Well, not much has changed.
That big chunk of work we picked up off a one weekend post in Craigslist Barter section is still keeping us busy.. busier than we would like to be.
And here is where its hard to have a "no job" mentality but a contract responsibility to a client.
So we're busy this week trying to be work like. And I know this part is whats so contradictory to the title of my blog, and I've often thought of changing it. But I really don't have a job. I have a task I agreed to perform for someone for a set task.
So let me say what I DON'T have that I might have with a job.
I will not be taxed on this job, at least until I spend the money.
I will not have insurance provided on this job.
I will not be paid more or less based on how many hours I put in on this job, I am committed to my word and my bid.
I will not be guaranteed any work beyond the scope of this one bid.
So, is it a job. Yes, by Websters definition I'm sure it is a job. But I'm talking about a career I guess. ANd even if your career seems like a job, if you're locked into doing it every day then it is your career, at least for now, even if it is delivering pizzas.
I had a last minute Dr appointment today. I did not call anyone, I did not ask to be off, I am not in trouble, and I absolutely am not worrying about it. In fact I"m sitting on my couch after eating lunch at home, pondering even going to the "job" at all today. My client is ok with it. I do great work, gave her a great price, don't take any money up front, and have lived up to my word. (remember, never over promise and you'll never have to "explain")
So, that's where we're at today. Punch list on a friends rental, and some deck repair, and a bathroom finish. Will keep you posted on hours involved and profit.. See how my estimate stacks up.
I enjoy thinking of the stress I miss out on by not having to ask for time off from my postal supervisor. Ahhhhh.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Monday, April 26, 2010
Busy schedule for being semi retired.
Remember, I said I'm going to try and post at least every other day, and I intend to give it every effort.
But this week I have a full sheet.
From a craigslist ad I am installing about 160 feet of privacy fence. I was negotiated a little cheap for this job, and honestly with what else has popped up I may have to pass on this one. We have reached a number of $1100 for 3 days of work for 2 guys. I know, not too shabby, but digging 30 fenceposts is NOT why I got into a minimal living situation. Jury is out on this one.
Also picked up 2 smaller interior repair jobs involving paint, drywall, texturing from a craigslist ad posted in the BARTER section. I love bartering and have posted recently about it, please look for it in my post archives.
And I have a punch list for a rental move in involving those small irritating tasks that never seem to get done.. door stops, cleaning, trim, paint touch ups.. etc.
So whats the numbers on this week? I think an interesting thing to do is to estimate it now, and come back and revisit this next Monday, and see how close I am.
The fence on hold for now, I think it is about 30 hours, and about 900 dollars, cash or trade. I hope to do a little better if more of the pay is in trade, but stay tuned, lets see how this turns out.
But this week I have a full sheet.
From a craigslist ad I am installing about 160 feet of privacy fence. I was negotiated a little cheap for this job, and honestly with what else has popped up I may have to pass on this one. We have reached a number of $1100 for 3 days of work for 2 guys. I know, not too shabby, but digging 30 fenceposts is NOT why I got into a minimal living situation. Jury is out on this one.
Also picked up 2 smaller interior repair jobs involving paint, drywall, texturing from a craigslist ad posted in the BARTER section. I love bartering and have posted recently about it, please look for it in my post archives.
And I have a punch list for a rental move in involving those small irritating tasks that never seem to get done.. door stops, cleaning, trim, paint touch ups.. etc.
So whats the numbers on this week? I think an interesting thing to do is to estimate it now, and come back and revisit this next Monday, and see how close I am.
The fence on hold for now, I think it is about 30 hours, and about 900 dollars, cash or trade. I hope to do a little better if more of the pay is in trade, but stay tuned, lets see how this turns out.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
How to trade up for nicer things.
This works in all kinds of areas, from small items all the way up to homes and beyond I suppose. In my instance today it is related to my ever changing vehicles.
Earlier I've blogged about how much I like cars and trucks, Chevrolet is my car of choice, but I like about anything with 4 wheels.
Last winter during my slow months I found a place, Copart.com, and signed up to be a buyer. I bought a few cars and made a few bucks. By the time I bought my 1999 Volvo for $575, I had made that much in profit so the Volvo was free and clear. Without over explaining, with fees, repairs, and other things cars invariably need during ownership, I am ALL IN (I love poker, especially Texas Holdem) for about $1100.
I love the Volvo, but I need a truck.. it's hard to be a handyman in a Volvo, as sweet as the car is to drive. So for about 6 or 8 months I have been looking for a shortbed, regular cab, chevrolet with a V8 and an automatic transmission... and as is my style.. at a great price! If you think I took my time, I didn't! I looked almost daily.. try finding one if you don't believe me. (And if you don't want it, email me! haha)
This week I finally found it! It is all of the above, and I'll go more into this in a post soon, but it "had all the RIGHT things wrong with it". And to save the full explanation til another post, by RIGHT I mean things I can do, or like to do, but that affect the price of the vehicle.
I gave $2200 for this truck, and being an expert in value (you'll become one too when you spend 6-8 months looking for something) I know I can re-sell it right now for 3000-3500 dollars.
So you say.. I'm still out the $2200. Not exactly. Being a minimalist, at least the best one I can be, I can only have 1 vehicle. (when I get better it might be NO vehicle, but that will have to be later) And we arrive at aforementioned Volvo.. which I just sold on Craigslist for $3000.
