it. And it this meal the other two had already agreed to split the check to treat me so it would have ended up the same

There is also the added benefit of not having people check their smartphone every few minutes.

I hear people complaining about this all the time and all I have to ask, what sort of friends do you have? I'm 28, perfect age for this type of behavior and don't see it. When I'm eating with friends, we are talking, the only time someone pulls out their phone if they receive a phone call/text or if they are looking something up (like a fact relating to the conversation).

Maybe I'm the lucky one that has friends that value face-to-face conversation. Rather I suspect that this has just become a meme that people repeat over and over again, until they beat it to death.

*shrug* I look at my phone while hanging out with my husband and in-laws. They do too. And we converse at the same time. The conversation then also includes "haha hey guys listen to this joke" and similar, since jokes make up a significant proportion of what's on FB & Twitter.

[JordanOfGilead]

A just overheard a coworker loudly complaining that the 401k system is a scam and is going to crash before anybody here is able to retire.
 
CW: "I've been dumping money into my 401k for EVER and I still don't have shit."
Me: Well how much do you contribute?
CW: 10% [our company has a variable match depending on time with the company but it starts at 4.5% after 6 months and caps out at 8.5% after 20 years]

All I could think was "If you need 90% of your pay to live now, how would you expect 10% to be able to support you in retirement?"
I mean, If you work for 40 years and retire for 20 years and die then (and this is extremely simplified and neglects gains and inflation for estimation purposes) you still need to be able to live on 67% or less of your take-home pay, saving the other 33% in order to maintain the same standard of living. Expecting to work for 20 years and retire for 40-60 years while only saving 10% of your earned pay while working is just absolutely astonishingly ignorant, am I right?

And then he turned around and blamed the company and the government for not being responsible enough to support him in his old age when he is no longer able to work ... it just made my blood boil. I had to bow out of the conversation to prevent calling somebody much more respected in the company than myself a complete idiot in a group setting ...

[Gin1984]

A just overheard a coworker loudly complaining that the 401k system is a scam and is going to crash before anybody here is able to retire.
 
CW: "I've been dumping money into my 401k for EVER and I still don't have shit."
Me: Well how much do you contribute?
CW: 10% [our company has a variable match depending on time with the company but it starts at 4.5% after 6 months and caps out at 8.5% after 20 years]

All I could think was "If you need 90% of your pay to live now, how would you expect 10% to be able to support you in retirement?"
I mean, If you work for 40 years and retire for 20 years and die then (and this is extremely simplified and neglects gains and inflation for estimation purposes) you still need to be able to live on 67% or less of your take-home pay, saving the other 33% in order to maintain the same standard of living. Expecting to work for 20 years and retire for 40-60 years while only saving 10% of your earned pay while working is just absolutely astonishingly ignorant, am I right?

And then he turned around and blamed the company and the government for not being responsible enough to support him in his old age when he is no longer able to work ... it just made my blood boil. I had to bow out of the conversation to prevent calling somebody much more respected in the company than myself a complete idiot in a group setting ...

The current idea from most financial planner is that a man saving 10% from 25-65 should have enough from 65 to death if you include social security.  They advise 15% for women for the same time period.  Keep in mind once you retire you won't pay FICA, taxes may be less, "work expenses" are less for the majority (they eat out etc). 

[JordanOfGilead]

A just overheard a coworker loudly complaining that the 401k system is a scam and is going to crash before anybody here is able to retire.
 
CW: "I've been dumping money into my 401k for EVER and I still don't have shit."
Me: Well how much do you contribute?
CW: 10% [our company has a variable match depending on time with the company but it starts at 4.5% after 6 months and caps out at 8.5% after 20 years]

All I could think was "If you need 90% of your pay to live now, how would you expect 10% to be able to support you in retirement?"
I mean, If you work for 40 years and retire for 20 years and die then (and this is extremely simplified and neglects gains and inflation for estimation purposes) you still need to be able to live on 67% or less of your take-home pay, saving the other 33% in order to maintain the same standard of living. Expecting to work for 20 years and retire for 40-60 years while only saving 10% of your earned pay while working is just absolutely astonishingly ignorant, am I right?

