About sixteen years ago, I met him for the first time. My trainwreck sibling brought home this adorable puppy he had no business adopting because he had not one thing in his life that wasn’t a mess. I was furious at my sibling – he didn’t even take care of himself, how could he drag
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September 2, 2009
Today we put together one of our almost-frugally creative meals: bought a large bag of chips and juice boxes from Trader Joe’s for double the volume, if not half the price, and used a BOGO coupon at the sandwich place for $7. The sandwiches are something like a cross between Subway and Quiznos, but much better overall.
It got me thinking about the advertising and coupon model. I know most businesses (should) have a line item or budget for advertising expenses, but for simplicity’s sake, let’s assume that at the end of the day, the income generated needs to cover all outflow.
A bit of research into Val-Pak revealed that I can’t get pricing for the actual cooperative mail campaign, which is basically those blue envelopes you see in the mail chock full of coupon goodness, but they do estimate that your reach is 400k potential customers in a given time period.
Many restaurants are advertising during this economic slump, and two for one deals seem most common. Sit down eateries tend to offer one free entree with the purchase of one full priced entree plus two beverages, or some variation on that theme. Much like gas stations, the sandwich shop expects to recoup revenue in the form of extras: drinks, chips, and salads on the side. I think we all know by now that drinks carry huge profit margins for the restaurant, and a commonly touted cost-reduction strategy is to drink water instead of the highly overpriced soda.
But how many people really do spend the extra money on chips, drinks, and side salads? How many need to, of those that use the coupons, for the business to recoup the coupon discount? And how many MORE are needed to make up for those of us who only use the coupon as intended without buying extras? And in addition to all that, how much did they spend on advertising in those Valu-Paks in the first place?
September 1, 2009
Might as well call it an All-Spend day!
1. Returned stuff to Kohl’s. Forget $10 off $20 coupon, so didn’t pick up a few things which means I’ll have to make another trip some other time.
2. Dropped off dry cleaning: $6. They’ll get it done by tomorrow. Why do the turnaround times vary SO MUCH? Some things are done next day, others are scheduled for a 6 day pick up. Weird.
3. Starbucks, $1.10. Fruitless attempt to use their free wi-fi to get some work done.
4. Ordered printer, $106 after GC. Estimated ship/delivery time is on the order of two weeks. Rebellious part of me is screeching, order it from Staples and get it in 4 days!! Am studiously ignoring because the saved $25 went straight to a ….
5. CBLDF membership, $25. Chose not to receive any membership premiums (gifts) so that the money will go further.
The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund is dedicated to preserving the first amendment rights of comic book professionals and fight censorship in the United States. As Neil Gaiman (both a comic creator and a CBLDF board member) notes, “abstract political freedoms are a very good thing.”
6. Researched local women’s shelters/charities that accept professional clothing for homeless or battered women. Friend has lots of professional clothing she has no further use for, and she’d like it to go to a good cause. The one I’m thinking of is Dress for Success, but the only Southern California location that accepts clothing is San Diego. Does anyone have any suggestions?
More to do, but working on #6 until I’m through. This is a rare attempt to NOT multitask.
Note: It’s official. The iPhone is smarter than I. At Starbucks, while I struggled to get away from the we’re-gonna-charge-you T-Mobile hotspot, struggled to connect through the AT&T hub, and then find my username and password, the iPhone had quietly hijacked my single 2-hour daily session and was merrily checking email. All. On. Its. Own. It didn’t even need to log in!! Jerk!
As this recession plods on, this list may become relevant or useful in your life. (I surely hope not!) But if it does, now you too can avoid foot-in-mouth disease!
Courtesy of WomenCo’s Alice Handley and Tania Khadder:
1. “Are you freaked out?” [Duh. I mean, unless you’re truly close to this person and know they won’t be freaked out by the suggestion that they should be freaked out, and you can’t tell if they are … don’t put that out there.]
2. “Do you know what you did to deserve it?” [I’ve got to wonder if people really ask this. Honestly? If you must know the probable cause, try “Do you know what happened?” Maybe.]
3. “You’re not unemployed, you’re funemployed!” [Patronizing as all get out. Just DON’T.]
4. “Have you started applying for new jobs yet?” [They probably have. I should hope they have. But even if they haven’t, still reeling from the shock, I’d just be annoyed at the implication or pressure. But I’m contrary and prefer to be responsible on my own terms, not under pressure.]
5. “Have you thought about temping?” [Same as above.]
6. “Was it just you? Or did others get laid off too?” The authors say: This question implies that your friend’s layoff is palatable (or not) depending on who else got laid off at the same time. Does it really matter? What if it was just your friend? Do you really want to remind them that they were the only person at their company who was considered expendable on that particular day?
