Browsing Tag

lifestyle

General

Are You A Victim Of The Golden Handcuffs?

After talking to a lot of people about their life goals and dreams, it has become obvious to me that most people are chained to their current jobs due to the benefits and salary.  They have lots of other things that they would like to pursue and do, yet they feel that they must continue to work at a job that pays well and possibly has a pension plan.  I refer to this type of lifestyle as the golden handcuff syndrome.  From conversations I have had with various people recently, I have heard many people say that they would do a different job if they could find one that paid them as well as their current job.  Others have said if money wasn’t an issue, they would feel free to pursue their other life goals, but due to their need for a salary, they don’t have the freedom to do the things they love.

It’s clear that many of us are doing what we’ve always been taught to do: work, earn money, pay the bills, and be responsible.  I guess I hope that there is something more out there than just paying the bills.

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General

The End Of The Pennysaverblog 100 Day Challenge

Today is the last day of my 100-Day Challenge.  It has indeed been a challenge, but I am really glad I decided to do it as the extra exercise as well as the extra money I have saved has been a positive thing for me.

Since my last update my husband and I went on vacation for two weeks, so for that period of time I did not count my entertainment expenses as we already set aside a vacation budget specifically for that time period.  However, outside of our vacation spending, I was able to stick within my $100 entertainment budget, with money to spare.  We went to the seafood buffet again, so I still have $15 left.  Not bad.  I wasn’t sure if I would be able to do it.  I guess that means today I can go out and spend $15!  Just kidding!

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General

Pennysaverblog 100 Day Challenge Update 5

Well, this will be my last update until the end of my 100-Day Challenge.  With only 26 days to go, time has really flown by.  I have felt more positive about the challenge lately.  Exercising has become a more normal part of my routine each day. I even went for a walk one day during a break at work, which was nice.  I think I will start to do more of that even after the challenge is over.

My entertainment is down to just $35 now as I went to a concert that cost me $20.  I think I can manage to stick within this budget during the rest of this challenge without too much trouble.

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Household

How Attached Are You To Your Stuff?

Have you ever went through your closet or storage room and discovered all kinds of things that you never use, but are still reluctant to part with them?  I know I have experienced this recently.  My husband and I were doing some Spring cleaning – room by room we went through our stuff with the intent of getting rid of clutter.

While doing this I discovered that I attach memories to stuff, and even if the item is completely useless and will just remain on the shelf collecting dust, for some reason it feels like I would be violating some kind of fundamental law by getting rid of it.  My husband, on the other hand, doesn’t seem to allow himself to become attached to things at all, which makes it really easy for him to get rid of any unnecessary items.

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General

Is It Possible To Be Too Frugal?

There is nothing wrong with being frugal, at least to a point, but is there ever a time when people can go just a little too far in trying to save their pennies?

When I was a university student I was extremely frugal.  I only took the bus when absolutely necessary and whenever possible I would ride my bike or walk to my destinations.  I bought the bare minimum food that I needed and always bought the cheapest of everything.  I bought my clothes at thrift stores when I had to, but seldom bought anything for myself other than absolute necessities.  My goal was to reduce the amount of student loans I would need.  My lifestyle paid off, but some people might consider my style as too frugal.

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