And then he turned around and blamed the company and the government for not being responsible enough to support him in his old age when he is no longer able to work ... it just made my blood boil. I had to bow out of the conversation to prevent calling somebody much more respected in the company than myself a complete idiot in a group setting ...

The current idea from most financial planner is that a man saving 10% from 25-65 should have enough from 65 to death if you include social security.  They advise 15% for women for the same time period.  Keep in mind once you retire you won't pay FICA, taxes may be less, "work expenses" are less for the majority (they eat out etc).

It might have something to do with the fact that this guy constantly bashes on millennials for the "sense of entitlement" and "want[ing] everything handed to them without having to work for it," but to hear somebody actually get angry over having to take responsibility for his own retirement ... it just blows my mind. I'm only 24 so all I have ever known about retirement is that I have to be responsible for my own if I want to be absolutely sure that it will be properly funded.

[jordanread]

[...] all I have ever known about retirement is that I have to be responsible for my own if I want to be absolutely sure that it will be properly funded.

Fuck. Yes.



 (also...great name).

[fruitfly]

I went out to lunch with two COs last week (I know, facepunch, but some days you need a drink or three to get through the day. Next time I'll make my own cocktail in the office.). They both probably make $120-150K (2+x my salary). Talk turned to money and how much eating out costs (I often give them a hard time because they go out 5 days a week for lunch). Coworker talked about how he eats out 2-3 meals a DAY every week, and I asked if he tracked his restaurant spending out of morbid curiosity. He said he was too scared to find out. My low ballpark estimate is $700 a week. But it is probably more because cocktails!

I also revealed somewhat shamefacedly that I only contribute 10% to my 401k (the company matches 6%) and they were both impressed I could contribute "so much"("I couldn't live with that much taken out!") I think I like them better than you guys, they make me feel more frugal.

[MgoSam]

It might have something to do with the fact that this guy constantly bashes on millennials for the "sense of entitlement" and "want[ing] everything handed to them without having to work for it," but to hear somebody actually get angry over having to take responsibility for his own retirement ... it just blows my mind. I'm only 24 so all I have ever known about retirement is that I have to be responsible for my own if I want to be absolutely sure that it will be properly funded.

Yup, I'm a 28 year old and I find that's the older folk that are more of complainypants about the economy, weather, kids, investment, retirement, ect. My thought is, "If only you had decades to plan ahead...oh wait, you fucking did!" When someone my age complains, I have a little more sympathy because I know that without some lucky breaks, I may be in their shoes..and most of the people I know that are complaining are actively trying to do something about it (can't get a job in their chosen field, they work at whatever job they can to try to pay the bills while looking for better jobs).

[zephyr911]

It might have something to do with the fact that this guy constantly bashes on millennials for the "sense of entitlement" and "want[ing] everything handed to them without having to work for it," but to hear somebody actually get angry over having to take responsibility for his own retirement ... it just blows my mind. I'm only 24 so all I have ever known about retirement is that I have to be responsible for my own if I want to be absolutely sure that it will be properly funded.

Yup, I'm a 28 year old and I find that's the older folk that are more of complainypants about the economy, weather, kids, investment, retirement, ect. My thought is, "If only you had decades to plan ahead...oh wait, you fucking did!" When someone my age complains, I have a little more sympathy because I know that without some lucky breaks, I may be in their shoes..and most of the people I know that are complaining are actively trying to do something about it (can't get a job in their chosen field, they work at whatever job they can to try to pay the bills while looking for better jobs).

I'm 37, and get off my lawn! *reaches for cane* You dem durn Mallurnialz all want a damn trophy for breathing, maybe you should breathe less!

[Tjat]

Unfortunately I can speak from experience on this one. I've seen it happen both in a personal setting and at work. I get a bad taste just thinking about some examples. Luckily I have plenty of friends who don't show this behaviour :).

Agreed. If some tool can't put the phone down for an hour to have lunch, that'll be the last time we eat lunch together. There isn't a rule that you have to respond to texts immediately, they can wait. There also isn't a rule that you have to twiddle around on facebook looking at baby pics and cat memes 5x a day. Save it for the crapper. It's not multi-tasking, it's rude.

