Thrift

Verizon Frustration

2009-05-15T13:27:00.000-07:00

Hello, Thrifters,

I haven't written since last winter--more on that another time.

Wanted to quickly share an absurd encounter that ultimately validates the worth of hanging in there with customer service issues.

I recently signed up for a mobile broadband account with Verizon Wireless. I now own a cute little (overpriced) USB wireless modem and for $60/month, I can use it to download 5GB of data each month.

The gizmo had a 30-day money back guarantee, so I waited until it ended to pay my bill as the jury was out until the last minute.

I then tried to go online to pay, but in order to set up an account, I had to have a temporary password. The only way to get a temp pw was to receive a text message.

Verizon has set up their mobile broadband service as though it's a mobile phone service. I have a phone number attached to my account. But, remember, I don't *actually* have a mobile phone, just a little USB dongle/router.

Since there was no way around the temp pw text situation and my bill was due, I put a check in the mail.

I then got my next bill, which included a $5.00 late fee and a .20 cent charge for the text.

It's the kind of eye-roll inducing big-sigh moment when you wonder if it really is worth it to make a phone call and navigate the phone trees and talk to at least one person just to get your money back.

I decided it was.

Luckily, I was able to convince the automated voice to give me a human being fairly quickly. Three selections and an assertive "speak to a representative" command later, Lisa came on the line.

At first, my dilemma puzzled her. "Did you post-date your check?" she wanted to know.

"What?...Post-date? No." I couldn't think what else to say.

Turns out, the check was received and credited to my account nine days after it was due, so she thought I had post-dated it.

At any rate, she was nice and after I explained the reason for my late fee--couldn't pay online because couldn't get a text message--she refunded me for the late fee and also for the text message, which was supposed to be free.

After a short while on hold, she then connected me to Collette, who took me through a circuitous pre-determined script for setting up my online account. Turns out, I *can* receive text messages to my modem (who knew??) via the management software. She showed me how to find the password.

A few frustrating Verizon.com loop-de-loos later, and I was in. I paid my next bill early.

But, we'll see if the two additional texts with two new passwords that Collette and I sent to my modem result in forty more cents on my next bill.

Collette, by the way, confirmed they are supposed to be free. What a racket, right? If Verizon is forcing any customer who wants to pay their bills online to receive a text message and pay .20 cents for it...those cents would really add up.

For another Verizon encounter, read this blog post from a colleague of mine.

Saving Money at the Holidays

2008-12-14T10:12:00.000-08:00

It's no secret that the--well, "secret"-- to having more money is basically to earn more and spend less. But knowing this and doing this is very much like knowing the secret to weight loss is essentially to eat less and burn more calories. It's easy to comprehend the math; it's difficult to figure out how to change your life in order to incorporate it. Our American lives have so much capitalist momentum--so much STUFF--and we've developed such bad habits, with both food and money, that stopping ourselves and making changes feels a lot like trying to stop a supertanker going full tilt at an iceberg.

The secret, by the way, to saving the Titanic was to accelerate, not slow down. The oceanliner couldn't stop in time to avoid the iceberg. What Captain Smith needed--apart from heeding the iceberg warnings in the first place--was to accelerate in order to fuel the powerful turn that was needed. It's against our instinct, though, to step on the gas when headed for a crisis. So, of course, he ordered the opposite of what was needed, and the ship slowed down, couldn't turn fast enough, and it grazed the iceberg all along the side of its hull--a fate more deadly that if it had simply hit the thing head-on, it would seem. Well, you know the rest.

Hindsight, of course, is 20-20. Mostly.

Where am I going with all of this? I'm going to Christmas. Or, to other holidays, if you celebrate them at this time of year and if they tend to wear you out and cost you lots.

Reduce, re-use, recycle

I just finished wrapping what I think is my last Christmas gift of the season. I may still have one more to go, depending on whether we can find the wireless doorbell my brother and sister-in-law are hoping for.

I'm the world's worst wrapper, I confess. But all of the gifts are wrapped, labeled, and some of them even have lovely bows. And I wrapped them all--about 20 gifts in total--without purchasing a single ribbon, bow, or sheet of paper this year.

Every year, I carefully unwrap and save paper when possible--at all occasions--and I gather up and save bows, ribbons, and gift bags. I also planned ahead and bought six rolls of wrapping paper 75% off on clearance after Christmas last year. This allowed me to get away with not spending a single penny on wrapping this season. And, I still have four and a half rolls left for next year.

I made a point of buying some paper last season that was not exclusively seasonal--silver with polka dots for instance and red and white striped and solid green. I used these throughout the year for birthday gifts and other presents and they worked just fine. So, my total wrapping costs this year? About $2.00, if you count what I invested in paper at the end of last season.

Do you gift wrap?

This question is one of the best ones you can ask this time of year.

"Do you gift wrap?" And "Is it free?" come out of my mouth at any retailer where this seems even remotely likely.

It turns out that a surprising number of stores offer free gift-wrapping, but it's been my experience that almost none of them advertise it.

I got free gift bags with tissue for two gifts I purchased at Silkweeds in Bucksport. I also got gifts wrapped at A Different Drummer's Kitchen in Northampton. Ten Thousand Villages will give you free gift boxes with informative inserts, if you ask. Barnes and Noble also gift wraps, I think.

Set limits and stick to them

Rather than going pell-mell at Christmas, take a firm and reasoned approach. When I spoke about accelerating in a crisis, I did not mean you should accelerate your spending.

It may be too late now, but whether it's this year or next, before you buy one single, solitary gift, figure out what you can really spend. This should be your first step, always. Proceed from there.

Don't think about what others will spend on you. Don't think about what you wish you could give, or--God forbid--what you feel you should give. Don't let guilt guide you. Think about what you honest-to-god can afford to buy, in cash, right now, for Christmas.

I am hear to tell you that it IS possible to buy or make wonderful Christmas presents without breaking your bank.

Finding good deals

I always seem to manage somehow to get by at Christmas and stick to my budget. In the years when I was really broke, it made me super-sad and super stressed out to try and find gifts for measly amounts. Now, I have slightly more freedom, which really does help. Nevertheless, it is possible to spend as little as $5 or $10 and get a nice gift--and by nice, I mean one that will make the recipient happy.