[Personally, maybe because the axe is falling everywhere and I knew my particular situation had zero to do with my personal performance or worth, this didn’t bother me as much.]
7. “Have you filed for unemployment yet?” Authors: This presumes that your friend is even going to be applying for unemployment in the first place and that he’s actually eligible for it. Remember that some people have a hard time admitting that they need outside assistance. It’s hard enough for some of us to accept that we need help (or god forbid, “charity”) in the first place, let alone having to talk about it to other people.
[Eh. As a PF blogger, if a fellow blogger brought up a layoff I’m sure this would be the first we discussed. Well, that or the emergency fund. As a finance-obsessed layperson, my friends know that I’d be concerned for their financial well-being.]
8. ” I can get you a new job!” [and the job is totally inappropriate] Authors: While the sentiment is appreciated, you’re presuming that the person you’re talking to is totally desperate for a job. A former Director of Marketing probably isn’t interested in waiting tables, and a pastry chef probably wouldn’t want to apply for a job in the Human Resources department.
While it’s definitely good to keep an eye out for your friends, don’t assume they’ll do just anything for a living. If you want to help, make sure you’re aware of what your friend wants before you start reaching out to contacts.
[Again, sort of duh.]
9. “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade!” “And when life takes away my lemons?”
10. “Everything happens for a reason.” Authors: To the person being laid off, no reason seems like a very good one — and right after a layoff, it’s not easy to adopt a more long term, philosophical approach. Once the layoff has had time to sink in and the layoffee starts taking steps to get back on their feet, they might be able to see the bigger picture. Until then, be sensitive to their grief and understand that the situation is not ideal. End of story.
[Again, cliches = patronizing.]
My absolute least favorite? 11. You’ll be fine.
Whatever happened to “I’m sorry to hear that, is there anything I can do for you? Do you want to talk about it?”
I’ve heard every single of the above platitudes more than once, and my reaction is basically degrees of annoyance. After a while it stops mattering but still, folks who haven’t had time to digest their new circumstances aren’t going to take it all that well. And if you’re a friend, they deserve a little more thoughtfulness than the drivel most people spout.
Now, do excuse me. I’ve run out of cookies and I desperately need more.
August 31, 2009
| Retirement Savings |
Roth IRA: $4,035
401(a): $9,175
403(b): $20,401
Total: $ 33,611 (31,871)
|
| Emergency Savings |
Catastrophe: $ 35,963
Problem Cushion: $ 1,000
Total: $ 36,963 (36,798)
|
| Short Term Goals |
Car Maintenance: $2,220
Insurance: $2,495
Travel/Con: $863
Taxes: $3,581
Moving: $3,985
Total: $ 12,144 (13,266)
|
| Long Term Goals |
House Down Payment: $102
|
| Investments |
TradeKing: $1,050
Prosper-ish Loan: $12,630
Personal Loan: $1,500
Savings Bond: $362 (current accrued value)
Total: $ 15,542 (15,542)
|
| Total Assets |
Illiquid: $33,611
Semi-Liquid: $15,542
Liquid: $36,963
Expense Acct: $7,500
Goals Savings: $12,246
Total: $ 105,862 (105,463)
|
| Debt and Liabilities |
AmEx: $150
Chase: $260
Rent: $1,360
Total: $ 1,770 (2,134)
|
| Net Worth |
$ 104,092 (103,329)
|
The slight uptick is due to gains in the market, so I’m not going to get excited about “progress” just yet, I won’t trust that these gains will hold.
More bills are coming down the pipeline: we had to replace the last tire standing this weekend. By that I mean, the sole tire that didn’t ever get replaced during the time my mum was damaging tires right and left finally gave up the ghost.
The hunt for a printer all-in-one remains in force; it’s darn near impossible to find a smaller sized machine that is wireless, has an auto-doc feeder, and is reasonably priced. Aggravatory. Then again, the search precluded HP models based on reader and friend feedback, it might be time to remove that injunction.
Oh and of course the net cost of the Miami weekend has yet to bite the pocketbook. Much of the trip was subsidized, my portion was small, but it’s still another little fishie nibbling away at the cash reserves.
Southern California’s on fire again, and not in a good way. (Is it ever?) Between the fires and the over 100 degree heat, we’ve done surprisingly well in not using the a/c. Shading the windows, fans and letting in the coolth from the early mornings keeps the house tolerable. We may survive this summer yet!
August 30, 2009
I really like MoneyMonk’s question in this post:
What are my options to having access to emergency cash in midst of a crisis?
She lists the following “order of financial sources.”