So, I sold a car I bought on profits from a hobby, used to money to buy a vehicle I need (and like) and put $800.00 in my pocket. What do I have now? An asset in the $3-3500 range plus $800 cash, all derived from doing something I enjoy. All with NO debt, and loosely speaking, no depreciation. (since I bought under market value, will enhance the value with repairs and TLC, and there is a bottom to depreciation eventually or at least it becomes marginal)
It's fun to do things differently. I know it's different, because the big news this week is that General Motors paid back 8 BILLION dollars in loans. Business is booming in the new car industry! If you're lucky enough to buy without DEBT, you won't be as lucky with depreciation.
Earlier I've blogged about how much I like cars and trucks, Chevrolet is my car of choice, but I like about anything with 4 wheels.
Last winter during my slow months I found a place, Copart.com, and signed up to be a buyer. I bought a few cars and made a few bucks. By the time I bought my 1999 Volvo for $575, I had made that much in profit so the Volvo was free and clear. Without over explaining, with fees, repairs, and other things cars invariably need during ownership, I am ALL IN (I love poker, especially Texas Holdem) for about $1100.
I love the Volvo, but I need a truck.. it's hard to be a handyman in a Volvo, as sweet as the car is to drive. So for about 6 or 8 months I have been looking for a shortbed, regular cab, chevrolet with a V8 and an automatic transmission... and as is my style.. at a great price! If you think I took my time, I didn't! I looked almost daily.. try finding one if you don't believe me. (And if you don't want it, email me! haha)
This week I finally found it! It is all of the above, and I'll go more into this in a post soon, but it "had all the RIGHT things wrong with it". And to save the full explanation til another post, by RIGHT I mean things I can do, or like to do, but that affect the price of the vehicle.
I gave $2200 for this truck, and being an expert in value (you'll become one too when you spend 6-8 months looking for something) I know I can re-sell it right now for 3000-3500 dollars.
So you say.. I'm still out the $2200. Not exactly. Being a minimalist, at least the best one I can be, I can only have 1 vehicle. (when I get better it might be NO vehicle, but that will have to be later) And we arrive at aforementioned Volvo.. which I just sold on Craigslist for $3000.
So, I sold a car I bought on profits from a hobby, used to money to buy a vehicle I need (and like) and put $800.00 in my pocket. What do I have now? An asset in the $3-3500 range plus $800 cash, all derived from doing something I enjoy. All with NO debt, and loosely speaking, no depreciation. (since I bought under market value, will enhance the value with repairs and TLC, and there is a bottom to depreciation eventually or at least it becomes marginal)
It's fun to do things differently. I know it's different, because the big news this week is that General Motors paid back 8 BILLION dollars in loans. Business is booming in the new car industry! If you're lucky enough to buy without DEBT, you won't be as lucky with depreciation.
Friday, April 23, 2010
The latest way to Make it without a job...
Win the darn LOTTERY!
Just found out on the news that a guy from Missouri won a quarter of a billion dollars in the lottery!
WTH!?!?!
I guess I'm cursed by the fact that I can do math. Math like..
Your chance of winning I think is 1:250,000,000 or better.
The guy who won bought a $5 quick pick.. his total cash net worth was $28...in other words, wagered near 20% on a 1 in quarter billion shot.
HALF.. needless to say he'll be seeing WAY less than 1/2 of the money. Can we say TAXES!
And he'll lose even more because the smart bet is to take all your winnings upfront, and to do so you'll give up even more.
So the poor schmuck will probably end up with a measely 70-80 million dollars of his quarter BILLION buck winning ticket.
I hope he reads my blog, I can give him a hand about living frugally so he can probably give up that convenience store job he's working at $7.25 per hour!
:) Really though, congratulations dude. If you need someone to hold any of that for you, drop me an email.
Just found out on the news that a guy from Missouri won a quarter of a billion dollars in the lottery!
WTH!?!?!
I guess I'm cursed by the fact that I can do math. Math like..
Your chance of winning I think is 1:250,000,000 or better.
The guy who won bought a $5 quick pick.. his total cash net worth was $28...in other words, wagered near 20% on a 1 in quarter billion shot.
HALF.. needless to say he'll be seeing WAY less than 1/2 of the money. Can we say TAXES!
And he'll lose even more because the smart bet is to take all your winnings upfront, and to do so you'll give up even more.
So the poor schmuck will probably end up with a measely 70-80 million dollars of his quarter BILLION buck winning ticket.
I hope he reads my blog, I can give him a hand about living frugally so he can probably give up that convenience store job he's working at $7.25 per hour!
:) Really though, congratulations dude. If you need someone to hold any of that for you, drop me an email.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Earth Day 4/22
Instead of throwing out old linens and towels, donate them to a local animal shelter. Your trash might be a shelter dogs bed! They'll love you for it.. and you'll feel pretty good about it too!
So what does Earth Day have to do with not having a regular job?
A lot actually! At least for me. For starters, giving things away, recycling or free-cycling not only helps the earth, but also helps your budget!
An example is automobiles. Now I know you're probably not going to give your car away, but it is something that we do buy a lot of USED. I notice a trending news topic is how GM is paying back their government assistance loans.. our money.. ahead of schedule.. in fact they've paid back 8 BILLION dollars already. They obviously are selling plenty of cars and have saved plenty of money with all the cut backs. The other side of the spectrum is my car. It is a car I bought from an insurance company at an insurance salvage auction. It is a 1999 Volvo S70 AWD Turbo. The top of the line for that model year. I paid $575.00 for it as you see it in the picture above, and after fees, and repairing the car to road worthy I laid out a total of $1100 bucks. What is your car payment? Do you owe more than it's worth? hmmm
Less extreme examples, well, are everything else! It's 2010, everything is available in places other than retail! I love to say it... say it with me... CRAIGSLIST! My friend just laid out $6600.00 for a bedroom furniture set. I will tell you, its really nice. I have less than $100.00 in my entire bedroom. Sure, its not as nice but its FAR from unacceptable. And like the old Motel 6 commercials, what does Tom Bodett say.. our rooms look the same as theirs WITH THE LIGHT OFF. What if that 66 hundred dollars was invested for the next 20 yrs? hmmmmm.
