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Perhaps , it much better to look at them as "Life-hacks", some tips and tricks and some techniques.
Each one of us then can try them out and see if it fits.
At the end of the day, we will make decisions and live with them, what we feel about others on this forum and in life, is pretty secondary. Given that, I personally, always , try and learn from people who are better than me at something. Works out pretty well in most cases. Self improvement by competition.
But, all being said and done, lady luck has got to be on your side. But to treat luck as a lottery ticket is also not fair, luck favors certain kinds of people, and that requires some introspection. Luck is not as blind as we think.
^^Great post!^^
I find the bolded parts to be particularly spot-on!
When you make over ~40-45K single or 60-65K couple/small family is the time to start thinking these "wealth building" issues. Below that, stay out of debt, live as reasonably as you can while still living life, keep your money accessible.
What I do see here a loton C-D economics, which I think is completely erroneous, is a lot of blame in iPhones, cable TV, flat panel TVs. Speaking for myself, cable TV saves me money, because $4 a day entertainment costs that keeps me in the house is a lot cheaper than going out. Also a lot of blame on smartphones. For those of us under 40, we probably don't have any other kind of phone and never will. A once in 5-8 year investment in a TV, again, is better entertainment bang for the buck than going out and spending money on overpriced drinks. If it keeps me at home I'm saving money. Ie: one hotel night is an entire month of cable.
Some of this comes from older people that aren't aware of what electronics cost now. Our electronics these days are made in China by slave laborers that try to jump out windows - they are not that expensive anymore. People will see a black person with a smartphone and just *assume* that is evidence of extravagant wasteful spending. I know that I personally cannot distinguish an iPhone 6 from the entry level phones that come with cell plans without actually holding and looking at it.
Completely agree with most of your points. I think it's worth noting than going below $40-$45k, even in a low cost area, can make it hard to live what most consider a normal lifestyle, and I'm not talking about spending excessively going out, traveling, etc - just some basic savings to cover routine, unexpected problems, and not having to pile in with roommates.
My cable, internet, and cell phone are all under $200/month. Cable is the only thing there I'd consider a luxury. Decent internet (25 mbps+) is basically a need in this day and age for paying bills, and I use the phone as my only phone and also to conduct a lot of personal business.
[quote=Serious Conversation;42944937]Cable is the only thing there I'd consider a luxury. quote]
Cable is kinda on it's way out anyway.
All you need is a good internet service and streaming service. For basic channels, a good HDTV antenna will get you 4,5, 7 and fox 25 for the most part. That gets you local news and basic cable programs,...and football! I watched the Superbowl the other night on a $20 over-the-air HD antenna.
As for Netflix and Amazon video, we share accounts in our family. So even that is cheap.
All you need is a good internet service and streaming service. For basic channels, a good HDTV antenna will get you 4,5, 7 and fox 25 for the most part. That gets you local news and basic cable programs,...and football! I watched the Superbowl the other night on a $20 over-the-air HD antenna.
As for Netflix and Amazon video, we share accounts in our family. So even that is cheap.
Agreed - cable has some niche cases. If I could get Fox Sports Midwest and maybe a couple of other stations, I wouldn't really need it. I can get about 10-15 stations with my antenna.
Agreed - cable has some niche cases. If I could get Fox Sports Midwest and maybe a couple of other stations, I wouldn't really need it. I can get about 10-15 stations with my antenna.
Agreed - cable has some niche cases. If I could get Fox Sports Midwest and maybe a couple of other stations, I wouldn't really need it. I can get about 10-15 stations with my antenna.
I just need an alternative to AMC to catch "The Walking Dead"
However, from what I can see, I can get the episode the day after on Amazon for $2.99? Since there is only 8 left, that's $24 total, vs $60 for 3 months of SlingTV.
However, from what I can see, I can get the episode the day after on Amazon for $2.99? Since there is only 8 left, that's $24 total, vs $60 for 3 months of SlingTV.
Yeah, it depends on specific interests. If it's *only* that one show and there's limited episodes left, you might be better off with individual episodes. You could try the $50 best buy promo instead, maybe you could wheel and deal your way to something better.
29 y/o, Bachelor's in Marketing/Global Business-primary job is 45k gross with an average 10-15k additional from part-time work.
Some in my family think I should be earning more and can be pestering at times- but it seems rare nowadays to find the benefits I have-pension, set hours, generous amount of vacation/sick/holidays, guaranteed medical at 25 years (if I even make it), time for interests outside of work including real estate, etc.
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