Getting Smarter

go_2....don't take the bait. Keep this thread focused because it has excellent suggestions.

I'm amazed at the things some people will stoop to (literally when picking up empty bottles) in order to make/save a few bucks. The one that absolutely has me gasping with incredulity is the re-using of a popcorn bag. Makes me realize how lucky I am to be able to afford to travel without having to resort to such penny pinching. I think I'll have to be more sympathetic to you poor ladies. I never realized how poor some of you must be. I guess it is a case of you don't see what doesn't affect you.

#31, At first I felt the same way when I saw the comments about picking up bottles and cans. Then I thought back to a customer I sold two roofs (for his home and a rental property) about $65,000 total and the largest sale I made ever. The man was a muti millionaire and can often be seen walking country roads picking up cans and bottles along the way.Not my cup of tea but I'm no millionaire so what do I know?

I read an article several years ago about all the millionaires (I guess these days you actually need to be a "multi-millionaire to make these lists) in Canada. It said the distinguishing feature of this income-group is that they probably live next door to you. They do not "live up to" their income levels. I am currently reading the biography of one of the world's most parsimonious billionaires, Warren Buffet. He has always lived in that camp.

He is also one of the world's greatest philanthropists, which is a very good reason for re-using the popcorn bag, a practice I think Warren would get quite the giggle out of.

The one REALLY rich friend that I have called one day and said he and the Mrs were coming to Canada and were we into going traveling with them for a few weeks. "Sure," we answered because we really like these people and their hospitality to us in their home country has been so generous. At the same time we looked at each other and said, "We can't afford to travel with them. What are we going to do?"

But we said we would and they arrived and we set off to see the Rockies in hubby's 10-year-old 4Runner. Turned out there were no worries. This couple could stay in the fanciest hotels in the country but they are all about value for their money. That's what turns their crank. So we had a wonderful time staying in some interesting B&Bs, cabins, motels and so on. Every night we went to the local tourist bureau, looked over the accomodations on offer and picked a place that appealed to us all. We picked up fresh food in the markets and picnicked in the parks. And that left money for the great meals we occasionally enjoyed in renowned restaurants. We had an outstanding holiday together. There was no problem and I learned a valuable lesson about the very rich. At least the very rich that I would enjoy being friends with. They are no different than we are.

It's all about getting value for your money. And that's what people are talking about on this thread. It is not about throwing money around because you CAN. And it is not about being cheap because you CANNOT.

A final word about the whole picking-up-cans issue. Many years ago I saw a penny on the road and was going to walk past it. Beneath my dignity to stoop over for a penny, I thought. But as I stepped over it a voice in my head said, "Hang on a minute. If you are too proud for the penny the powers above may decide you don't need the dollars either." Since then I've always stooped for the pennies. I don't NEED them, but I am not going to invite the bad karma of pridefulness either.

Edited by: living

Good stuff, am enjoying the ideas and picking out what would work for me. Thanks for all of them.

Hula and Pandora can only be accessed in the US. However, radio is easy to access if you know the name of the radio station. eg. CBC.ca, KPLU (or Jazz24), http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/listen/, and any others you can search out. Right now, am listening to Radio 3 on BBC.

Our library rents out DVD's for free for a week. They even send out email remainders so that you can avoid your $1.25 fine per day per video!

Eat with the season.

Personally, buying used clothes doesn't work for me, but it sure is the trend here in Victoria where a good deal at the thrift shops is relayed with pride.

Check which days are "Seniors Days". And, check whether belong to certain groups, eg. Horticulture Societies, Natural History Societies will give you a discount at related retailers. However, in the interest of frugality, do remember to pay for your membership to these volunteer-run groups which provide fabulous low cost programs.

Isn't it interesting that only a few years ago, those actions that were considered to be thrifty, are now promoted as being green, eco-friendly and environmentally sustainable. Recycling and reusing can give us a good feeling as well as some pocket money. :)

Forget 'collecting bottles' as 'penny-pinching'.

#1. It's a great way of getting that exercise you need. Walking in the open air, bending to pick them up are much more enjoyable activities than pacing a treadmill in a dingy corner of your bedroom.
#2. It's also environmentally-friendly and, in some areas at least, you'll be helping to prevent forest fires.

Look on any money you get in return as 'payment' for #2, above.

To those asking for Home Exchange organization I would recommned Homelink International. In the US its current membership fee in $110 per year for a web listing.We have been members for fifteeen years and found it the best of the four organizations we have tried.
The Evergreen Club also has listings of people who will swap bed and Breakfast for a few days and it is very strong in the US and Canada and growing in Europe as well. For the evergreen Club you need a spare bedroom and willingnesss to meet new people and share hospitality with them. The Evergreen Club has an internet site for further information.

To save money when we travel we carry a styrofoam ice chest to provide us with water and cold drinks at far lesss than the $2 a bootle price that is the norm at roadside convenience stores, carry our 2 burner Primus campstove and often prepare a siummer evening meal in a town park as well enjoying a picnic lunch from supermarket purchased food items.
And yes we qualify as "rich" but want value for our money and are not interested in impressing anyone with yuppie style conspicuous consumption.I too pick up pennies and a few recyclable bottles and cans where they litter beauty spots or on my daily walks when at home and turn them in for the recycling refund.

Our wonderful public broadcaster [ABC http;//www.abc.net.au] offers free podcasts which maybe accessinternationally via the web on a variety of topics from music, plays, health reports to radio documentaries.
well worth exploring to find out if any are your cup of tea.
JoyV

Whoops,
the public broadcaster is the Australian Broadcasting Commission referred to as the ABC. The link should be [http://abc.net.au]
Hope I have it right this time.
JoyV