Frugal Web: Bits and Pieces and Questions

Frugal Web: Bits and Pieces and Questions

Since being downsized by my fulltime job and relying on my part-time job, I have signed up for health insurance through my part-time job only to find out that dental is not included in medical insurance options. Since I don't want a year like I had in 2009 when I had to get 2 crowns, I have been keeping up with the brushing and flossing but have yet to get to a dentist in almost a year for a cleaning.

However, I am signed up for Groupon(aff.) and have found a few deals that have spoken to me, such as some museum tickets that were 56% off and the Denver Post subscription and then this  dental exam, x-ray, cleaning and teeth whitening kit for $29. I had to make the appointment for 3 weeks out, which really isn't that bad. I have yet to bite into the idea of picking up dental insurance and after this appointment I will be closer to deciding if I should get it or not.

Question 1: Any perspective from you all on the dental insurance?

After receiving a sample deodorant from Secret and using it once, the sample product fell apart with the top half breaking off from the bottom. Since the trial period wasn't what I hoped I decided to write to them and see if they would send another sample out to me. They responded with, "Thanks for contacting Secret, Dawn.
I'm sorry about your experience with our Secret Clinical Strength Sample. We'd love to make it up to you, and since you provided your name and postal address, I'm sending you something in the mail I hope you'll enjoy.  You should receive it within the next 2-3 weeks.
I hope you'll find it was worth the wait! "

And after waiting a week, I received a regular size deodorant instead of the sample with a few coupons. Well worth the 2 minutes to email them.  I have yet to have a poor experience writing a company. It worked with the chocolate bars, the cracked slow cooker and others. I don't do it often, but I try to make the email as factual and helpful as possible while in the end giving my name and address, since I presume they will be so kind as to reward me for my unique and thoughtful insight. {wink}

Question 2: What are your experiences writing companies? Better results writing or calling them?

I've told you before how much I love my library, especially the now defunct bookmobile. My counties libraries, which there are 7 of them have some wonderful resources, 3 of the libraries are within a 15 minute drive to me.  Next Saturday they having free admission to hear a harpist and flutist play and they have a free class on Biz Start-Up Basics offered by the local chamber for two hours.

They also have teamed up with Freegal and offer 3 free music downloads a week to add to my work out and bedtime music list. I realize that not all libraries do the same things, some less and other more. But I am very thankful for the little things that they offer to make my life a bit more pleasant.

Question 3: What about your library are you appreciative of?

You might also like:

Catching up on the day to day

A Frugal Look Back at September

Organizing the Money, Bills and Tools

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5 Obstacles to Financial Fitness

5 Obstacles to Financial Fitness

You want to be financially fit. You know all about buying generic and what needs to be done to start a budget. You know what is involved in starting your retirement fund and how much to sock away. You can even picture a future with fewer stresses and possibly an early retirement.

So why aren't you on the road to that frugal success you read about?
Simply put, there are life issues that block that path to financial fitness and I want to spotlight 5 of them below.

1. It's A Bother

It's a pain in the arse having to keep tabs on everything you buy. Not only that, it may very well be in our DNA to try to take the easiest route possible and tracking spending doesn't seem very easy. In your mind you think that it is a waste of time with no immediate results, if any and your eyes rolling is the physical manifestation of that thought.

flickr/cc - Brian Forbes

The solution: Think about something in your current financial state that makes your life difficult. Are you staying awake at night because of bills? Is the thought of taking a sick day off from work causing you pain in your neck and shoulders? Focus on the negative situation you are in now and convince and inspire yourself to change, to make your life better by any means necessary.

2. It Takes To Long

Just like wanting to make life less painful, we also want to make life a pleasure, with immediate gratification the easiest way to get that result. This may have served you well while you had the money to toss at every whim but lately things responsibility and bills have laid claim to every penny you own and even those you will earn in the future.

The solution: Extra spending on impulse items or grabbing the credit card to feel better is not the answer. There are other ways to stimulate your self-gratification center of the brain. Find an activity in your area that is free or minimal in price and partake in them regularly.

Recently I was watching at the local park as guys were flying model planes around and got into a conversation with a man who knew quite a lot about each model plane that went up. I asked if he had one of his own. His answer was that he didn't have the money for these planes but he participated in the local club as a volunteer and that allowed him to be around them and help them oil or fix up planes on occasion and that was satisfactory for him.

You can retrain your brain to see the free events around you and crave those pleasures while keeping your money safe.