[MgoSam]

Unfortunately I can speak from experience on this one. I've seen it happen both in a personal setting and at work. I get a bad taste just thinking about some examples. Luckily I have plenty of friends who don't show this behaviour :).

Agreed. If some tool can't put the phone down for an hour to have lunch, that'll be the last time we eat lunch together. There isn't a rule that you have to respond to texts immediately, they can wait. There also isn't a rule that you have to twiddle around on facebook looking at baby pics and cat memes 5x a day. Save it for the crapper. It's not multi-tasking, it's rude.

I completely agree, I was on a coffee date a day ago and made sure to put my phone on silent so as to not be distracted and avoid any temptation to look.

[dragoncar]

There also isn't a rule that you have to twiddle around on facebook looking at baby pics and cat memes 5x a day. Save it for the crapper.

What if you poop 5x a day? Asking for a friend

[WildJager]

Rolled up to work in my Ranger that has hauled more shit than it was designed for.  Couldn't help but park next to this monstrosity to compare sizes.  I lost apparently...

[lbmustache]

Rolled up to work in my Ranger that has hauled more shit than it was designed for.  Couldn't help but park next to this monstrosity to compare sizes.  I lost apparently...

hahahaah!

[Malaysia41]

Rolled up to work in my Ranger that has hauled more shit than it was designed for.  Couldn't help but park next to this monstrosity to compare sizes.  I lost apparently...

OMG tell me that's photoshopped.

[mustachepungoeshere]

Rolled up to work in my Ranger that has hauled more shit than it was designed for.  Couldn't help but park next to this monstrosity to compare sizes. I lost apparently...

Nah, mate. You win. :)

[LennStar]

Rolled up to work in my Ranger that has hauled more shit than it was designed for.  Couldn't help but park next to this monstrosity to compare sizes.  I lost apparently...

OMFG

Is that the F250 I read so much about here?

[Pooperman]

Rolled up to work in my Ranger that has hauled more shit than it was designed for.  Couldn't help but park next to this monstrosity to compare sizes.  I lost apparently...

OMFG

Is that the F250 I read so much about here?

I think that's the F250 Super Duty. The 350, 450, and 550 have 4 back wheels, while this only has 2.

[Ceridwen]

Background: I'm a train commuter, which is awesome except for the fact that the train only runs during rush hour.  I have a colleague who recently "gave up" on the train because she wanted (not needed, just wanted) a more flexible schedule, so instead of paying $105/month for the train like I do, she pays $240/month for parking (!!!), plus gas, car wear & tear etc.

Yesterday I got an emergency call from daycare to pick up my daughter (she's ok).  My retired mom is often available for these kind of things, but I couldn't reach her, and the train wasn't running so I had to suck it up and take a $50 cab ride to daycare.  It's the first time in 3+ years of being a working parent that this has happened.

My colleague was like OMG! That's so expensive! I'm so glad I drive!!

I just didn't even know what to say.  Even if I had to do this 3 times per month, I'd still be coming out ahead of her in transportation expenses.

[HairyUpperLip]

Is that the F250 I read so much about here?

Just curious, do you live somewhere where heavy duty trucks are not available?

[zephyr911]

Rolled up to work in my Ranger that has hauled more shit than it was designed for.  Couldn't help but park next to this monstrosity to compare sizes.  I lost apparently...

OMFG
Is that the F250 I read so much about here?

I think that's the F250 Super Duty. The 350, 450, and 550 have 4 back wheels, while this only has 2.

The F250 is pretty much a standard commuting vehicle at my workplace. If only I'd known a mere picture of one outside the office would amuse this group so much. Hell, there are entire sections of the lot where trucks this size line up. Typically, they're driven 10-30 miles each way, all week long, loaded to the gills... with a 250# human and a briefcase.

My inability to locate my compact car in a sea of these things is one reason for parking in the far corner of the lot. Getting extra walking time and avoiding door dings are also relevant.