1. Emergency Fund
2. Family/friends
3. HELOC
4. Credit card
5. 401k
Mine is a pretty short list, and doesn’t include credit cards because that’s just borrowing trouble that I might not be able to pay back:
1. Sell stuff, freelance work if poss
2. Cash
3. Roth IRA
4. 403(b)/401(a)
5. I have one relative I might be able to borrow money from, but I seriously doubt I’d ask her unless things were dire. She’s not exactly the best money manager, we’re just close enough to give each other money if necessary.
What does your list look like?
August 28, 2009
It’s been a while since I’ve had reason to CVS or Walgreens (esp now that WG no longer has their FAR program), but I haven’t lost my appreciation of a good deal.
To go you one better, MoneyMateKate is combining good deals with good deeds: the products of her coupon/bargain labor goes to the needy of NYC in the form of Care Packages. She’s expanding her couponing efforts, and if anyone can help her with packets of coupons, they’d be much appreciated. (Mine is in the mail, Kate!)
Take a look at this post which explains her coupon needs, and continue to follow her adventures as she scoops up merchandise for nearly or all the way free to share with those less fortunate.
In this prolonged recession, I’m sure that many are grateful for the basic necessities she’s provided since the usual channels for charity have been overwhelmed with more supplicants than donors. It’s a great way to give, doesn’t take much more than some minimal effort on your part to print and mail, or clip and mail, the coupons and directly goes into the hands of people in need.
She’s also fun and entertaining when she’s not couponing, so you should follow her if you don’t already, anyway! 🙂
August 27, 2009
Just when I’d gotten the whole anti-wedding rant out of my system, we’re confronted with a rather astounding creature: the only child, Miami bride who is marrying our dear friend.
Full disclosure: Literally the only things we know about this individual is that a) she’s an only child, b) she evidently likes him pudgy, and c) our friend is staying in Florida to be with her.
But if we may amateurishly practice the art of psychological profiling via behavioral observation to ascertain a little more about this mystery woman, let’s do!
Tell me, folks, what make you of this?
No registry information was listed in the invitation. The invite itself was classy, understated, printed on VERY nice card stock that shimmered. Since we’re associated on the groom’s side, there was no handy brides/maid of honor/bridesmaid grapevine from which to glean the shopping 411. Normally, I just give cash. But since we’re flying out there, we’re already spending a whole heck of a lot of money and frankly, I’d rather find a good deal that costs less than the $200 cash we’d feel obligated to give.
I cracked my knuckles (not really, I hate the sound of that) and went to work online. My first foray was to the Macy*s gift registry because what couple doesn’t register there?
And my-my-my! I had to double check the date to make sure we really ARE still in a recession. Also, I know our friend and he’s an REI dude. Like, a dude who has seen fine china but would be hard-pressed to identify the various implements and doodads involved in fine dining. I’m just going to go whole hog on the assumptions here and guess she never let him handle the registry gun but once.
A sampling for your pleasure:
Every single piece of Kate Spade china and flatware made or sold by Macy*s
~ A Platinum teapot — $238
~ A sugar bowl — $105
~ A salt and pepper shaker set — $82
~ A Platinum creamer — $90
~ A gravy boat and platter — $180
Every appliance known to man, platinum pricing
~ DeLonghi coffeemaker — $375
~ DeLonghi espresso maker — $140
Bedding must not be neglected ~ Hotel collection comforter — $760 [someone actually purchased this, btw]
~ Duvet — $470
~ Sheets (5 sets) — $95/each
~ Pillowcases (2 sets) — $95 each
~ Pillows — $220
Does it surprise you that my next hunch also panned out? Where else would this couple be registered? Bloomingdale’s? YES. Target? NO.
At Bloomie’s, we’re Monique Lhullier all the way:
~ 5 pc place setting, we’d like ten — $140 each
~ Creamer — $115
~ soup bowls, we’d like ten — $80 each
And Vera Wang for the flatware, of course.
Our friend is not in a profession where he’s going to be pulling down six figures a year, ever, so my faint hope is that she either simply is unaware that some of us po’ folk can’t spend rent money on a few objets d’art for the kitchen, bathroom or bedroom, or that she’s tailoring the registry to the style her friends and family are accustomed to giving. I find the latter hard to believe, though, because the wedding’s in three days and most of those selections are still wide open for purchase.
Whatever the reason, the registry seems to imply that this lady is waaaay out of his income league, and I can only cross my fingers that Daddy or Mommy’s money will be subsidizing their lifestyle if this demonstrates her idea of normal.
By the by? I did check REI. And Bed, Bath and Beyond. And Linens’n’Things. Nope on every single one.
I finally did find a decent combination of kitchenware that wouldn’t break the bank, found a 10% off coupon via retailmenot.com, and added a little ebates.com action to boot. All told, with gift wrap, it’ll be about $75 which is still way too much for a few baking pans. But what did they really expect? A bi-coastal wedding and they registered for nearly all $100+ items? *sigh*