A few tips:

Start early. Start planning, searching, thinking, researching, saving, and hording gifts as early as September.
Pay attention. If you are a true thrifter, you spend time at discount department stores, thrift stores, yard sales, and the like. Pay attention all year round and you can pick up things that will be beloved by your Christmas gift recipients, but that would be hard to find for such a low price on short notice. Store them someplace safe. If you pay attention to prices and what you can usually find on sale, then when it comes time to buy later in the year, you'll know how much a digital picture frame or your mother's favorite candy usually costs and you won't be taken in by hyped up sales. You'll know a good value when you see one. Last, but not least, pay attention to the people in your life and notice what they really want. This year my boyfriend is unemployed again. Last year, I showered him with gifts thinking it would cheer him up. And he liked them and was sweet about it. But this year, he let slip that Christmas sucks when you're poor. I know this all too well, but I couldn't resist the urge to give last year. This year, I realized that it made him feel crummy that he wasn't able to match my gift-giving. So, this year, even though I wanted to give him the moon, I spent only a fraction of what I spent last year. I got him a few gifts that I know he'll love and spent only about $30. My biggest gift to him was to resist the urge to give. I also paid attention when my stepmother started saying a few years ago that she just can't stand the idea of having any more stuff. For her, gift certificates, edibles (or drinkables), or experiences are much better gifts than another sweater or pair of earrings.
Do due diligence. Don't buy anything unless you're sure it's a good deal. Make sure you know return policies and warranty information where applicable. Research all purchases online to see if you really are getting the best deal. Googling the product name will get you started. You can also go directly to the retailers you'd be likely to buy from. And shopping bots, such as MySimon.com and PriceGrabber.com, are also useful tools.
Use Half.com. I've come to rely on Half.com, which is now owned by eBay, for books and DVDs. You can find new or gently used copies of books, CDs, and DVDs for as much as--and sometimes more than--half off the retail price. I bought my mother a cookbook, for instance. And I bought myself Seasons 1 and 2 of Futurama. All together, I saved about $50 combined just on these three purchases by using Half.com. Just keep in mind that unless you pay for a shipping upgrade, it could take as long as three weeks for your item to arrive. And be sure to read the comments and check up on your seller's feedback--and ask questions if you have them--before you buy.
Look for free shipping--and also beware of it. When shopping online, I have a firm policy never to pay for shipping. Every now and again I make an exception, but in general, if I can't get free shipping, I won't buy online. Lots of times, though, the free shipping depends on consumers spending a specific dollar amount, usually $50, $75, or $100. Be sure to calculate the cost of shipping into any product research you do online. And really think carefully about spending up in order to get the free shipping deal. I recently spent $19 on a candle so that I could get free shipping from Aveda.com. There was an item I wanted there, very badly, that I could have ordered through my local Aveda salon without paying shipping, but for some reason I was so intoxicated by the instant gratification of it showing up at my door without my having to drive almost an hour round-trip to the salon, that I went ahead and spent up in order to get the free shipping. It seemed to make sense at the time. Rather than paying $8 for shipping, I paid $19 for a small (and lovely) candle. And I also got a free sample. It wasn't the thriftiest choice, but in terms of quality of life, it worked for me. I didn't have to call the salon to make the order and I didn't have to drive 45 minutes to get it. I regret having paid $19 for a candle--that's just absurd--but I don't regret taking care of myself. I love the scent of the candle. I burn it during meditation and yoga every day. And I'm glad I didn't have to go to the salon. In the math that is thrift, QOL is always the dominant variable.
Employ coupons and leverage sales. If you have paid attention and planned ahead, you can really make smart choices and get good deals. Let's use yesterday as an example. Because I have been paying attention to digital picture frames for a year, and because I researched online, and because I knew there was a sale at RadioShack, yesterday I got a good deal on a frame. Regularly $79.99, I got it for $49.99. I also got a phone on clearance. We've needed one for months, but I waited until I could get the exact right deal on the one I wanted. Replacing the whole phone was cheaper than buying new batteries. I also got a compact flash card reader for a fair price because ours has stopped working in my computer and I need to figure out if it's the USB port or the device. I then went to a kitchen supply store and bought three items, all of which I'd researched. One of them was a very fancy blender, which I had spent hours researching online and in-person at the gourmet store. Because I'd done so much research and spent so much time contemplating the purchase, I knew I was ready and that this was the right one at the right price. I could have saved $15 and gotten one online using a coupon at Macy's, but (I hate Macy's for this!) the Macy's site was not clear about the product model number and getting help was difficult. So, in the end, I spent more money, but put that money into the local economy and was certain that I'd gotten exactly what I wanted--which I couldn't do at Macys.com. I got free gift-wrapping on all three items that I bought, and while they were wrapping, I picked up dinner at our favorite (very affordable) Mexican place--and saved 10% using a coupon.

An alternative to Christmas

I'll say more about this in another post, but I also want to mention that the bloated and frenzied spending ritual that has become Christmas is not really what Christmas is all about--you do have alternatives.

If you are a practicing Christian, perhaps it's time to turn Christmas into a more spiritually-based event? Scale back the buying and spending and invest in service, charitable giving, church attendance, or other forms of worship and observance. Establish new rituals--light of candles, eat special (biblically traditional?) foods, spend time with your family reading the story of Christmas, singing, or making themed arts and crafts.

If, like my family, you are not Christians, or not practicing Christians, you might do what we do. For myself, I celebrate the solstice. I conduct a pagan spiritual ritual and host a gathering for friends where I serve traditional food and drink (such as glog). The focus of the event is an appreciation of darkness and a celebration of light. It's beautiful and costs next to nothing.

With my family on my mother's side, we have the Annual Family Winter Games. My mother hosts--on any day other than December 25th. We gather to eat and drink together and compete in a series of clever games and projects that my very creative mother devises. There are scavenger hunts, craft projects, riddles, puzzles, and an amazing assortment of contests appropriate for almost all ages. We exchange small gifts and there are also lots of little prizes for the winner of each game. (I hope to write more about these alternatives to spend-heavy Christmases in a future post.)

Iceberg dead ahead

The Titanic sank--and most of its passengers and crew perished--because of the greed and hubris of its makers and its captain. It's time for American consumers to remember that we are the captains of our own financial ships. We do not have to cave in to pressure to behave recklessly. We can stock our ship with plenty of lifeboats and we can chart a course through dangerous waters that will allow us to reach our destination safely.

And we can start with our approach to Christmas.

My Favorite Things

2008-12-05T15:27:00.000-08:00

If I were a billionaire talk show hostess, this season I would offer my audience the following things:

1) LL Bean Holiday Flannel Pants ($29.50). These pajama bottoms are so comfy and scrumptious I literally have worn them every day since I brought them home from the store.

2) BUST magazine ($19.95/year). Feminism, fashion, crafts, smart writing, independent artists--even the ads are great.

3) Burt's Bees Radiance Night Creme ($15/2 oz). It's gooey and delicious--and natural enough to eat. I apply it every night at bedtime and I think my skin is better for it.

4) Earth shoes. In vegan and non-vegan varieties, mine are funky little Mary Jane alternatives that are cute, comfy and feature Earth Shoe's inverted heel (which is hard to get used to, but is supposed to be really good for you.) They don't seem to sell mine any more, so I would give my audience these ($119), the next closest thing.

5) Lexie Barnes totes ($130). Sturdy comfortable straps, striking fabric pattern, water-resistant taffeta, deep, spacious, belly lined with pink! I LOVE my Lexie Barnes tote. I want a hundred more, but they don't make them like this any more. Next best thing--maybe even better, I don't know: The Lady B.