So anyways, it's Earth Day. Being Earth concious can help you and the earth live a happier, longer life. And please, I'm not trying to tell you to live a way you're not comfortable with.. that is entirely against my true point of living the way you WANT! If you need that new car, or that new furniture, or 40 pairs a shoes, then just be earth concious when you need to make room for new. Don't contribute things to the landfill that still have use in them. Make someones day and see how it makes you feel.
Please adopt your next pet! Overpopulation is the #1 killer of dogs. Supply is met, continued breeding is not necessary and based on greed and consumerism. There are purebreed rescues for EVERY breed. They are part of our earth too.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Working for barter instead of cash
I put an ad in the Craigslist "Barter" section this weekend. Would like to trade my handyman skills for trades and barters... and of course cash works too.
A couple of things happened... First I received 4 inquiries about bartering on small to medium sized jobs, in my area. Just what I was looking for!
Second.. this morning I found out my ad was flagged. Haha. Good ole Craigslist flagging nazis.
Have you ever thought about taking something other than cash for your services? Quite often you can get much more for your efforts than simply cash. There are no taxes on "trades", except when you trade your efforts for cash. Also there is a depreciation factor of items to trade, yet I value my work at the going rate. Say I value my efforts on your behalf at 500 dollars and we begin to barter the compensation. Well, just because you have something that you paid 500 dollars for as a consumer, meaning you bought from a retail provider at a retail price, does not mean that it is worth 500 dollars now. In fact in my experience I get almost double the value when I barter than when I take cash. Let's face it, if you're willing to trade me for my efforts you have already determined that you don't need your barter as much as you need my services. On the other hand, if I need your barter then it is quite possibly worth much more to me in as much as I do not have to visit the same retailer and pay top dollar for your item. And if I don't need it specifically then of course I can sell it myself for cash or trade and the depreciation factor is not as much of a factor because I will be suffering it myself.
So if you've never thought of trading and bartering I think you're missing out on a beneficial and sometimes very fun and entertaining activity.
On the second note... Flagging on Craigslist. I do not condone misposting or spamming of any kind, and yes my ad is very solidly a service ad and I suspect the reason I was flagged.. BUT, I am willing to trade my services for non-cash items in a barter situation so I think I'm solidly blurring the line on this deal.
What NOT to do when re-posting on craigslist is to make comments about being flagged. It is blood in the water for flagging nazis. Take advantage of the situation and TOP POST! That's right, your ad is no longer on craiglist and therefore eligible for re-posting, right at the top of a brand new day. Thank you very much!
So now to call these leads and see what might be available for trade. Seriously, to me this is VERY fun. Like a treasure hunt. This kind of takes the JOB out of a job.
Looks like Monday is going to be Funday! woohoo.
A couple of things happened... First I received 4 inquiries about bartering on small to medium sized jobs, in my area. Just what I was looking for!
Second.. this morning I found out my ad was flagged. Haha. Good ole Craigslist flagging nazis.
Have you ever thought about taking something other than cash for your services? Quite often you can get much more for your efforts than simply cash. There are no taxes on "trades", except when you trade your efforts for cash. Also there is a depreciation factor of items to trade, yet I value my work at the going rate. Say I value my efforts on your behalf at 500 dollars and we begin to barter the compensation. Well, just because you have something that you paid 500 dollars for as a consumer, meaning you bought from a retail provider at a retail price, does not mean that it is worth 500 dollars now. In fact in my experience I get almost double the value when I barter than when I take cash. Let's face it, if you're willing to trade me for my efforts you have already determined that you don't need your barter as much as you need my services. On the other hand, if I need your barter then it is quite possibly worth much more to me in as much as I do not have to visit the same retailer and pay top dollar for your item. And if I don't need it specifically then of course I can sell it myself for cash or trade and the depreciation factor is not as much of a factor because I will be suffering it myself.
So if you've never thought of trading and bartering I think you're missing out on a beneficial and sometimes very fun and entertaining activity.
On the second note... Flagging on Craigslist. I do not condone misposting or spamming of any kind, and yes my ad is very solidly a service ad and I suspect the reason I was flagged.. BUT, I am willing to trade my services for non-cash items in a barter situation so I think I'm solidly blurring the line on this deal.
What NOT to do when re-posting on craigslist is to make comments about being flagged. It is blood in the water for flagging nazis. Take advantage of the situation and TOP POST! That's right, your ad is no longer on craiglist and therefore eligible for re-posting, right at the top of a brand new day. Thank you very much!
So now to call these leads and see what might be available for trade. Seriously, to me this is VERY fun. Like a treasure hunt. This kind of takes the JOB out of a job.
Looks like Monday is going to be Funday! woohoo.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Is it Sunday?
Have you ever thought about how defined we are by what day it is? I will tell you that I used to be there too. Today I hardly know it's Sunday except for a few things... one is obviously sports!!! It's Nascar today! And all winter it's NFL, for some of you it's Church day, and etc.. you get the picture.
