DISQUS

Very well said!

I've wasted money in various ways, but I think that my biggest financial regret has been my inaction. I think that getting your feet wet is a great way to learn as long as you're sensible about it.

Well said and I agree.

I just wanted to add that when it is time to discard your teabag, consider composting it or just emptying the leaves in your houseplants' soil.

I dislike the tipping mentality that we've built up. It's gotten to a point where it's expected. I even hear the argument that service staff don't get paid much so its up to me to give them a fair wage... well, I don't buy it.

I do provide a gratuity when I have enjoyed good service (that is, I will show my gratitude). Generally that is in a restaurant where the server has done a good job to serve me; little things like asking how everything is, filling up my water, and generally makes sure that my visit does not suck. If I'm staying in a hotel for an extended period of time then I've likely made use of the concierge, again, I'll leave a tip.

But the guy who delivers my pizza? Our exchange is all of thirty seconds... why am I tipping him? So that he doesn't come back to egg my house?

I will tip when I am grateful for the service, but I do not feel obligated to tip.

Well said! Our instant gratification illness is digging us deeper in debt. We want all (and more) of the things our parents had... but we need it NOW. Hey, why work two months for something that I want when I can have it now, for 'free.'

Personally, I'm not an early adopter of anything. While I enviously watch the world around me play with their new gadgets, I have made a commitment to hold off on any of my 'wants' for a few months. I see something I want and I say, "okay, in x months you can have it if you still want it" (x depends on how much money it costs). Usually, the desire subsides by the time my deadline arrives.

Health wise I don't think that there is anything wrong with eating meat (some people have moral objections, but that is another matter). The point is how much, of anything, do we consume? Most meat is high in saturated fat and cholesterol, but it's not unhealthy to have moderate amounts. Just as it is not unhealthy to have a drink now and again. (Notice that I don't come right out and say that it is healthy).

I think it comes down to an enjoyment of life issue. You need to enjoy life and that might include eating meat and desserts, drinking alcohol, etc. But everything in moderation.

I used to always tough it out and drag myself to work. But then I realized that if the illness is something contagious I am really hurting the company more by showing up. It also takes longer to recover if I'm at work, so I'm not productive while working, and I'm sick longer. On the other hand I always feel guilty not going to work if I 'feel fine.'

In the end I'll stay home if I think it's contagious, but I often end up working from home anyway.

Rich Dad seems to be a good beginners book that is filled with simplistic messages. After all, when we're starting out all that you really need to know is the difference between good and bad debt.

But I have to agree with the above, he portrays himself as an expert but never provides details. It would appear that his fortune has really been in marketing himself as a financial guru and then selling merchandise.

In my opinion, an even better beginners' guide to personal finance is "The Wealthy Barber" by David Chilton. It is Canadian, so may not have the universal appeal, but actually provides the simplistic message without the air of portraying himself as an expert.

I haven't read this one yet. Perhaps more importantly I have not yet read this one with my wife;)

While I was previously an occasional reader I've now added you to my blogroll.