[johnny847]

Related financial tie-in: I don't have data so unless there's wifi, no internet for me. Both of these coworkers have big data plans through major carriers and constantly complain about the price. One pays for her daughter and son-in-law's phones (the daughter is older than I am) and the other has a smart phone for at least his 15 year old son, possibly the 9 year old daughter too. When I mention my $12/line phone bill they say "Must be nice" like I got lucky to get that deal. The woman says Sprint has messed up her phone bill every month for something like 6 months now and she has to call each time to get it fixed (extra crazy since Sprints coverage isn't that great here). PagePlus hasn't messed mine up once.

You might get shot down with this, but I like to play the phone game at a meal:

Everyone puts their phone at the center of the table.
The first person to retrieve their phone before the meal is over (define this clearly - whether it's when people are getting up to leave, when the check has arrived, etc.) loses.
Whoever loses pays the entire bill for everyone.
Otherwise, everyone wins and you each pay for what you ordered.

I've heard of that but since I'm rarely out to eat with anyone besides DH I usually don't need it. And it this meal the other two had already agreed to split the check to treat me so it would have ended up the same

There is also the added benefit of not having people check their smartphone every few minutes.

Yeah Maigahane you completely missed the takeaway point of the game. The point is to get people NOT to take out their phone. It isn't to try to get a free meal.

[Papa Mustache]

Now have heard two stories of grown men who never left home who can't afford to retire within the past month.

Never had a mortgage, never had kids to pay for, just had to go to work, pockets their paycheck, etc.

The one inherited everything his parents had and still went broke.

Other one also has inherited everything, likes his job, strongly dislikes his chain of command (civilian, decent paying job working for the state) and can't retire b/c he doesn't have enough saved up despite having a pension.

I can't figure these guys out. Neither had the sometimes common obsession with big boy toys.

[MgoSam]

I can't figure these guys out. Neither had the sometimes common obsession with big boy toys.

Sometimes people spend all that they earn. Perhaps they have a drug habit or gambling problem that you are unaware of?

[nobodyspecial]

I can't figure these guys out. Neither had the sometimes common obsession with big boy toys.

Sometimes people spend all that they earn. Perhaps they have a drug habit or gambling problem that you are unaware of?

Sometimes they believe the bank adverts that say you need $2M in a savings account to retire

[fattest_foot]

The F250 is pretty much a standard commuting vehicle at my workplace. If only I'd known a mere picture of one outside the office would amuse this group so much. Hell, there are entire sections of the lot where trucks this size line up. Typically, they're driven 10-30 miles each way, all week long, loaded to the gills... with a 250# human and a briefcase.

My inability to locate my compact car in a sea of these things is one reason for parking in the far corner of the lot. Getting extra walking time and avoiding door dings are also relevant.

I feel like maybe this response would be better served in the Mustachian People Problems thread, but this has been a pet peeve of mine for...well, probably since I started driving.

I've always driven smaller cars, and it annoys me so much when I end up parking next to a truck or SUV. The reason? I basically have to blindly back out of the spot because there's no possible way to see anything around these monstrous vehicles.

[dragoncar]

Background: I'm a train commuter, which is awesome except for the fact that the train only runs during rush hour.  I have a colleague who recently "gave up" on the train because she wanted (not needed, just wanted) a more flexible schedule, so instead of paying $105/month for the train like I do, she pays $240/month for parking (!!!), plus gas, car wear & tear etc.

Yesterday I got an emergency call from daycare to pick up my daughter (she's ok).  My retired mom is often available for these kind of things, but I couldn't reach her, and the train wasn't running so I had to suck it up and take a $50 cab ride to daycare.  It's the first time in 3+ years of being a working parent that this has happened.

My colleague was like OMG! That's so expensive! I'm so glad I drive!!

I just didn't even know what to say.  Even if I had to do this 3 times per month, I'd still be coming out ahead of her in transportation expenses.

A lot of us metros even have an "emergency ride home" service where they reimburse you in such situations

Eg http://www.sfenvironment.org/transportation/sustainable-commuting-programs/emergency-ride-home