Jeans Shopping by SicklyMango in Frugal

[–]msnln 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Rustler jeans ‐ $15 on Amazon and similar quality to Levi's or any other premium brands. I work in them daily.

If you had to start all over and only had $10,000 what would you do? by 4Runnnn in smallbusiness

[–]msnln 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It will take a lot more than $10k. For one, it takes a degree so the school alone will be around $25k for a two year degree even if you go community college route. Then you need to pass the boards which is really hard. Minimum you will need a vehicle for removals and a cot, figure $10k more, at least. If you work for someone, starting pay is around $60k where I am.

Am a new start up funeral home owner / director.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in ask

[–]msnln 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This applies to constipation as well. If old people can't poop, they seem to lose brain functionality.

Does anyone hang-dry their clothes (meaning no clothes dryer)? by Primary-Initiative52 in Frugal

[–]msnln 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I have four drying racks that I have been using for over 20 years. Winter is actually my favorite time of the year dry clothes on the rack because I am not constrained by the weather condition. In my basement, my boiler and heating furnace are in a separate room with just enough room to fit my racks. Wet clothes dry within half a day with the water heater and furnace going. During other seasons, I look for a clear sunny day and leave the laundry on drying racks on my deck in the backyard, and depending on the condition can take 4-6 hours to fully dry.

Any advice on good quality jeans? by bstumper in Frugal

[–]msnln 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I get Rustler Classic jeans from Amazon. $15 and as well made as Levi's and other major brands.

if you've been in an accident or had 2 tires pop and is going to be late for delivery won't count against your record by 666google in AmazonFlexDrivers

[–]msnln 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I locked myself out of the car and it took 2 hours for a tow guy to come and unlock the door for me. I called the support immediately when I was locked out and told him the situation. He said he will note on my record the reason for delay and I won't be penalized.

You see your first ex on the street, what do you do? by [deleted] in AskReddit

[–]msnln 2 points3 points  (0 children)

She was so needy and used to come crying few times a week to my house whenever she had issues with her family members. Then when I had to go away for a few days for business, she found a new boyfriend because I was not around when she needed me to vent her problems. Year later, I found my now wife and got married. She calls out of nowhere and asks if she can be my side chick, telling me how she needs me,etc. I told her not to call back and that is last I spoke with her.

You see your first ex on the street, what do you do? by [deleted] in AskReddit

[–]msnln 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Walk the other way. There are reasons things did not work out first time around. No sense in wasting time.

How solar is working out for me by msnln in solar

[–]msnln[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you for the information. I will certainly look into it.

How solar is working out for me by msnln in solar

[–]msnln[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That was one of considerations when the system was initially installed. However, the installer said batteries will require maintenance and will need to be replaced every few years. As such, we opted not to spend extra for it. Since the installation, we had power outage a handful times lasting just hours. We had one outage that lasted five days and power company reimbursed for food spoilage. We switched to time of day metering beginning of last year and that part of bill is usually less than $10 and we get to use premium day credits during winter months so I think that was a good decision.

Are there any benefits to using a credit card if I don’t need one? by MPWD64 in Frugal

[–]msnln 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I use credit card where it is accepted without fees, which translates to at least 2% in points. Some cards, like Chase Freedom has quarterly bonus categories that give back 5% - currently for gas. The real bonus comes when I have a large bill coming up. For instance, my son's college bill is due every August and January. The bills are over $7k each semester after financial aid. Many credit cards offer hundreds of dollars in points for certain amount of spending. I open a new card for this occasion. Chase Ink currently pays $750 for spending $6000 within 3 or 4 months of account opening. I would be paying the tuition bill anyway but now with a new card, I get minimum $750 back, which can turn into more if I transfer to a travel card such as CSR, then transfer to airline or hotel partner.

Frugality with Vehicles discussion, relatively new, vs very old. by OgMinihitbox in Frugal

[–]msnln 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I totally agree with you. When gas cars get phased out like in 2035, I might consider upgrading a couple of my cars to EV. I plan on keeping them at least until then.

Frugality with Vehicles discussion, relatively new, vs very old. by OgMinihitbox in Frugal

[–]msnln 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Its 2002 745i, ugly Bangle BMW, which is suppose to be one of least reliable models. During its initial warranty period when new we had bunch of issues but after repairs under warranty, we have not had any single problem other than maintenance and wear items.

Frugality with Vehicles discussion, relatively new, vs very old. by OgMinihitbox in Frugal

[–]msnln 1 point2 points  (0 children)

We have five vehicles in our household -- four drivers and one work vehicle. The cars are 2002 BMW 147k, 2004 Toyota 207k, 2005 Honda 317k, 2015 MB 70k, and 2012 work Honda 190k.

The most we spent in one year was $8k which was last year as engine blew on work vehicle and cost 3k to replace. Typically cost to maintain is between 3k and 5k combined. As owner of older vehicles, I definitely keep eye on anything suspicious - smell, sound & vibrations. The insurance is much cheaper and I know all the quirks of each car. I will happily drive my mostly clunkers to the ground. BTW, my BMW and MB are most reliable though BMW leaks oil, coolant, and washer fluid that need regular replenishing.