An example of how it still affects me is a job I have lined up. It's a two day deal, and as you can expect, it will cover yet another month of my living expenses, but that's not my point. I would have loved to have started today. But the homeowner isn't accustomed to working on Sunday so they would like me to start tomorrow. And an interesting side note is that this client is retired and does not attend church services, but is so ingrained that Sunday is not a work day that it just goes against his belief to start today.
Another thing I see are the "Friday Freaks".. you know who they are.. Monday morning they are already whining and complaining that they can't wait til FRIIIIIIIDAY. Monday SUCKS.. Tuesday SUCKS almost as much, Wednesday is HUMPDAY.. Thursday is the day before Friday.. and FRIDAY is AWESOME.. (Though still a work day)
I think that's why the bars are so full on Friday Happy Hour. A lot of people just can't wait to let off the steam. Show that they have some control of their lives. That job doesn't control me.
And then it's Saturday. I have to leave Saturday alone.. Not a work day for most, not the big sports day.. just a day. A happy day usually. Though as a postal employee just another work day, except on rotation where you would get Saturday and Sunday off together. I think once every 6 weeks if I remember right.
But what about Sunday? That's almost as interesting as Monday. Sunday is NOT a work day for most, but let the griping begin! These weekends are too short! I hate my job! Have to go to work tomorrow! ETC. I wonder if anyone can do math, you still have HALF of your days off left. I suspect it's the same logic of why everyone is so happy to WORK Friday, and dislike their day OFF Sunday.
I don't get it.
This morning, over cooking breakfast, I really had to think.. Is it Sunday? (Now I know a lot of you guys who are reading this just thought.. If I'm cooking, it's Sunday. I know the ritual.. I was there. But you better get in there and be cooking a few other days as well.. unless you want to be single like me. But I digress... )
Nascar. Yup, it's Sunday. Guess I'll work tomorrow. And since I'll probably only work two days.. then I guess it's like a Thursday.. which isn't too bad. But WOOOHOO, only one day til Friday. I can't wait.. because then it's Saturday.. Saturday.. Saturday.. Saturday... maybe Saturday again..
An example of how it still affects me is a job I have lined up. It's a two day deal, and as you can expect, it will cover yet another month of my living expenses, but that's not my point. I would have loved to have started today. But the homeowner isn't accustomed to working on Sunday so they would like me to start tomorrow. And an interesting side note is that this client is retired and does not attend church services, but is so ingrained that Sunday is not a work day that it just goes against his belief to start today.
Another thing I see are the "Friday Freaks".. you know who they are.. Monday morning they are already whining and complaining that they can't wait til FRIIIIIIIDAY. Monday SUCKS.. Tuesday SUCKS almost as much, Wednesday is HUMPDAY.. Thursday is the day before Friday.. and FRIDAY is AWESOME.. (Though still a work day)
I think that's why the bars are so full on Friday Happy Hour. A lot of people just can't wait to let off the steam. Show that they have some control of their lives. That job doesn't control me.
And then it's Saturday. I have to leave Saturday alone.. Not a work day for most, not the big sports day.. just a day. A happy day usually. Though as a postal employee just another work day, except on rotation where you would get Saturday and Sunday off together. I think once every 6 weeks if I remember right.
But what about Sunday? That's almost as interesting as Monday. Sunday is NOT a work day for most, but let the griping begin! These weekends are too short! I hate my job! Have to go to work tomorrow! ETC. I wonder if anyone can do math, you still have HALF of your days off left. I suspect it's the same logic of why everyone is so happy to WORK Friday, and dislike their day OFF Sunday.
I don't get it.
This morning, over cooking breakfast, I really had to think.. Is it Sunday? (Now I know a lot of you guys who are reading this just thought.. If I'm cooking, it's Sunday. I know the ritual.. I was there. But you better get in there and be cooking a few other days as well.. unless you want to be single like me. But I digress... )
Nascar. Yup, it's Sunday. Guess I'll work tomorrow. And since I'll probably only work two days.. then I guess it's like a Thursday.. which isn't too bad. But WOOOHOO, only one day til Friday. I can't wait.. because then it's Saturday.. Saturday.. Saturday.. Saturday... maybe Saturday again..
Friday, April 16, 2010
Living on 1 days wage
I like that title. I find that I can create acceptable writing style and grammar but I'm not the most creative individual in the web. OK.. pat pat pat my own back, but now on the the post.
Thanks social networking.
Lets start with Facebook. I have a 140 friends on my list. And just like a lot of you I would hardly talk to many of them except that I know them from my past. School mostly, but some friends and acquaintances from way back then.. and yes, most of the EX'S.. who unfortunately do not live in Texas!
I saw a friend post her status update one morning about needing a deck power washed for her parents in a city near me. I dropped her a line and was hired immediately. $200.00 to power wash a good sized deck. I gave her a respectable price, they were happy to pay me and we had a great time catching up. Any job that starts and ends with a hug is a pretty good job.
Well, lo and behold, the neighbors that stared at us all morning weren't just being nosey. They were watching our work... and guess who called yesterday? I will be washing their deck tomorrow. Still under priced, but for 300.00. Will it be a "HUG" job? Probably not, but they are happy with our price, and they already know I do great work. Who isn't happy to get referrals and call someone with verified skills? They have to look at the nice clean deck I washed every day as they sit on their own faded moldy deck.
So, 8 hours of work, and I have completely covered my basic expenses as I documented in my post "The No Job Budget" . Though I will look for and take any work I can get for the next 29 days, you can understand why I won't be too stressed in that pursuit.
