Retiring on a literal shoestring: support group (moving, social security, years)

[greatblueheron]

I like this thread too, Clark Park.

You reminded me to check out clothing at thrift stores (as well as other items)....many years ago, as a struggling RN just out of school, I bought nearly all my clothing at thifts. Loved "vintage" clothes from the 30s-40s and found so many interesting items...some for a low as $.50 a jacket etc. They were awesome and no one ever had anything like mine!

I have gotten good ideas from this post and the frugal living one as well.
Keep saving!

[rose3408]

I sent you a private message!

[newenglandgirl]

Originally Posted by Umbria

IKEA | Home furnishings, kitchens, appliances, sofas, beds, mattresses

Maybe you can get more info from them on delivery.

Umbria and others, I have to get new appliances for my new place. Is IKEA known for quality fridges, stoves, washer/dryer? What is your exp with them?

What do you think of stacking washer/dryer units? I don't have room for side by side. If one unit breaks down, do they both break down?

Which brands are likely to last me the longest in terms of years?

[Umbria]

I have no experience with Ikea, but when I bought my regular front load washer/dryer there was a frame I could have gotten to stack them. Since they are separate units, if one needed repair/replacement, the other was still OK. I suspect this may be true of all/most front load machines - FRONT load is the key.

[loveautumn]

I have a Maytag stackable washer & dryer and bought it 15 years ago. Have had not one bit of trouble with it (knock on wood) and just had it serviced for the 1st time in 15 years. You know what they say about the Maytag repairman! But I was told that the new ones now are not made with materials as good as the older models (more plastic instead of metal), which doesn't surprise me. I still think it's a great product.

The washer and dryer in my older model do run on the same motor so if the motor goes then both units wouldn't work, but then you only have one motor to worry about instead of two.

[newenglandgirl]

Originally Posted by Umbria

I have no experience with Ikea, but when I bought my regular front load washer/dryer there was a frame I could have gotten to stack them. Since they are separate units, if one needed repair/replacement, the other was still OK. I suspect this may be true of all/most front load machines - FRONT load is the key.

OK, so a front load washer that goes with a stacking dryer is a separate unit?
I'll check into that, thanks!

[Umbria]

NEG - Right - they are both just regular machines but with the frame, they can be stacked to save space. The washer would be on the bottom since it is the heavier unit. Now I'm wondering about how you would access the dryer controls if they are on the top of the machine??????????????? May have be look for one with controls on the front OR get a ladder

[newenglandgirl]

Originally Posted by Umbria

NEG - Right - they are both just regular machines but with the frame, they can be stacked to save space. The washer would be on the bottom since it is the heavier unit. Now I'm wondering about how you would access the dryer controls if they are on the top of the machine??????????????? May have be look for one with controls on the front OR get a ladder

Where does one buy Maytag--at Sears?

[Clark Park]

I have mixed feelings about IKEA. I like most of the products they sell, especially dishes, glasswear, towels, rugs, etc. My only negative observation is that the furniture is flimsy and not very durable. The furniture is good for college kids moving into a dorm for two years.

For furniture, you'll pay a little more - BUT - you can do better with the much heavier, more solidly built, durable, and assembled pieces at Ashley Furniture which is still affordable. Just my opinion.

Now that I'm living a frugal lifestyle I think the best thing is to buy used stuff, especially thrift stores. As I live in a part of a city that is also a college town - 4 colleges and universities within 1 mile of my house! - I find good stuff for free on the night before trash pick up day on the sidewalk. For instance I found two heavy "country style" oak armchairs that grace my front porch ... I can't believe someone was throwing these perfectly good chairs out!!

If you think I'm a slob I just want to say that I live in a 120 year old Victorian home with stained glass windows, fireplaces, pocket doors, crystal chandeliers and marble topped furniture.

The trick is to appear affluent, and yet live on a shoe string. This is something I aspire to, and I am learning to achieve. Almost nobody knows how broke I have been in the past, and how I managed to live rather well on a meager budget.

[TRosa]

Originally Posted by Clark Park

I have mixed feelings about IKEA. I like most of the products they sell, especially dishes, glasswear, towels, rugs, etc. My only negative observation is that the furniture is flimsy and not very durable. The furniture is good for college kids moving into a dorm for two years.

For furniture, you'll pay a little more - BUT - you can do better with the much heavier, more solidly built, durable, and assembled pieces at Ashley Furniture which is still affordable. Just my opinion.

Now that I'm living a frugal lifestyle I think the best thing is to buy used stuff, especially thrift stores. As I live in a part of a city that is also a college town - 4 colleges and universities within 1 mile of my house! - I find good stuff for free on the night before trash pick up day on the sidewalk. For instance I found two heavy "country style" oak armchairs that grace my front porch ... I can't believe someone was throwing these perfectly good chairs out!!

If you think I'm a slob I just want to say that I live in a 120 year old Victorian home with stained glass windows, fireplaces, pocket doors, crystal chandeliers and marble topped furniture.

The trick is to appear affluent, and yet live on a shoe string. This is something I aspire to, and I am learning to achieve. Almost nobody knows how broke I have been in the past, and how I managed to live rather well on a meager budget.

You are my kind of shopper. In the past, I obtained some amazing finds from thrift shops and pieces of furniture that students were getting rid of end of school year. Not ashamed to admit, I don't have much in the way of monetary means, but many, I've encountered seemed to think otherwise till I make them aware of just how little funds I am partnered to. I used to get so giddy when telling everyone about my finds, that there came a time a couple of my friends said I should stop sharing the details about my thrifty purchases, because it would devalue the items in their pupils. Funny those same friends started joining me on my little thrifty shopping trips to get in on those devalued finds.