3. Way To Busy

Let's face it, it isn't uncommon these days to talk with neighbors and co-workers and find out they have a 2nd or 3rd job on top of raising a kid or two. We are so busy that when doctors suggest we get 7-8 hours of sleep to keep us healthy, we laugh out loud. This fast-paced, constantly going schedule certainly is a good enough reason to not worry about being financially fit. Besides, when things slow down, then we can take a look at the retirement plan.

flickr/cc -andryone

The solution: Prioritize what is really important in life. If you are a perfectionist, it's time to let go of that standard and remove a few commitments from your schedule so that you are able to continue on a healthy financial path and won't be running this fast-paced life for the next 20 years or more. Remind yourself that taking care of your financial health is a way to take care of your physical health as well.

4. I Don't Deserve It

As odd as the idea may sound, sometimes we get it in our head that the personality we have is one of "work till you die" and if anything good happens to you, it must be a mistake. Think about times that you may have self-sabotaged your goal to get rid of debt or get started on the 401k plan. If you don't believe deep down that you deserve a life free of debt, a future where you have a savings, then you will never give yourself a chance to attain that goal.

The solution: First off, I believe that each one of us deserve a life without debt, no matter. I urge you to dig deep down and uncover those reasons why you don't think you do. This may be a "come to Jesus" or a "come to Jillian" moment. Once you conquer your feelings of unworthiness, getting a budget and a savings plan will become a much easier goal.

5. It's Really Scary

Failure is a real problem, it happens and it happens often. You be afraid to start for fear of failure but also afraid to start for fear of success. Even being successful at reaching a goal can freak you out because it means change, it means a new way of life - even if it is a change in the right direction.

flickr/cc - hozinja

The solution: As Zig Zigler has said, "Failure is a detour, not a dead-end street." When you decide to get financially fit you will go through many changes a new way of spending, a new way of saving, a new way of looking at each dollar, a new way of shopping and a new self-image. Focus on the positive effects this new financially fit life will bring to you. Envision a better life everyday so that it goes from being a new and scary idea to a familiar and comfortable one.

41 Things Living Frugally Has Taught Me

41 Things Living Frugally Has Taught Me

Anytime frugality is brought up in a conversation, eventually the talk turns to those who are extreme in their frugality. I know that there are some things that I do that are too extreme for my co-workers and some things they do that are beyond the pale for me.

But frugality isn't about shocking your friends and family. Frugality isn't an extreme sport where there are winners and losers. It is a way to get from point A to point B, financially and as long as you are not hurting yourself or others in being frugal, have fun!

I thought I would list a few things I have learned from living frugally over the years:

1. Quality matters as much or more than price in most situations
2. Patience does pay off, and it can only be self-taught
3. Friends and family matter more than where you gather or what you eat
4. It truly is the giver and not the gift that makes the longer lasting impression
5. Cutting down on eating meat stretches my dollar very quickly
6. Water is the greatest benefit to body and wallet
7. When you start small, DIY projects aren't so scary

8. Laughing, exercise and talking are doubly beneficial; both free and healthy
9. Time is equal to or greater than money in most situations
10. Having another support you on your frugal journey is like being wrapped in a warm blanket
11. The library is the greatest resource, next to paved roads and emergency responders, for which I am happy to pay taxes for
12. Going for a drive to nowhere with a friend to talk and daydream is priceless
13. Warehouse clubs are both a godsend and an evil temptation
14. Nothing beats a beautiful day walking your dog barefoot in the grass (as you watch where you step)
15. Handing coupons over to a friend who appreciates them makes me feel good
16. Actions do speak louder than words, eventually people will pick up what you are talking about
17. Haggling isn't so bad once you get started
18. Vinegar and baking soda are invaluable products
19. Staycations can be quite fun for all involved

20. A hobby doesn't have to be expensive
21. Sometimes all you need for a bad day is a smile from a baby to forget
22. It is a great feeling to have more control over finances when you know what is coming in and going out
23. Picking through trash to find a gem is a great high
24. And decluttering could become just as addictive
25. Being proud of my frugality and speaking out about it has taught me that others can learn from me and I from them
26. You get along better with your partner when your debt isn't piled up and stressing you both out
27. There are more free activities in my city than I have time to do and that is very cool
28. Life is less stressful when you aren't worried about what others think because you have a goal and a plan
29. With a little time to be creative I can find ways around buying new
30. New doesn't always mean better. Old, antique, worn and used are good words as well
31. Being frugal can seem scary, but with little steps it is amazing what you can achieve
32. I really don’t need half the stuff that I think I want

33. Sitting out in the warm sun is the best vacation, whether the fish are biting or not
34. It's amazing what "sleeping on it" can do for a buying decision
35. Food portion control can save money and health
36. Eating healthy doesn't have to be expensive
37. Homemade cafe mocha beats out all fancy coffees anyday
38. If you have the space, a stocked freezer or pantry is a thrilling sight to see
39. The value of asking myself "Do I need this?" is priceless for saving money
40. Being frugal has allowed me to help others more through financial means

Can you help me with the 41th one? 

What are some things you have learned living frugally?