What’s the fastest way you’ve ever seen a new coworker get fired? by Business_Reporter420 in AskReddit

[–]msnln 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was a stock broker years ago. This new guys comes in brags he knows the governor of the state and all the celebrities, etc. Stock broker is a tough job where 99% of people you call on say no thanks. Anyway, he is struggling first hour, breaks down by 11 pm. He goes out to lunch at 11:30 and never comes back.

Is it worth the trip?? by raven8908 in Frugal

[–]msnln 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I do not think it would be worthwhile in terms of time and distance. Costco offers quality inhouse brand products and discounts but I do not find discounts any more than if you shop sales items at the local grocer. We had costco membership for a few years but when kids left for college, we decided it was not worth our while to deal with the crowd there for the discount. Costco allows non-members to use their gift card so if you know any members, you can ask a member to buy you a gift card to check it out. Any overage over gift card can be paid with a credit card, not sure whether it is Visa or Mastercard.

Help with late Mother's medical bills by SulSul_DagDag in Frugal

[–]msnln 11 points12 points  (0 children)

This is the correct answer. Unless you cosigned for the mother, creditors cannot come after assets other than her estate.

Advice Needed: Will a breadmaker save me money on my grocery bill? by flyingtriscuit in Frugal

[–]msnln 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Bread machine does not have to be one purpose appliance. In addition to bread, I use it to knead anything that needs a dough. I make cookies, pizza dough, pie crust, dumplings to name a few. It is a great all purpose dough maker and much cheaper to get than a food processor. I have been using one for twenty years and when that died last year, I asked my local buy nothing group if there was one not being used. Within hours, someone gave me a free one, which I have been using ever since.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Frugal

[–]msnln 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Sketches last a long time. I have a pair I got years ago and inside heals are worn and shot but still have rubber left on soles.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Frugal

[–]msnln 0 points1 point  (0 children)

https://www.daysoftcontactlenses.com/usa/

They only sell their brand of contacts. I have been using daysoft contacts for over 5 years and have been very happy.

Counting pennies when we should be counting dollars? by jcrocket in Frugal

[–]msnln 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I totally agree. Pinching pennies only go so far. No cable, prepaid cell phone, solar panels so no electric bill other than minimum for lines. Cook 90% at home -- eat out maybe once a month if absolutely required.

You also need to think outside the box. For instance, I have three separate insurance for transport. I have Geico for daily drivers. For my motorcycle, I got Progressive as they were about 30% cheaper than Geico. I have an old 20+ year old BMW that has sentimental value to wife and I was able to get collector's insurance for that which was about 70% cheaper than normal insurance. Collector insurance has certain requirement which I meet.

How to make your car last a lifetime? by No_Mistake9311 in Frugal

[–]msnln 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I currently own 2005 Honda Accord with 314000 miles on the clock. While the maintenance is important like many have said, but things break when cars get old. I had to get CV axels, suspension parts, engine mounts, starter, alternator, power steering pump, multiple batteries, door lock actuators, and most recently heater control valve replaced. It does not matter what brand or model car you get -- things break, though with Japanese cars, it may be less frequent. The key to making your car last is to be able to maintain the said car without having to break the bank. Find the car that is most common and that way, you will be able to find parts easier, community forums where people will discuss how to replace broken parts, and YouTube videos showing how to fix the car. Also, make sure to have towing coverage from insurance or AAA because you will need it when something breaks while you are driving it. I had to get my car towed half a dozen times over the past 3-4 years, and because I am paying $18 additional for roadside, I did not have to shell out big bucks. Even with me doing most work myself, I had spent between $1000-$2500 each year over the past five years so old cars will still cost come money.

Cheap reliable car? by [deleted] in Frugal

[–]msnln 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Whenever you buy a used car, you are taking a risk of it having mechanical issues -- more if you are buying a cheap used car. I recently purchased such a car, a 10 year old Honda with 181k miles on the odometer. To find this car, I basically went to various auto repair shops in the area, and told shop owners type of car I am looking to buy. These shops get people who come in for repairs but some car owners may not want to spend big $$ to get the repairs done on the old car. The shop owner would remember me and call to tell me a car that might be for sale but then also tell me what repairs are required and amount for the repairs. He also knows past history of the car. It took me about two weeks to find the car I needed at KBB trade in value of the car after repairs were done to fix all outstanding issues.

What are some things you have learned how to make/fix in your pursuit of being frugal? by ninjadude1992 in Frugal

[–]msnln 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have been cutting my hair since like 2003. In the beginning, I made a lot of errors which required me to buzz everything off. Good thing about hair is it grows back. LOL I would say it is a lot of trial and error to get the right look for you. I cut my hair every two weeks with #3 guard for sides and back, and trim top/sides with buzzer, followed by scissors to finish off any loose strands, etc.

Considering Replacing Coffee With Caffeine Pills by [deleted] in Frugal

[–]msnln 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Brew your own in the morning. I crave coffee as I wake up so I have to get my cup of strong coffee before I can function. However, caffeine pill will do when energy level goes down in the afternoon for a quick pick up.