I had the complete opposite problem, I grew up without a need in the world and very unrealistic about money. My parents are upper middle class and they paid for everything for me. So when I started out on my own, I immediately starting living paycheck to paycheck even though I had a good salary. I didn’t learn…

0% interest and a year to pay off is just smart. I automate payments for the next year and sit on it easy. Every week we were paying $50 for new furniture for one year. Better than eating $2500 at once.

I think my biggest problem is these hockey stick expenses. My wife and I are financial set with the house and savings but then some life event occurs and we get dangerously close to our buffer.

Two toothpicks, one on each side.

Excellent post. Probably just one thing to add to this... YOUR BUFFER SHOULD NOT BE YOUR EMERGENCY FUND. Your emergency fund should be part of your savings or a different account altogether that you can’t dip into unless you need it.

Asking why there is a vacancy is INVALUABLE! You can get a serious read about what the position is going to be like and why it is open. If someone was fired, you need to know why? Maybe you are setting yourself up for failure without knowing.

I am so glad that you got back to me. I was about to start searching again and just look at dealer ads.

Yes...yes they are.

But when I WANT to be indulgent, Sticky Toffee Pudding Frappucino is my jam. I still feel bad about it later but because I know I am bad, I feel less guilty. Look the easiest way to explain this is, “I’m a hypocrite.”

I inherited the ceramics casserole dishes that my parents received for their wedding. I have no idea how they look so beautiful and pristine after 40 years.

Carl, maybe it is a generational thing but I’ve seen older folk keep appliances well beyond their life expectancy. I don’t know if its just adding an extra bit of care and regular maintenance or maybe a different mentality. I have a $6 toaster that I’ve never cleaned out but once a single thing goes wrong with it,…

Definitely not judging anyone else for loving Starbucks. I enjoy it myself from time to time. But I admittedly feel it is a guilty pleasure. Its not healthy and even though it gives me a wonderful caffeine burst I should be putting something better in my body.

Drinkable pudding and cake is the best way to describe their over-sugared frothy nonsense. I feel less guilty about ordering it when I say, “no whip.”

More Christmas than New Years but a ham.

So do I, but that is a constant problem.

Another trick and this works better for barbecue flavors is using mustard instead.

This is awesome! The Honeydews are in the market for a new SUV.

Someday I hope to make this prestigious list.

I have to wait for the second tree on my property to grow full size before I set anything like this up.

You’re absolutely right. Its pretty bad to go somewhere insincerely.