What are you doing today? Is it FINALLY FRIDAY for you? I've had 4 Friday's this week. ;) Remember, the quickest pay increase you'll ever give yourself is decreasing your expenses. The only raise you'll NOT pay taxes on.
Have a great weekend.
Thanks social networking.
Lets start with Facebook. I have a 140 friends on my list. And just like a lot of you I would hardly talk to many of them except that I know them from my past. School mostly, but some friends and acquaintances from way back then.. and yes, most of the EX'S.. who unfortunately do not live in Texas!
I saw a friend post her status update one morning about needing a deck power washed for her parents in a city near me. I dropped her a line and was hired immediately. $200.00 to power wash a good sized deck. I gave her a respectable price, they were happy to pay me and we had a great time catching up. Any job that starts and ends with a hug is a pretty good job.
Well, lo and behold, the neighbors that stared at us all morning weren't just being nosey. They were watching our work... and guess who called yesterday? I will be washing their deck tomorrow. Still under priced, but for 300.00. Will it be a "HUG" job? Probably not, but they are happy with our price, and they already know I do great work. Who isn't happy to get referrals and call someone with verified skills? They have to look at the nice clean deck I washed every day as they sit on their own faded moldy deck.
So, 8 hours of work, and I have completely covered my basic expenses as I documented in my post "The No Job Budget" . Though I will look for and take any work I can get for the next 29 days, you can understand why I won't be too stressed in that pursuit.
What are you doing today? Is it FINALLY FRIDAY for you? I've had 4 Friday's this week. ;) Remember, the quickest pay increase you'll ever give yourself is decreasing your expenses. The only raise you'll NOT pay taxes on.
Have a great weekend.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
How to NOT make it WITH a JOB.
If you haven't heard it before, a decent acronym for JOB is Just Over Broke. And isn't that the truth.
This post started out to be about a kid. Namely my kid, and since he doesn't know about this blog... yet, and since you really don't know me personally, I was going to tell his most recent history. And then I started thinking, I did the same things when I was his age. So this is a story about a couple kids.
My first real job came with the USPS, I was a letter carrier. Pretty good money for blue collar work. A great job in tough economic times like the late 80's when I started. And I was a WORKER. I worked every minute they would let me and most years I would almost double my yearly salary based on base pay. But here was the problem with earning good money...... NO FINANCIAL SKILLS.
I had a child obviously and was paying a pretty significant amount of child support. I also was married, not to his mother, and we bought a home as soon as we could. Almost accidentally we bought one of the most affordable houses of all we were shown... and in fact I will say it was completely accidental. It ended up being close to both of our JOBS and luckily was the home we chose. Just for laughs.. it was 49,950.00 and the awesome bond money interest rate was 8.5%. HAHA. hmmm
In addition to this home we had a few credit cards, always with a balance. Two new vehicles, 1 motorcycle, 1 jetski, a lake lot, and of course we lived the high life. (not high.. toke toke.. just living large!)
Needless to say, when this marriage ended, the cards came tumbling down, and in a hurry. A not so unfortunate incident inasmuch as what I learned and how it changed my life. Trust me, it's not that much of a curse NOT to be able to borrow a dime. It just took the label BAD CREDIT to learn, and isn't that the way sometimes. The harder road sticks. Also, try being the proverbial 30 yr old guy living in your parents basement. It proverbially SUCKS.
My son is in a similar situation. He has a son, and plans to marry the mother soon. Until last week he was the only one working, roughly 10 bucks an hour, unskilled. They have one car, with payments of course, and live with her parents. They also carry revolving debt, mostly store type cards for things they just had to have NOW.
His recent story that maybe you can relate to.. receiving his tax return.
Being that he was recently temporarily seperated from his fiance, and returned home to live with mom, he had no car and though missing his child was his major concern he was seriously inconvenienced without transportation... so it was mentioned that I should find him one of my "auction beauties". And that's what I started doing, looking for him a great car at a great price.
Well, that takes time, most good things aren't easy or quick.. or, as they say.. "Everyone would be doing it". Comes along week 2 and I decide to run a nice 10 yr old ford explorer by him. Well come to find out he just bought a 52 inch plasma TV. Being the good dad, I remain calm but ask him if he has any money left. Well, the TV is on credit. It's only $80.00 a month.(He doesnt even know how many months) When I asked why he borrowed when he had his tax money..hoping to hear he still wanted a car.. I learned that the tax refund money was used to pay "wedding expenses".. you know, the Vegas for 10 days on a 10 buck an hour job variety.
Quick Tip: If you want GREAT wedding gifts.. DON'T ask your guests to take an expensive trip to see your wedding. JUST SAYIN...
But anyways.. I'm not going to make this much longer, its too long already. I think you can see the points I'm trying to make. Now, I try to love myself, and I love my kid, so I am not angry, nor did I lecture him. But, it is a perfect example of what NOT to do if you don't want to report to that Just Over Broke every day for the next 45 years...
This post started out to be about a kid. Namely my kid, and since he doesn't know about this blog... yet, and since you really don't know me personally, I was going to tell his most recent history. And then I started thinking, I did the same things when I was his age. So this is a story about a couple kids.
My first real job came with the USPS, I was a letter carrier. Pretty good money for blue collar work. A great job in tough economic times like the late 80's when I started. And I was a WORKER. I worked every minute they would let me and most years I would almost double my yearly salary based on base pay. But here was the problem with earning good money...... NO FINANCIAL SKILLS.