6) Netflix Player by Roku ($99). Oh, Netflix Player, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways. If you love Netflix and have a broadband Internet connection at home (and, ideally, 802.11n Wi-Fi), run out and get this NOW. Read my full review here.

7) Futurama, Vol 1 ($39.98). Every season is great, but the first one is maybe my favorite. At any rate, it's a great place to start. Studio audience: enjoy.

8) Canvas Panels (45 cents) and paints ($3.78 each). One of the best things I did all year was paint a picture at Anna and Heidi's east coast wedding reception. I want to supply myself and paint some more. I haven't done it yet, so I don't know which paints or panels are best yet, but the experience was so great, I'd rather give my audience these to get started--and then maybe by next year, I'll have a favorite brand, color, or type of paint to share.

9) Harry Potter books on CD ($454.75). The entire collection, unabridged. Even though the reader mispronounces "Voldemort," it's still fantastic to listen to these books on CD, especially on long road trips.

10) Mead Five Star 2 Subject notebooks ($4.89). My favorite notebook to journal or write in. I'm currently writing a novel by hand in them. Hopefully my audience will love them as much as I do!

Heat Yourself First

2008-10-22T15:43:00.000-07:00

Among the best winter heating tips I can offer is this: heat yourself, not the air around you.

It's much more affordable to invest in a good pair of long underwear or cozy socks than it is to turn the thermostat up another five degrees.

I've found these things to be very helpful:

--Sleep in your socks.
--Wear layers, including long underwear top and bottom.
--Don't be afraid to wear scarves, neck warmers, or hats at home.
--Leg warmers and arm warmers make a surprising difference. I got my black leg warmers at Target and my arm warmers at Sock Dreams. Sock Dreams is a woman-owned, independent business based in Portland, OR. Their mail order business offers free shipping on all orders and their customer service is excellent. I wear my chenille arm warmers when I'm working at my computer. They keep my palms and arms warm while I'm typing without interfering with the keyboard or my typing.
--Put extra blankets on the bed and tuck in your top sheet.
--Snuggle. :-)
--Keep cozy blankets any place you find yourself sitting. We keep several on the couch and stuffed armchair in the living room so that we can be comfortable when watching TV or reading, etc.
--I find that wearing long socks helps me, so that my ankles are never bare and there's no gap between the bottom of my pants and my socks.
--I also find that tucking in my bottom layer--usually a tank top--helps me a lot. Keeping my abdomen covered makes a big difference in my overall warmth and comfort.
--Keep your trunk warm--wear a light fleece vest, for instance, as your outer layer at home.

Bundled Services

2008-10-22T15:13:00.001-07:00

While I think it's creepy to have mega-conglomerates or single corporations owning all of my telecommunications dollars, I'm also not about to refuse the opportunity to get a better deal by bundling, if the savings are substantial.

I've been using Verizon for my phone service, both home and office, and Charter for cable TV and Internet. (I tried Verizon's DSL with disastrous results a few years ago and will never go back.)

While my initial foray into VoIP was TERRIBLE with Vonage, I'm game for giving it another go because of the savings--and the office landline as a backup.

My introductory rate with Verizon was up a few months ago. I called them to see if they'd extend it--or even just match the Charter rate, but they declined.

So, tonight, I invested half an hour and got the switch to Charter taken care of.

It took some time to sort out the best deal. I could save by using a coupon that came with my bill, by using a bundled purchase option online, or by calling. A few minutes spent sorting the options and chatting with a rep got me my new deal.

I'll have everything I have now (all my cable channels and the same Internet, plus voicemail and unlimited long distance, etc.), but it'll cost me a total of $119.97/month versus the $162 I've been paying since my Verizon rate went up.

It was a nuisance sorting through the various options. And I was misinformed by the online chat rep about being able to use my $50 coupon. So there was an extra phone call involved to sort that out.

In the end, though, I invested less than an hour in the project and will save $42/month for the next 12 months, a total savings of $504. Not a bad hourly rate.

Moral of the story: It's worth it to take the time to research options and combinations when shopping for TV, Internet, and phone services in order to get the very best deal.

Credit Card Horror Story

2008-10-16T07:43:00.000-07:00

A friend told me a cautionary tale:

He had a credit card on which he carried a significant balance at an introductory rate. That card was bought by Bank of America, the bank he uses for his personal and business banking. When his mail came, he stacked the B of A envelopes and didn't open them immediately, thinking they were only bank statements.

Au contraire. His oversight cost him $200 in late fees. He said that was a one-time fee and not accrued late fees over several statements. (I find that shocking--even for B of A--but it's what he said.) They also jacked up his rate.

He placed a phone call to the bank and they returned his rate back to the introductory one, but the whole experience cost him--by his estimate--several hundred dollars and a lot of stress.

Moral of the story? Open all of your mail promptly, just in case. And work on liberating yourself from credit cards.

I would also advise being aggressive about pursuing a refund in situations like this. This has happened to me a few times in my life--particularly during times of transition when my statements didn't catch up a a move in time, or when i lived with roommates and a statement got misplaced in our group mail experience. In almost all cases, the fee was reduced or removed.

Avoid Finance Charges

2008-10-16T07:30:00.001-07:00

Even if you pay off the balance of your credit card every month, you may find yourself paying finance charges if there is no grace period. It's important to know your card.

On the back of your statement, in all that fine print, there should be specific details that outline your card agreement. (I keep all of my statements on hand in a filing system so that I can check on them if I need to. I kept paper statements for five years when I was self-employed. I advise keeping them for at least a year--and to always keep the initial card agreement and other relevant documents.)

Look for a section labeled Grace Period. Also read the sections on Finance Charges.

Also keep in mind, that many cards use an average daily balance, so that even if you pay off your balance in full before it's due, you may find yourself paying a finance charge.

I recently paid off the balance on a card, but because it was a balance that had been sitting on the card for more than one billing cycle, there was no grace period. I paid $4.74 in finance charges for the month AFTER I had paid it off. My balance was zero, but I owed $4.74 in interest.

This is another reason why it's important to always open and look at your statements immediately. I almost didn't bother to open that statement because I knew I had paid off the card, but if I hadn't, I wouldn't have known that there was a small balance due--and I would have been dinged for late fees of more than 600% of that balance.

The moral? Know your card(s)--and always open your statements promptly, even if you're afraid of what's there and even if you think you don't owe anything.

If you have the ability to schedule e-mail alerts for things such as approaching your limit or a new statement, I also recommend doing this.

And, of course, the best practice is to liberate yourself from credit cards entirely.

Free Workshop Tonight

2008-10-16T07:22:00.000-07:00

As part of its Third Thursday series of experiential workshops, the Synthesis Center of Amherst, MA is sponsoring an Introduction to Somatic Experiencing with Lynn Abraham.

