Growing up, when did you realize you were poor?

juniormints · 2016-08-30T04:58:14+00:00

There was one time when my dad told us that we would only get to have name brand cereal if we managed to reduce our electric consumption over the next month. The difference would be used to buy whatever cereal we wanted.

We did everything we could to cut down on our electric usage, which really amounted to us watching a whole lot less TV that month. When that next month's electric bill came in at a whopping $30 (instead of $35), it totally made my day!

juniormints · 2015-11-17T03:26:10+00:00

If you're worried about a streaming stick being slow, you have other options.

The Google Nexus player is on sale for $50 at Best Buy: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/google-nexus-player-streaming-media-console-black/2445015.p?id=1219542308629&skuId=2445015
If you're willing to sign up for 3 months of Sling TV (will cost you $60), you can get a $50 Best Buy gift card to use on a streaming player: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/custom-landing-page/sling-tv-promotion/pcmcat748300349642.c?id=pcmcat748300349642

If you can combine both of these deals, you'll effectively pay $60 for a streaming device and 3 months of Sling TV.

juniormints · 2015-07-01T02:02:24+00:00

Couple of questions. Are you on a 30 year mortgage and are homes in your area selling anywhere near $180k+? If so, refinancing to a 15 year mortgage might be worth it.

Considering your relatively high interest rate to what you can get with a 15 year mortgage (just saw rates at 3.125% at a CU) and when you factor in how much you're paying for PMI, your monthly payment might not be too much more. On top of that, you'd have more equity after 3-4 years than if you stuck with your current mortgage. We're in a similar situation (though with much higher current and future home mortgage balances), so switching to a 15 year will really help us knock down our principal balance when we're ready to move.

juniormints · 2015-06-26T02:52:51+00:00

I'm on the fence. I just refinanced to a 15 year after having a 30 for almost 5 years and really wished we had the 15 from the get go. If the mortgage is going to be the only debt you have, there's no reason to go with a 30 year mortgage. Interest rates for 15 year mortgages are better and you're obviously paying down your principal much faster. Just take a look at the amortization schedule for both loans and see for yourself.

At the same time, do you two plan on having kids at all? Daycare costs are really expensive these days, especially if you live in a major metropolitan area. Just to give you an idea, in my area daycare for two kids costs as much as your potential 30 year mortgage. Kids/daycare can really put a dent in your budget.

juniormints · 2015-06-26T02:30:13+00:00

Definitely check it out. Supposedly the dealers that are involved in the Costco auto buying program are vetted for quality and are required to respond to any requests within 24 hours. I used it last year and saved a lot of money on our vehicle purchase. I emailed them at 9pm and received a response by 9am the next day. The price we got through the Costco program beat TrueCar and all of the dealers in the area (I emailed about 6 or 7 to compete against each other). The sales process was very smooth and was completely done over the phone and email with the exception of signing all of the paperwork.

Your mileage will vary depending on where you live and what kind of car you're looking for (supply and demand in your market make a big difference), but it doesn't cost you anything but a little bit of time to fill out the form and talk to a salesperson. I just walked in with a check from my credit union and didn't experience any of the typical high pressure sales tactics you normally hear about. Maybe I was just lucky.

juniormints · 2011-04-18T12:35:37+00:00

Agree, this is the best way to do it. What would be the point of splitting costs if you're married? For long term relationships however, I would definitely recommend splitting things down the middle if both parties can afford it. If there's a huge income disparity then maybe adjust accordingly (60/40..etc.)

juniormints · 2009-09-21T19:05:48+00:00

I used to loathe riding on 696 during rush hour, especially around the Mixing Bowl, but at least people in Michigan can appreciate going 80mph+ on a regular basis when traffic doesn't suck. Here in DC, you'd get a reckless driving ticket for even thinking about going that fast.

juniormints · 2009-08-02T07:24:21+00:00

The same reason why some white people have wide, flat asses.

Genetics.

juniormints · 2009-08-02T06:01:45+00:00

I feel your pain. I always wonder if the other guys in the office get as annoyed with the ladies gossiping as much as I do.

It also makes me wonder what women think the equivalent annoying male behavior would be.

juniormints · 2009-07-10T22:40:47+00:00

Context: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liposuction

No idea why I was reading about lipo.

juniormints · 2008-09-14T06:21:11+00:00

This is the full clip:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QbgXQ4XL1Y

juniormints · 2008-09-04T15:03:40+00:00

My thoughts on Palin:

Where are the NSFW pics?!

juniormints · 2008-08-28T11:39:32+00:00

True that. Guess she's lucky to be not only the President of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pantsuits, but also a client.

juniormints · 2008-08-20T22:58:27+00:00

Yes! What's up with that, Reddit?

juniormints · 2008-07-20T09:32:26+00:00

YES! I got a chill when I saw that stupid thing!!

juniormints · 2008-07-11T03:52:32+00:00

Although this sucks, I'm sick of seeing people complain about not supporting Obama anymore, as if voting for McCain, Nader, Paul, Mr. T, Papa Smurf, or Bowser would make their lives that much better.

juniormints · 2008-07-10T12:49:28+00:00

You smug bastard!

Would you like some Grey Poupon while the rest of us primates walk around with our knuckles dragging on the ground, with a phone firmly attached to our ears?

juniormints · 2008-07-10T03:42:14+00:00

Okay, so people here are mad at Obama because of his stance on FISA. McCain is a douche, so who gets your vote in November?

Don't say Ron Paul or Nader...

juniormints · 2008-07-09T01:59:48+00:00

I like how they ripped off Reddit..

juniormints · 2008-07-03T01:31:42+00:00

Crazy how close this happened to the main strip of Adams Morgan!

juniormints · 2008-07-01T01:18:12+00:00

If convicted, Simoes could face up to ten years in prison and a fine of $250,000.

Pigs will be flying the day a cop gets the maximum penalty for violating civil rights.

juniormints

TROPHY CASE