I had a child obviously and was paying a pretty significant amount of child support. I also was married, not to his mother, and we bought a home as soon as we could. Almost accidentally we bought one of the most affordable houses of all we were shown... and in fact I will say it was completely accidental. It ended up being close to both of our JOBS and luckily was the home we chose. Just for laughs.. it was 49,950.00 and the awesome bond money interest rate was 8.5%. HAHA. hmmm
In addition to this home we had a few credit cards, always with a balance. Two new vehicles, 1 motorcycle, 1 jetski, a lake lot, and of course we lived the high life. (not high.. toke toke.. just living large!)
Needless to say, when this marriage ended, the cards came tumbling down, and in a hurry. A not so unfortunate incident inasmuch as what I learned and how it changed my life. Trust me, it's not that much of a curse NOT to be able to borrow a dime. It just took the label BAD CREDIT to learn, and isn't that the way sometimes. The harder road sticks. Also, try being the proverbial 30 yr old guy living in your parents basement. It proverbially SUCKS.
My son is in a similar situation. He has a son, and plans to marry the mother soon. Until last week he was the only one working, roughly 10 bucks an hour, unskilled. They have one car, with payments of course, and live with her parents. They also carry revolving debt, mostly store type cards for things they just had to have NOW.
His recent story that maybe you can relate to.. receiving his tax return.
Being that he was recently temporarily seperated from his fiance, and returned home to live with mom, he had no car and though missing his child was his major concern he was seriously inconvenienced without transportation... so it was mentioned that I should find him one of my "auction beauties". And that's what I started doing, looking for him a great car at a great price.
Well, that takes time, most good things aren't easy or quick.. or, as they say.. "Everyone would be doing it". Comes along week 2 and I decide to run a nice 10 yr old ford explorer by him. Well come to find out he just bought a 52 inch plasma TV. Being the good dad, I remain calm but ask him if he has any money left. Well, the TV is on credit. It's only $80.00 a month.(He doesnt even know how many months) When I asked why he borrowed when he had his tax money..hoping to hear he still wanted a car.. I learned that the tax refund money was used to pay "wedding expenses".. you know, the Vegas for 10 days on a 10 buck an hour job variety.
Quick Tip: If you want GREAT wedding gifts.. DON'T ask your guests to take an expensive trip to see your wedding. JUST SAYIN...
But anyways.. I'm not going to make this much longer, its too long already. I think you can see the points I'm trying to make. Now, I try to love myself, and I love my kid, so I am not angry, nor did I lecture him. But, it is a perfect example of what NOT to do if you don't want to report to that Just Over Broke every day for the next 45 years...
Getting a few page visits..
and even a few new followers!!
So I want to welcome all of you and thank you for stopping in. I must say that it is a new feeling to know that someone is reading what I have decided to share.
It is a mixed feeling. Of course I'm excited to have even one reader, and honored to have someone want to follow my blog. It also gives me a little tentative feeling. I hope that my style is respectable, I hope that it is enjoyable, and I hope that it is accurate and useful.
Also, apparently some ads on my page are being clicked.. evidenced by the few nickels and dimes showing up on my adsense report. I appreciate your support. I think maybe this could be another one of my FUN UN-JOBs.. or at least buy me a happy meal every Friday! Who doesn't love McD's french fries!???
I am a proponent of information! I think that's why I finally decided to share my experiences. I believe there is NO bad information (excepting what you may have paid for it, and all good programs have a money back guarantee) as long as you learn something from it. I also completely believe that informations doesn't "cost" you... information "PAYS" you, and great information can change your life. The internet makes this information and these opportunities to change your life abundant, and at your fingertips. All for less than it costs to fill up your gas tank!
So again, thanks for stopping by. If you are interested in my experiences, or just my daily life and how I do what I do, please follow me, and maybe share me with your friends. Also please comment. I think a full participation blog would be a lot of fun, and I"m willing to share or answer any question you may have.
It's a nice day in KC today... Copart Auto Auction today at NOON! Let's make some MOOOLAH!
Jobs aren't this fun!
So I want to welcome all of you and thank you for stopping in. I must say that it is a new feeling to know that someone is reading what I have decided to share.
It is a mixed feeling. Of course I'm excited to have even one reader, and honored to have someone want to follow my blog. It also gives me a little tentative feeling. I hope that my style is respectable, I hope that it is enjoyable, and I hope that it is accurate and useful.
Also, apparently some ads on my page are being clicked.. evidenced by the few nickels and dimes showing up on my adsense report. I appreciate your support. I think maybe this could be another one of my FUN UN-JOBs.. or at least buy me a happy meal every Friday! Who doesn't love McD's french fries!???
I am a proponent of information! I think that's why I finally decided to share my experiences. I believe there is NO bad information (excepting what you may have paid for it, and all good programs have a money back guarantee) as long as you learn something from it. I also completely believe that informations doesn't "cost" you... information "PAYS" you, and great information can change your life. The internet makes this information and these opportunities to change your life abundant, and at your fingertips. All for less than it costs to fill up your gas tank!
So again, thanks for stopping by. If you are interested in my experiences, or just my daily life and how I do what I do, please follow me, and maybe share me with your friends. Also please comment. I think a full participation blog would be a lot of fun, and I"m willing to share or answer any question you may have.
It's a nice day in KC today... Copart Auto Auction today at NOON! Let's make some MOOOLAH!