Tonight, Thursday, October 16th, 6:30-8pm.
The workshop is free and open to anyone.

More info at www.synthesiscenter.org.
413.256.0772

The workshop will introduce basic principles of Somatic Experiencing, a body-focused approach developed by Dr. Peter Levine, author of Waking the Tiger, to resolve symptoms of traumatic stress.

Free Cooking Class

2008-10-16T06:35:00.000-07:00

COOKING WITH THE LOCAL HARVEST for Cancer Survivors and Their Loved Ones
Taught in Shutesbury, MA, Sunday, November 9th, 20083:00 PM - 7:00PM
Learn how to use herbs and spices to create flavorful low-fat meals. With a focus on nutrition and cancer, eating locally and with the seasons, we will prepare a scrumptious meal and enjoy it together.
COST: FREE sponsored by www.Forestmoon.org
TO REGISTER CALL OR E-MAIL PAM ROBERTS AT(413) 625-2402 or pamro@aol.com.

Discount oil changes for ladies

2008-10-08T09:15:00.001-07:00

Brake King in Northampton offer's half-priced oil changes for women on Wednesdays. The service is friendly--and they even have a "queer-safe" rainbow sticker on the door. I think I saved about $13 by going there for my last oil change--which translates to about three and a half gallons of heating oil.

236 Pleasant St
Northampton, MA 01060
(413) 584-4988

Why I love the LL Bean card

2008-10-03T18:01:00.000-07:00

Far be it from me to encourage credit card spending, but for me, the LL Bean card (now from Barclay's) is the very best of what credit cards can be. The perks are big; the downside minimal.

Let me explain.

I frequently shop at LL Bean. Maybe it's because I'm a Mainer. Maybe because I live in New England where good, durable foul-weather gear is a must. Maybe it's because I'm so practical, but I love LL Bean.

Everything you buy has a lifetime guarantee. You dig? You can buy a pair of winter boots and never have to replace them again as long as you live. Ditto tents, sleeping bags, winter coats, sleds, furniture--everything they sell. You can return whatever you buy at any time if it starts to fall apart--only it pretty much never will. So, rather than buying something somewhere else and paying to replace or repair it, with LL Bean, you opt into a system of quality and dependability that is unmatched.

I recently bought an air mattress, for instance. I had been shopping around for them for years. And every one I had ever encountered had developed a leak, was uncomfortable, or had some crazy pump system--or lack thereof. Enter LL Bean. I found one--on sale ($40 off, I think)--that was durably constructed, got rave reviews from users, and has a handy-dandy-built-in pump. Like, you literally just push a button and the thing blows itself up and then deflates itself, too.

(We haven't slept on it yet, but we did inflate it and spend an evening lounging on it and watching TV and we pretty much decided its better than at least one of our real beds!)

Because I have the LL Bean Visa card, I paid no sales tax, no shipping, and if it turns out it isn't right, I can return it free of charge, too! Plus, if it ever--for the rest of my life--rips, leaks, or fails me in any way, I can return it. For free. AND, because I have the LL Bean Visa, I earned 3% of that purchase back towards another purchase.

Today, for instance, I bought a pair of winter boots. They're vegan, which is hard to find. And by applying my LL Bean coupon dollars ($10), which were a reward for opening the card and making the mattress purchase, I saved $19.95 on shipping and the price of the boots. Plus, I'll earn $7 in coupon dollars toward my next purchase because of a double coupon dollars promotion. I also saved by not paying any sales tax.

If they don't fit or I don't like them, I can just send them back, free of charge, or take them in on my next trip home. (I actually have here a pair of LL Bean boots that I bought a few years ago, but which are horribly uncomfortable and which have a flaw in the lace-up construction--the metal loops shred the laces. I want to return, but keep feeling shy about it since it's been so long. Once I get up the nerve to send them back, if I apply that credit toward this purchase, it's like getting half-priced boots, really.)

Last month, when my sister-in-law wanted to buy her daughter a monogrammed LL Bean backpack for kindergarten, I ordered it for her. The monogramming and shipping were both free, saving her about $20 and earning me $1.65 in coupon dollars.

Seriously, I love this card. The important thing to watch out for--for me--is that I don't get shop-happy and start buying all sorts of things just because it's so easy. I stay away from the catalog until after I've decided I need something--such as a backpack, boots, or an air mattress. I also have to remember to pay off the balance immediately because the interest rate is very (very) high.

The card also gives me 1% in reward dollars for other, non LL Bean purchases. And has some excellent travel-related and other perks. So, at some point, I may start using it for regular monthly purchases--such as the cable bill--so rack up more coupon dollars (which don't expire for a year) but for now, I want to use it only for LL Bean purchases--or large one-time purchases--so I don't fall into the trap of spending more money than I have.

I'm not saying you should necessarily get the LL Bean card. But I am saying that if you're going to have a credit card in your life, it's worth shopping around and finding the very best card for your lifestyle. To learn more about the card, visit LL Bean.com.

In Celebration of Progress: $11,000 in debt is gone!

2008-10-02T16:44:00.000-07:00

One year ago this week, I started my new salaried position as an editor. After ten years of freelancing, I was ready to settle into a steady 40-hour-a-week project with a regular paycheck and benefits when just the right thing came along.

52 weeks later, I can report that I love my job! And I've been able to make good progress toward my goal of living sustainably.

For me, living sustainably is not just about recycling or growing my own dirt using worms and table scraps in the basement; it's not just about reducing my carbon footprint or the mess I make on this earth. For me, it's really about living in a way that is actually sustainable.

Toward that end, I have set about removing myself from the shackles of debt that have plagued me in all the years that I've been too ill to earn a living wage--in other words, too sick to sustain myself. It began with the Year of Healing, which sent me deeper into debt, but which helped me to get well enough to do this job I now have (which sustains me).

Phase one accomplished.

Commencing phase two.
With a level of health that was still not 100%, but which allowed me to complete my 40-hours-a-week of work from home, last November, I set about reducing my debt and increasing my savings.

After one year, I am able to report that I have reduced my credit card debt by more than $11,000. I have invested 3% of my gross income into a 401k with company matching. And I have in my savings two months worth of living expenses. And I did all this while supporting not just myself, but my partner who arrived here in late December.

I confess I wish that it were all happening quicker. I wish the economy were in better shape and that my partner could sell his house and find lucrative work here, which would free up more of my resources to get myself out of the hole--and into a home of my own.

Nevertheless, now that I sit here surveying the work of the past twelve months, I am savoring the progress. It feels really good to have come this far.

How I did it.
I've employed a lot of money-saving techniques that I never seem to have the time to write about here. But, in a nutshell, I followed the basic rules I think are necessary to live a thriftful and sustainable life.

