Monday Evening Link Roundup
It’s Monday and I have a bunch of things to do, so here’s a roundup of posts that I enjoyed reading today.
Have a look and enjoy.
The Simple Dollar asks some very good questions about Jim Cramer.
Wise Bread reviews some products made by Tom’s of Maine.
Mighty Bargain Hunter writes about a situation that might make you think of another question to ask when buying a new home.
Money Hacks gives some good information about building a credit history.
My Two Dollars talks about Wells Fargo’s new virtual record storage service.
Clean Or Drug-Tainted Water?
This morning brought some disturbing news. As many as 41 millions Americans drink water that is tainted with prescription drugs. According to studies, the level of different drugs in the water supply is very low. However, the federal government doesn’t require any tests for prescription drugs in public water supplies.
As a health-conscious person, this news story makes me a little nervous. While the city I live in wasn’t cited in any of the stories, I still have my concerns over the water that I’m putting in my body. Since there haven’t been any real studies on the effects of drinking water that’s tainted with various prescription drugs, the long-term health affects are unknown.
At the grocery store this afternoon I was trying to think if tap water alternatives. My first thought was to buy some bottled water. But that didn’t last long - I remember reading that most bottled water came from a tap - which is no different from what I already have. The only real solution I could think of was to get a house that has its own well. Or possibly a reverse osmosis water filter. I guess I’ll have to do some more research.
How about you? Has this story made you think about the water that you drink? Will you change where you get your water from?
Favorite Airline and Flight Delays
I’ve not said it here before, but JetBlue is my favorite airline. They have the best in-flight entertainment, free head phones and Terra Blue Chips. What’s not to like? Umm - flight delays. The last two times my wife and I have flown JetBlue, the flights have been delayed. In each instance, it wasn’t the airlines fault - but it was nonetheless annoying.
The most recent flight delay occurred this past weekend. At first it didn’t seem like it would be all that bad. I had the laptop with me, so I thought I’d get on the Web and whip out a few blog posts! Much to my surprise, the Internet access wasn’t free and I wasn’t about to pay for it. This is when the delay began to bother me. I had three hours of sitting around ahead of me. Ugghh.
My issue with paying for the Internet access is that I get it free at a coffee shop after spending a few dollars on a coffee. But after spending a bunch of money at the airport, I still have to pay to access the Web. I refuse to pay for it. Next time I fly, I’ll have to plan a little better for situations like this.
My favorite thing to pay for at the airport:
Parking - leave your car in a lot for a few days and - BAM - you owe the airport $30 - $60!
How do you pass the time when your flight is delayed?
Confessions of a Former Mall Rat
Note: JSB is taking it easy today, so guest blogger Mrs. JSB is adding her two cents.
My closet used to get updated on a monthly basis. In college, it was a new sweater here, a pair of jeans there. In the professional world, I acquired a basic work wardrobe and built on it, adding pieces according to the season. At some point, my style shifted — less conservative, more chic — so my closet shifted as well. I lost 10 pounds on the job and had to buy new pants. I kept up with the latest fashion trends and delighted in finding $225 Rock&Republic jeans on sale for $20 at my local boutique.
Those days are over. Now that JSB and I are saving for a house, I’ve become what JSB calls “frugal.” I talk myself out of purchases that probably seem reasonable to normal people. I look for sales, clearances, discounts. I’ve always been a bargain hunter (hello $130 JCrew fitted wool blazer for $30), but these days its hard for me to buy clothing that’s not on sale. $79 for a blouse? I don’t think so. Now if it was $39…
I’ve become neurotic about it and I accept this about myself. The thing is, just when I’m about to lay down the cash for that $45, white, 3/4-length cable knit sweater from The Gap, I think to myself — I already have a sweater like this at home. Do I need the added clutter? Will I ever wear my old sweater if I buy this new sweater? So I put it back on the shelf and walk away.
Of course, I’m not so crazy that I don’t buy anything that’s not a necessity. Yesterday I indulged and bought a scarf from Urban Outfitters that I first spotted two months ago. I figured that if I’m still thinking about it months later, it’s probably a piece of clothing that I’ll wear for years.
I’m learning to be make use of the wardrobe I already have. All of those perfectly fine tops and skirts and dress shirts that are a couple of seasons old. The fun part? Discovering never-before-worn clothes long forgotten, buried at the bottom of my closet. Maybe I need a smaller closet.
Odds Already Stacked Against Me?
It looks as though the odds are stacked against me in my pursuit to get out of debt and save some money in 2008. Over at Consumerism
Commentary, Flexo talks about the resolutions that people make on New Years. One of the favorites over the years - people vow to save more, pay off debt, and reduce spending. You and I know that most people fail in a matter of weeks. I’m no different.
However, Flexo also points out what worked well for him in 2007, and I think he makes an important point.
I did well sticking with my financial goals for 2007 because I wrote them down (and published them online), had a plan, and stuck with it.
I, too, plan to take this same approach - blog about my progress and hold myself accountable. I guess only time will tell if I can beat the odds. How about you - any New Year’s resolutions that you hope to stick to and make happen?
Financial Freedom - Striving Toward a Goal
One of my New Year’s resolutions is to get my finances in order. What that encompasses - I’m not really sure, but this blog will help me track my progress toward reaching that goal.
I plan to be as transparent as possible about my financial situation. In future posts, I’ll outline my net worth and the milestones I’d like to reach. Though my goals aren’t outline yet, I know that they’ll take a lot hard work and dedication to achieve.
I plan to give monthly updates on my progress. In addition, I’ll post random thoughts I have about finances and other things that are relevant.
So there it is - the first post. That wasn’t too difficult!
JSB
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About
Just Squeaking By is a blog about my personal finances and my quest to get them in order. Read more about Just Squeaking By
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