Jobs aren't this fun!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
The 'No Job Budget'
Well I don't think I need to state the obvious. A 'No Job Budget' has to be very minimal. I am a single person and my son is grown and lives outside the home. I also do not have any revolving debt, auto loans, judgements, or other debts due. I am debt free and that alone is a great goal. I recommend it highly!
Ok, I live in a half a duplex that is owned by a family member. I pay about 100 dollars less than market value, so not really any tricks here, just a little discount. It is small, but very liveable in a decent part of a major KS city. I have a room mate that shares all expenses half.
I have a cell phone and cable TV with internet access. These are my ONLY luxuries, and by that I mean I could actually live without them.
And living expenses, utilities, food, insurance, gasoline etc.
I wish I could insert a nice table/graph here, but I'm not quite that skilled yet so bear with the listing in paragraph form.
My Rent is 275.00 per month.
My Utilities average about 125.00 per month. (cable,electric,gas,trash)
My Cell Phone is 70.00 per month.
My Auto Insurance is 35.00 per month.
Add in groceries and maybe 1 tank of gasoline a month and you have my expenses.
Now, I don't go a lot of places.. being semi-retired, at least for me, does not mean living large, going out partying, or any such "budget hole". And this is fine with me, remember this is what I do and you need to do what makes you happy or it won't work for you.
As for income I will save that for another post. To complete this post I will say that I am a skilled construction laborer. When I sub-contract I charge 20-25 dollars per hour. I also bid work from craigslist and referrals and I bid between 25-40 dollars per hour.
I think if you do the math you can see that working less than 1 week a month will cover my bills and allow 3 weeks to pursue other interests as I please.
Of course there are ups and downs. I sometimes work for months straight, and then don't work for months at a time. I still call this 'semi-retired' as I have a very high level of choice in my life, a lot of control... if you believe there is such a thing. (talk about a whole other subject for a blog.... or at least a post)
Well, there are my numbers. What do you think?
So that's it.
Ok, I live in a half a duplex that is owned by a family member. I pay about 100 dollars less than market value, so not really any tricks here, just a little discount. It is small, but very liveable in a decent part of a major KS city. I have a room mate that shares all expenses half.
I have a cell phone and cable TV with internet access. These are my ONLY luxuries, and by that I mean I could actually live without them.
And living expenses, utilities, food, insurance, gasoline etc.
I wish I could insert a nice table/graph here, but I'm not quite that skilled yet so bear with the listing in paragraph form.
My Rent is 275.00 per month.
My Utilities average about 125.00 per month. (cable,electric,gas,trash)
My Cell Phone is 70.00 per month.
My Auto Insurance is 35.00 per month.
Add in groceries and maybe 1 tank of gasoline a month and you have my expenses.
Now, I don't go a lot of places.. being semi-retired, at least for me, does not mean living large, going out partying, or any such "budget hole". And this is fine with me, remember this is what I do and you need to do what makes you happy or it won't work for you.
As for income I will save that for another post. To complete this post I will say that I am a skilled construction laborer. When I sub-contract I charge 20-25 dollars per hour. I also bid work from craigslist and referrals and I bid between 25-40 dollars per hour.
I think if you do the math you can see that working less than 1 week a month will cover my bills and allow 3 weeks to pursue other interests as I please.
Of course there are ups and downs. I sometimes work for months straight, and then don't work for months at a time. I still call this 'semi-retired' as I have a very high level of choice in my life, a lot of control... if you believe there is such a thing. (talk about a whole other subject for a blog.... or at least a post)
Well, there are my numbers. What do you think?
So that's it.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Vacations when you want them...
... or need them.
I didn't do much this week. I had some important medical issues, appointments, and the stress that all that involves.
Thats whats great about living minimally. I didn't have to ask anyone, or make any employers angry, or co-workers have to shoulder my load, I just do what I need to do and don't worry about it too much.
I am worried that I didnt post for several days and I am trying to take this seriously and share information and tips about how I live without a regular job.
I am going to start this upcoming week with a post about my budget, both expenses and income. I still don't think I have anyone stopping by but the author here, but maybe I'll catch on eventually. I have been spending a little time trying to learn this blogging and hopefully my competence will rise and bring some readers.
Please say hi, and feel free to offer any suggestions.
I didn't do much this week. I had some important medical issues, appointments, and the stress that all that involves.
Thats whats great about living minimally. I didn't have to ask anyone, or make any employers angry, or co-workers have to shoulder my load, I just do what I need to do and don't worry about it too much.
I am worried that I didnt post for several days and I am trying to take this seriously and share information and tips about how I live without a regular job.
I am going to start this upcoming week with a post about my budget, both expenses and income. I still don't think I have anyone stopping by but the author here, but maybe I'll catch on eventually. I have been spending a little time trying to learn this blogging and hopefully my competence will rise and bring some readers.
Please say hi, and feel free to offer any suggestions.
Monday, April 5, 2010
EHOW
This weekend I did a little research on EHOW.com.
I was talking to a friend of mine from High School who I connected with on Facebook and we got to talking about blogs and internet authoring.
Without going into how EHOW works because you can and should search it yourself, I was interested because as I'm sure you've garnered that I have a little bit of skill in a lot of areas and I use these skills to make my living without having a "typical" job. In fact I argue that since I only do things I like that I never really feel like I have a job at all. I think I will begin sharing tips and tricks on how to do some of the things I know on Ehow.
Does anyone, if anyone ever reads my posts, use EHOW, and what do you think about it?
I was talking to a friend of mine from High School who I connected with on Facebook and we got to talking about blogs and internet authoring.