I increased my income. In addition to my full-time work, I kept a couple of freelance clients. It was often exhausting to stay at the computer nights and weekends, but it's been worth it.
I set a detailed and specific budget in an Excel spreadsheet.
I tracked all of my actual spending for one month and compared it to the budget I had set out.
I paid cash for things and used my credit cards only for airline tickets, hotels, and rental cars.
I took a good solid look at my debt. I got out all of my credit card statements and made a spreadsheet in Excel that listed the cards, their current interest rate, the monthly finance charge I had paid, and the amount I had left to pay.
I felt truly dismayed and overwhelmed--and angry--as I looked at that massive number. Then, I took a deep breath and I made a plan.
I mapped out in Excel my Debt Reduction Plan. I figured out--based on my original budget--how much I could put each month towards my credit card debt while still meeting my savings and investment goals.
I then stuck to my plan. Every time a bill arrived, I opened it, then opened my spreadsheet and updated the interest rate, balance, and finance charge. Then each month, I made a large payment to one of my cards based on the Debt Reduction Plan.
I chose to pay off the smallest cards first, rather than going after the ones with the highest balances or the highest interest rates. It created a feeling of accomplishment. Right away I was able to say, "I paid off a credit card today!" and this helped fuel my desire to keep going.
I made realistic allowances, such as reducing the amount I would put toward my debt in December and January, in anticipation of holiday expenses--travel and gifts, etc. Ditto June, when everyone in my family seems to have a birthday (or Father's Day).
I was a conscious consumer. I paid attention to what I spent money on and I employed good thrift thinking--I used the library a lot. I ate in. I bought things on sale. I planned ahead. I gave myself room to splurge now and then. I was especially diligent about weather-proofing and reigning in winter heating costs. I was blessed by the generosity of friends, who let me stay with them on vacation, significantly reducing my expenses. In other words, I spent carefully and freely, but with thoughtfulness and power.
I also used my spreadsheet to motivate myself. I resented that when I began my journey, I was paying more than $140 per month just in finance charges on my various cards! It spurred my desire to reduce that cost. When I wanted to splurge on a large purchase--like a couch, which I want SO badly, or new luggage or a Wii--I thought about that money just disappearing every month to the credit card companies and I made a conscious choice NOT to spend on anything else until that money was back in my hands. Now, my monthly finance charges have dropped to about $50--and that number shrinks every month.
I called my credit cards occasionally to lobby for lower interest rates. When I started, the average interest rate on my cards was 7.51%, with the worst one at 17.15% (the card with the highest balance).
I switched balances to cards with lower interest rates when the offers suited me. Now, my average rate is 4.74%.

I still have a ways to go, but I'm more than two-thirds of the way there. My current plan has me credit-card-debt-free in April of 2010. This plan allows for a generous contribution to my savings, though, so that I can meet the Phase Three goal of saving up a down payment for a home of my own. However, with some good luck this winter, some careful planning, and continued gainful employment, I may just decide to knock that last bit off a whole lot sooner so that I can celebrate the completion of phase two and finally (finally!) declare myself credit-card-debt-free!

Compare Heating Oil Prices

2008-10-02T16:09:00.001-07:00

As we move into the dreaded heating oil season, it's important to make an informed choice when you purchase your home heating oil.

To research prices in New England, visit NewEnglandOil.

As of 9/25/08, the best price in my area appears to be $3.43, down from $3.89 this summer. (I'm so glad I didn't buy then!)

If your dealer doesn't offer it outright, go ahead and ask if they offer a discount for paying in cash/check, or for paying within a certain time period (a week, ten days, 30 days). I've been able to save ten cents a gallon by paying my dealer within ten days by check.

Prices are fluctuating daily, so be sure to call ahead to check pricing and availability in your area. Also ask about the minimum delivery amount.

Crude oil prices dropped to a new low today, so it may be a good time to check in on your local dealers' prices.

Pay Dirt

2008-09-29T10:48:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I launched a new project that I'm *very* excited about. I now have in my basement a vermicomposting bin, which, come spring, will yield for me some very tasty soil for the plants in my garden. And, in the meantime, there are a ton of other perks as well.

What is vermicomposting? Basically, it's using worms to make compost.

This excellent page describes what it is and how to do it.

All you need is a safe, dark spot that keeps a temperature of around 60-65 degrees, a bin, some bedding (newspaper), and food. We used an old plastic bin (18-gallons, maybe?) that used to be used for recycling and was sitting around gathering dust in the basement and some newspaper from our recycling bin. The bin is covered with an inflatable raft--the kind you'd use in the pool or at the lake. We are using it because it's free and we don't have the lid to this bin. It doesn't sit flush, so it allows air in, but keeps the light out. And we needed a place to put it so that it wasn't on the ground. Voila. Two problems solved at once.

The beauty of vermicomposting, apart from how amazingly simple it is, is that it allows you to compost your kitchen scraps into usable soil. If you pay for trash removal--or live in a climate where you can only compost outdoors during part of the year--you can create a vermicomposting bin in your own home and continue to reduce the amount of waste you have to pay to haul off to the land fill.

Other perks include a feeling of connection with the cycles of the earth, free nutrient-rich soil, a learning experience for kids--and worms make really affordable pets. If you don't want to spring for a cat or a high-maintenance caged animal that needs you to clean its bedding every week, worms are an excellent option for kids. They don't require any cleaning--in fact, you WANT them to make dirt. They don't require veterinary care or special food. Just give them your uncooked vegetable scraps once a week, make sure they have air and a safe enclosure and you're good to go. You can leave for vacation for a week and they'll be none the wiser. But kids can still get invested in their health and well-being, take responsibility for feeding them, watch their progress, and in the spring, they can help you harvest the soil and remake the bed.

You can purchase worms to start your vermicomposting project, but of course we at Thrift would never suggest that. We grew ours this summer in an outdoor starter pile made up of weeds, vegetable scraps, dirt, and wet newspaper. The pile was tucked away on a convenient patch of concrete next to our back porch, which meant that the worms wouldn't crawl back down into the earth, and that no one but us could really see it.

When the weather started to cool, we dug through and found the earthworms inside and transferred them to their new winter home in our basement. Our starter pile suffered a setback when our landlord cleared it away--we think he must have thought he was being helpful, but we were really dismayed by the unexpected destruction of our lovely pile. Luckily, the second pile remained untouched and has yielded a nice healthy crop of earthworms.

For more on what to feed them and how to make a bin, including tips on how to keep it from smelling bad and attracting flies, visit the link above.

Happy worming!

Two Real Life Thumbs Down for eBay and PayPal

2008-09-26T13:12:00.000-07:00

I know some people have had great luck with eBay. They live for it. They live with it. Whatever.

I almost never have a good experience. And yet, once or twice a year, I forget that and give in to the temptation to get something I want cheaper than I can find it elsewhere--and then I suffer the consequences.

Most recently, I wanted to buy a book on ayurvedic cooking and healing techniques. The cheapest copy I could find was available on eBay. I bid on it. I won it--for $1 plus shipping and handling. I paid the seller using PayPal.

Then I waited.

Four weeks later, still no book. So, I checked eBay. The seller is no longer registered with eBay. I checked with PayPal--I hadn't received a refund. I also haven't received any communication from the seller.

So, the question becomes, how much of my time is it worth to recoup my $5 loss? Not much, theoretically, except that it's the principle of the thing.

I began by investigating my history at PayPal, to be sure I hadn't been refunded--or that the transaction had been canceled by the buyer. It didn't seem to have been, although it was all pretty confusing, to be honest with you. There was a debit when the money was sent to the seller; and then a credit when it came in from my bank account. So, on the face of it, it seemed like there had been a debit and a credit, but the credit came from my checking account, not from the seller. So my PayPal balance is $0, when it should be $5, if the refund came through.

Next, I tried to find some help options as PayPal.

Since there wasn't an FAQ, Disputes, or Help button readily available on the page, I clicked on the Contact Us link, which is in the fine print at the bottom.

My first option was to Chat with Sarah:

I was in a rush, so I mistook Sarah, "my PayPal virtual help assistant" who "is available to chat with me at any time" for a real person. That's amazing, I thought. They have such excellent customer service that someone is available immediately, all the time.

Here's what ensued:

Sarah - PayPal :
Hello, I’m Sarah, and I’m here to answer questions you have about PayPal. Just type into the box below and click Submit to get started.
I’m in training now, so if I don’t know the answer to your PayPal question, I’ll try to learn it for next time!
You :
Hi, Sarah
Sarah - PayPal :
Hello, you're an early bird! How can I help you?
You :
An early bird? It's 4pm...
Sarah - PayPal :
Do you mean:
How do I add/remove/edit personal information on my PayPal account?
What is PayPal's phone number?

You :
I purchased an item using PayPal through ebay, but the item has not arrived and the seller and the listing have been removed from ebay.
Sarah - PayPal :
Sorry, but your phrase is too long and I will not be able to perform a full analysis. I would be very grateful if you could try to make it a bit shorter and more concise.
You :
what do i do
Sarah - PayPal :
I'm not sure I've understood. Could you please rephrase your question?
You :
oh, i get it. you're not human. well...is any of this getting through?
Sarah - PayPal :
I'm a virtual person, and I'm programmed to do my best to help you with basic customer care issues.
You :
that's creepy.
Sarah - PayPal :
I apologize if you can't find the infomation you seek by speaking with me. I'm unable to help with your request. Please enter a new question, visit the Help Center, or Contact Us.
You :
id you get my question
Sarah - PayPal :
Do you mean:
I am unable to login, what can I do?
What if I've forgotten my email address?
Can you tell me more specific details about my account?

You :
fraud ebay help
Sarah - PayPal :
Could you be more precise please?
What is eBay?
My buyer is trying to defraud me
Can you tell me more specific information about my eBay account?
How can I report potential fraud to PayPal?

You :
How can I report potential fraud to PayPal?
Sarah - PayPal :
If you notice unauthorized activity from your PayPal account, report it to us immediately through the Resolution Center. If you notice an unauthorized transaction on your PayPal Debit Card report it to us immediately by calling the telephone number or sending an email to the address listed on the back of your debit card.
If you received what you believe is a fake PayPal email, or you've come across a spoof PayPal website, please report it to our Customer Service team. If possible, please forward the original email to spoof@paypal.com. Anything else I can do to help you?
You :
this is useless
Sarah - PayPal :
Really, that frustrates me... Because I do my best to improve every day. Really, that frustrates me... Because I do my best to improve every day. Do you have any other questions?
You :
i still have my original question.
Sarah - PayPal :
I'm not sure I've understood. Could you please rephrase that?
You :
i bought an item on ebay. it never arrived. buyer protection?
Sarah - PayPal :
OK. I'm unable to help with your request. Please enter a new question, visit the Help Center, or Contact Us.
Sarah - PayPal :
I've just opened the right page for you. Please let me know if you have other questions.
Sarah - PayPal :
I'm about to open a page which will allow you to send a copy of our conversation.
Sarah - PayPal :
I've just opened a page allowing you to send an email with the transcript of our conversation. If you cannot see the page, this may be because your pop-up blocker is activated. Try clicking on yellow bar at the top of your window to deactivate your pop-up blocker.

[This Page Could Not Be Found]

You :
you have to do it again, please
Sarah - PayPal :
What precisely are you looking for?
How do I update or edit the Shipment Tracking Information that I previously provided to the Buyer?
How do I track packages with labels created on PayPal?
How do I obtain Shipment Tracking information from my seller?

Sarah - PayPal :
I've just opened a page allowing you to send an email with the transcript of our conversation. If you cannot see the page, this may be because your pop-up blocker is activated. Try clicking on yellow bar at the top of your window to deactivate your pop-up blocker.

[This Page Could Not Be Found]

**
I have now composed an e-mail to PayPal, which also required some irritating navigation of passive-aggressive and unhelpful menu trees so that they can categorize my e-mail.

We'll see if I get any help.

I can't even ding the seller with negative feedback because he's gone.

This is what's wrong with eBay--seriously.

Calculate your gas mileage

2008-09-12T19:47:00.000-07:00

The calculations won't be exact, but to determine your gas mileage, fill up your tank. Make a note of your mileage or set your tripometer. At your next fill up, make a note of the number of gallons you put in. Then, divide the miles by the gallons.

For example, on a recent drive to Maine, I traveled 380 miles on 12.24 gallons, which worked out to about 31 mpg (with the AC on). Around town, I tend to get 26 or 27 with the AC on.

I drive a 2004 Ford Focus 5-speed hatchback and I love it. It's zippy, comfortable, surprisingly spacious, and as you can see, good on gas. And my car payment is half what it would have been if I'd bought a Corrolla instead. Yay, thrift.

Chain mail

2008-07-31T13:19:00.001-07:00

A couple of days ago, I actually received an old-fashioned chain letter! Like, in the actual postal mail, and stuff. It consisted of some absurd multi-page proposition--photocopied! (so cute!)--that would garner me hundreds of thousands of dollars if only I, too, would make some photocopies, buy some stamps, send some people some money, and buy a mailing list from whatever company sold them my address.

The return address was in Louisiana...and I felt a tinge of sadness for whichever desperate soul must have paid the $87 for the mailing list, bought stamps, diligently made copies, and presumably sent off money to strangers. The total investment was over $200 for people properly fulfilling their ignominious duty to the chain.

I felt so sorry for the sender that I almost sent him or her money...but a) that's illegal and b) I can't really know this person's circumstance. Also, I didn't want to encourage him or her--and also didn't want them to have any contact with me, personally.

So, instead, I did what I think you should do as well, should you find a relic of pre-Internet pre-spam chicanery in your mailbox: I delivered it to my local postmaster with a note that said, "I received this in the mail and believe it may be illegal."