Without going into how EHOW works because you can and should search it yourself, I was interested because as I'm sure you've garnered that I have a little bit of skill in a lot of areas and I use these skills to make my living without having a "typical" job. In fact I argue that since I only do things I like that I never really feel like I have a job at all. I think I will begin sharing tips and tricks on how to do some of the things I know on Ehow.
Does anyone, if anyone ever reads my posts, use EHOW, and what do you think about it?
Friday, April 2, 2010
Craigslist
Well, didnt have any success at the auto auction yesterday. There were a couple I probably should have bid a little higher on but I just didnt feel comfortable.
Guess today I will get back to Craigslist. I'm a Craigslist junkie! I buy anything that I possibly can from there, within reason of course. I also post ads to sell what I have, and even post jobs to do my minor remodeling and home maintenance tasks for money. Probably the closest thing to a job that I do, in that I just don't like it as much as I do my other "hobbies".
Do you ever have moments that happen that you remember forever? Even moments that change how you think forever?
I was a Letter Carrier with the USPS for 10 yrs. I used to take my breaks at the local Quik Trip convenience store where every Thursday I would buy the latest AUTO TRADER. I knew the day it came out, and about what time it was delivered to my local store. Then I would take my breaks for the next few days going over it inch by inch.
Well, when you do something very routine (and the post office makes everyday routine look random) you get noticed, and I of course made friends and acquaintances. Behind this QT, and I sat behind it for the obvious reasons of the big white truck with an eagle on it and my zippy blue uniform, was a small one man car sales lot. To shorten this story up, I talked to the owner of this lot on occasion and one time he says to me......
You know you can make a living from that magazine right there? I can buy at least a couple cars a week for 3-4 hundred less than they're asking, and turn around and sell it for 3-4 hundred more than they're asking. He went on to say that there is always someone who doesnt want something worse than they'd like the cash right now, and by not having to sell NOW, and knowing a bit about cleaning, fixing, and presentation, you could find someone who just didnt have the time to look for such deals and wants what you have more than they are worried about how much it costs.
I remember that moment, probably 15 years ago or more, like it happened yesterday. And it has been true many times over for me.
Have a "Good" Friday.
Guess today I will get back to Craigslist. I'm a Craigslist junkie! I buy anything that I possibly can from there, within reason of course. I also post ads to sell what I have, and even post jobs to do my minor remodeling and home maintenance tasks for money. Probably the closest thing to a job that I do, in that I just don't like it as much as I do my other "hobbies".
Do you ever have moments that happen that you remember forever? Even moments that change how you think forever?
I was a Letter Carrier with the USPS for 10 yrs. I used to take my breaks at the local Quik Trip convenience store where every Thursday I would buy the latest AUTO TRADER. I knew the day it came out, and about what time it was delivered to my local store. Then I would take my breaks for the next few days going over it inch by inch.
Well, when you do something very routine (and the post office makes everyday routine look random) you get noticed, and I of course made friends and acquaintances. Behind this QT, and I sat behind it for the obvious reasons of the big white truck with an eagle on it and my zippy blue uniform, was a small one man car sales lot. To shorten this story up, I talked to the owner of this lot on occasion and one time he says to me......
You know you can make a living from that magazine right there? I can buy at least a couple cars a week for 3-4 hundred less than they're asking, and turn around and sell it for 3-4 hundred more than they're asking. He went on to say that there is always someone who doesnt want something worse than they'd like the cash right now, and by not having to sell NOW, and knowing a bit about cleaning, fixing, and presentation, you could find someone who just didnt have the time to look for such deals and wants what you have more than they are worried about how much it costs.
I remember that moment, probably 15 years ago or more, like it happened yesterday. And it has been true many times over for me.
Have a "Good" Friday.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Auction Day
Thursday is auction day for me. I attend a dealer only car auction...ONLINE (sweet) and look for cars for my friends or cars that I can resell for some $$$$ (chinga)
I am NOT a car dealer. I go to the car auction legally of course, because as with anything there are ways to do what you want to. Sometime later I can go over how I do this, or you can drop me an email and I'll explain. Or, go to COPART.COM and read for yourself. RESELLER, you can figure it out from there.
I can sell up to 5 cars in one year, January-Dec calendar year, and if you think about it for a second, I have several friends that can sell a car for me should I infringe on that limit.
I buy lower end cars I can sell for cash quickly. Some need cleaned, some need a little work, and some just need to be sold. I usually shoot to double my money on a car I can buy from 1200-2000 bucks. Yes, this is possible and I've sometimes done better than this. (Once I did get burned, but only for a few hundred dollars, it happens)
There you go, one of my UN-Jobs. Would this be work for you? I don't know, but I LOVE cars so for me it's a game and something I enjoy.
Have a great day.
I am NOT a car dealer. I go to the car auction legally of course, because as with anything there are ways to do what you want to. Sometime later I can go over how I do this, or you can drop me an email and I'll explain. Or, go to COPART.COM and read for yourself. RESELLER, you can figure it out from there.
I can sell up to 5 cars in one year, January-Dec calendar year, and if you think about it for a second, I have several friends that can sell a car for me should I infringe on that limit.
I buy lower end cars I can sell for cash quickly. Some need cleaned, some need a little work, and some just need to be sold. I usually shoot to double my money on a car I can buy from 1200-2000 bucks. Yes, this is possible and I've sometimes done better than this. (Once I did get burned, but only for a few hundred dollars, it happens)
There you go, one of my UN-Jobs. Would this be work for you? I don't know, but I LOVE cars so for me it's a game and something I enjoy.
Have a great day.
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