For more on chain letters, why they're illegal, and why they don't work, read this. If you Google "chain letter" you can also find some more detailed explanations of the flawed math, the history of the chain letter, etc.

Beware Bogus Bank Fees

2008-04-28T09:19:00.000-07:00

This weekend I received a letter from my bank, TDBanknorth, telling me that I had violated Federal Regulation D and had been charged a $20 fee for each infraction. I logged on to my account to discover that I'd been fined $40.

It turns out that Federal Regulation D limits the number of debit or withdrawal transactions on savings accounts to six per statement cycle. This includes, apparently, transfers of funds from your savings account into your checking account using online banking. However, if one were to drive to one's bank--in my case, the nearest branch or ATM is one town over--and withdraw the funds in person and then deposit them into one's checking account, one would not be charged a fine for doing so. How this makes any kind of sense is beyond me.

In my case, I have direct deposit so my paychecks go directly into my checking account. Then, each month I have three auto-transfers that go into my savings. I had been overenthusiastic in my savings plan in April and so I also transferred another significant sum over to my savings because I didn't want to be tempted to touch it. Plus, it earns a teensy bit of interest while it sits in my savings, so it seemed to make sense to leave it there rather than in my checking account. However, I had some unexpected expenses, medical and otherwise, and wound up transferring some of that money back into my checking account to cover my bills.

I made eight transfers altogether, so by the time I received the letter informing me of the regulation, I had already been charged $40.

Today, I called the bank and talked with two snarky customer service representatives. The first offered to give me $20 back as a one-time courtesy, but told me I really should have paid more attention to my Deposit Account Agreement. Who reads that? I said. She maintained that I should have. Then she reminded me that it's a Federal regulation, not the bank's. But you set the fees, not the federal government, right? It was the bank's decision to charge me $20 for transferring $25 from my saving to my checking?

I also argued that I should have been notified in some way that I was going to be fined if I completed the transaction. I was polite, but adamant that the whole amount should be refunded. Since I couldn't get any farther with the first person I spoke with, I asked to speak with a supervisor. I sat on hold listening to bad music for about four minutes.

When she came back, the first person was cordial and let me know that she had already credited my account for half of the fines ($20), so at least I could rest easy that some progress had been made. The supervisor was unpleasant. She pointed out that on the transactions page there is a hyperlink that is "clearly" labeled "What are my transaction limitations?" I told her that I assumed that had to do with the dollar amount, and that it didn't occur to me to click on it since I was only transferring small amounts.

She gave me a really hard time, but since I wouldn't hang up, she finally cut me off and said, I don't mean to be rude, but I'm going to tell you we will never do this for you again.

That's fine, I said. Now that I know about the regulation, I'll handle my banking differently. Had I known that I would be fined for transferring money from my savings to my checking, I never would have done it.

I thanked her for her help and we hung up.

Two hours later, the credits have not posted to my account. If they haven't shown up in a couple of days, I'll check back, I guess. I wrote down the names of the women I spoke with, but hopefully I won't have to go through all of that again.

I guess the lesson to be learned here is a) apparently in the U.S., one can't withdraw money more than six times per billing cycle from one's savings account, unless one does so in person and b) it's worth it to make a phone call and be polite, but persistent when one is charged a bogus fee.

Best Deals on Non-PVC Yoga Mats

2008-04-23T13:59:00.000-07:00

There's a reason that your average sticky yoga mat is so inexpensive. They are made with PVCs (poly vinyl chlorides), a common (but toxic) thermoplastic resin, that doesn't biodegrade and can off-gas or leech during use.

If you're looking to upgrade to a more eco-friendly type of mat, you have a lot of choices--but you have to be willing to spend significantly more than you would for a regular sticky mat. Thrifters know, however, that that doesn't mean you can't get the most for your money.

For Christmas, I decided to do my homework and buy myself an earth-friendly mat. I did tons of research and found that the best deal for me was at Barefoot Yoga. I paid $38.95 for a TPE mat (thermo plastic elastomer), a non-toxic plastic that can be melted down for reuse.

I chose this mat after narrowing my options to nine online stores. (Because of time constraints, I didn't feel I had time to call around or visit local yoga studios to see if they carried any perfect mats.) I found the nine online outlets by Googling and using shopping bots, such as MySimon.com. I also checked Overstock.com to no avail.

I decided to purchase some additional items at Barefoot Yoga, so I got free shipping.

Other options included Lotuspad, which calls PVC yoga mats "some of the most hazardous consumer products ever created. The site quotes Greenpeace as saying, " The manufacture, use, disposal, and recycling of PVC releases some of the most toxic chemicals we know of. Mercury, lead, dioxins and phthalates are all used or released in the manufacturing of PVC. In fact, PVC manufacturing is the single largest use of industrial chlorine. These compounds cause cancer, endocrine disruption, reproductive system harm, immune system damage, and other serious health problems..." [Read the full Greenpeace quotation here.]

At the time I was shopping, Lotuspad was offering $5 shipping, which was better than competitors and was having a 25% off sale. However, the colors and sizes of its TPE mats weren't quite right for me, so I decided to buy elsewhere. If you're looking to buy kid-sized eco-mats, definitely visit Lotuspad and look around.

I also tried Natural Fitness, which sells "premium eco-fitness products." The mats were reversible, available in pleasing colors, and some included DVDs. However, after factoring in the cost of the mat ($39.99) and shipping ($7.95), I decided not to buy there.

Yogasite.com has an Eco-Friendly Yoga section with mats ranging from $34.95-$79.95, including bio-degradable mats. I found the color selection to be too limited, however.

YogaAccessories.com also sells ECO mats, but only in one color combination (blue/black reversible).

Last on my list was Target, which sells a couple of Gaiam brand natural mats at decent prices (roughly $38-$40) plus shipping. However, since the pricepoint was almost identical to Barefoot Yoga, I opted to go with the independent business with the earth-friendly business philosophy and specialty in yoga accessories, rather than the big box store (with a smaller selection).

Affordable Cross-Country Moving Solutions

2008-04-22T13:39:00.000-07:00

I've been doing a little research into cross-country moving alternatives. I've moved across the country three times so far, and cobbled together some strange money-saving techniques that were fairly time-consuming and involved some special circumstances--like access to free storage and lots of free cross-country plane flights--but I'm still looking for the perfect solution.

Recently, I came across this very thoughtful review at epinions.com of ABF, a company that will put your stuff in a tractor trailer and haul it cross country relatively cheaply. The process requires some planning on the part of the mover, and some patience with the flawed system, but can, it seems pay off nicely in the end when properly executed.

If you're considering this option, this woman (who moved 2,000 miles using ABF), has some very helpful tips. Totally Thrift-approved. Click here to read her review.

Avoid Sneaky Late Fees

2008-04-22T13:21:00.000-07:00

The credit card industry makes a large portion of its income on its exorbitant late fees. They want you to be late. Devising a system that works for you is essential. For instance, always putting your bills in one place when they arrive or always paying bills on the same day of the week works well for a lot of people.

I, myself, like to receive both paper and electronic bills--plus I have set up all of my credit cards to send me little reminder e-mails when my bill is ready and when it is approaching its due date.

It can be tempting to pay your bill at the last minute--to hang onto your own money as long as you can before you hand it over to them--but beware. Even if you make an online payment, which should be instantaneous on a business day, you are likely NOT protected from incurring late fees.

HSBC, for instance, a major credit card lender, warns its customers who pay online that standard payments "post in 1-2 business days, late fee may apply." For those paying by check through the mail, it's important to leave at least ten days--more to be safe--to allow for transport time and "processing" time.

Of course, if you want an instant payment, HSBC will let you, but at a premium.

In a nutshell, pay your credit card bills early, even if you are paying online. Make a note of your transaction number and print and keep a receipt. If you pay two days before your due date and are still charged a late fee, make a polite, but assertive phone call to your credit card company, provide them with the confirmation number that proves you paid on time, and see if you can get the fee refunded. If you are a customer in good standing, they will often do this. Sometimes, they offer to refund half the fee. Still annoying, but better than sucking it up.

To Buy or Not to Buy: Renter's Insurance

2008-04-09T07:47:00.001-07:00

I recently got to the point in my life where I felt it was important to insure my belongings. I've been a renter for 14 years and, in general, have been too cash-strapped to invest in renter's insurance. Instead, I invested in extra smoke detectors, a fire extinguisher, and used some common sense. (No burning candles left unattended; know where the shut-off valve for the water and gas lines are, lock the doors and windows at night or when I'm away, etc.)

Also, I've been thrifty about my furniture, dishes, and other belongings. 90% of my books are used and could be replaced easily and affordably. Same with my furniture. For instance, I'm currently living in a two-story, three-bedroom apartment with living room, dining room, kitchen, walk-up attic, and full (unfinished) basement. I've fully furnished the property--including stocking the cupboards with pots and pans, and an overabundance of linens--and hardly spent a dime. Most of what I own, I was able to come across free, cheap, or to receive as a gift.

However, now that I have a more stable income and I can actually afford to shell out a bit of cash to protect my possessions, it really does make sense. I know several people who have lost everything to fire. Four were apartment-dwellers; one a homeowner. It happens. I live in a duplex, which means no matter how safe I am in my apartment, if my neighbors (my horrid landlords) were to have an accident or cause a fire, I would likely also suffer damage and loss at my place--an event totally beyond my control.

While I've been thrifty in acquiring my possessions, it would be expensive, disheartening, exhausting, and incredibly time-consuming to replace them. It's taken years to accumulate my thrifty collection of stuff; it would take just as long to replace it using the same method.

Plus, I have a few nice things now. I invested in a delicious set of expensive sheets that make me moan a little bit with joy every time I slip between them. I got them on sale, but they'd cost almost $90 to replace. I have three televisions--all of which I got for free, but they're very nice and replacing them would be costly. Three computers, a printer, three digital cameras, MP3 players, my bed--you get the drift.

So, I went ahead and got a quote from a local insurance agency. I made sure to get replacement coverage, which means that if my house burns down, I can buy a new bed, television, printer, etc. and my insurance will reimburse me. If you don't have this coverage--which costs a little extra--then you'll only be reimbursed for the actual cost of your belongings. How much is a five-year old full-sized bed worth versus the cost of replacing it? Or a one-year old computer? If you don't get replacement value coverage, you may as well not buy insurance at all, in my opinion.

But, here's the catch. After choosing my policy and sending in my first payment, a few weeks went by and I still hadn't received a copy of the policy. I called my agent and she discovered that I had, in fact, been turned down by the insurance company. Why? All they would tell her was that it was my credit--and they sent her back my check.

This infuriated me. My credit score is very good. I'm gainfully and stably employed in the same field I've been in for 14 years. I don't have a criminal record. But you know what I do have? A bankruptcy on my record. It's been more than three years. My credit score is on the brink of being in the second highest range possible. My income is twice the median for my region. I have a savings account, an IRA, and a 401(k). I don't smoke or own a dog (things that make it harder to get insured), apart from a four-month period where I stopped paying just before my bankruptcy, I have never missed a payment on anything since my first credit card was opened 16 years ago. And I only took out the minimum--$15,000--on my policy. I'm 35-years old with no history of fraud or any reason for them to believe that I don't deserve their coverage.

But, they rejected me. The good news, I suppose, is that another company was willing to insure me. They don't look at a person's credit history, I'm told. Their rates are 20% higher, though.

Mostly, I'm angry that I'm losing money because of something so unfair. They didn't even talk to me. They just rejected me because of--I assume--my bankruptcy.

It's so odd that I was able to get a car loan with a competitive rate, but not renter's insurance.

At any rate, I'm switching my car insurance over to the same agency that got me the renter's insurance, so I'll save a little bit of money there and make up some of the difference between the first policy's rate and the second.

And, as a bonus, the company that rejected me has been covering me for free until I sign on with another company, so, technically, I'm getting about a month and a half of free renter's insurance from them.

In the end, I'm a little bitter, but at least I am insured. And if I took the time to shop around more, I might even find a more competitive rate. For now, there are just too many other things to take care of, so I'm going to fork over the dough ($175/year) for the company that's willing to take me on (Vermont Mutual).

The company that rejected me, by the way, was Merrimack mutual.

I wonder if this was a soft pull on my credit or not? If they dinged my credit by checking it for this, I'm going to be extra-special pissed off!

Buy Forever Stamps

2008-04-08T14:31:00.001-07:00

On May 12, 2008, the USPS will raise its rates again. Currently, you can by Forever stamps for 41 cents and, as their name suggests, they will be good forever, no matter how high the postage rates go. If you stock up now, you'll see an immediate return on your investment when you start using the stamps in May--you'll save one cent per stamp. And, if you have enough of them and hang onto them long enough, the savings is sure to increase.

It's up to you how much you want to invest in Forever stamps, but at least they are one investment that is sure to increase in value.

Save Money on Heating Oil

2008-04-08T12:18:00.000-07:00

If you live in New England and heat your home or business with oil, before you buy your next batch of heating oil, visit NewEnglandOil.com. Click on your state to get a chart of local rates from various suppliers.

I tried this out recently and was pleased to discover that my supplier is one of the least expensive in the region. However, the rate indicated in the chart did not match what I paid when I ordered oil last week, so clearly the chart isn't up-to-the-minute. But, I think it still pays to check it out and perhaps call around to confirm prices.

"Thrift" in the News

2008-04-08T08:21:00.001-07:00

I discovered today that my Thrift blog was referenced in a feature story (part of a six-part series) by the Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram on March 23rd.

If you'd like to read the article, "The Middle-class Squeeze," click here.