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What experiences you're glad you spent on
You guys know how to spend on great experiences! From barbecues at the top of the planet to fulfilling kindergarten fantasies, here are some of the most interesting from your correspondence Read More 'What experiences you're glad you spent on' » :
| September 09 2010 at 04:07 PM
What experiences are you glad you spent on?
Per yesterday's post, I linked to some articles pointing out that people who spend their money on experiences are generally more content with their purchases than those who bought things.
Current research suggests that, unlike consumption of material goods, spending on leisure and services typically strengthens social bonds, which in turn helps amplify happiness.
I was inspired to think of my no-regrets experiential spending from the past decade. Among the highlights:
-- Kayaking around the Monterey Bay on my 5th wedding anniversary, and seeing enormous sea lions swim right up beside my kayak.
-- Going whitewater rafting down Kings River.
-- Taking a long weekend in Vancouver, British Columbia, and balancing all the kayaking, swimming, urban exploring and sushi-eating with watching the CBC's Olympic coverage.
-- Keeping a standing weekly pedicure date with my good friend Erin, back when we both lived in Los Angeles.
-- Driving up to Seattle and back down the coast to San Francisco, with stops for rafting on the Rogue river, seeing Much Ado About Nothing at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, taking in a Portland Beavers game with friends I hadn't seen in year, and hitching a ride on a mail boat up the Rogue (where I had the most amazing fried chicken for lunch).
-- Flying cross-country to pull off an impromptu family reunion and surprise my mom on a long weekend.
-- Taking cooking classes with my husband. (I can now debeard mussels like a champ.)
But enough about me. What experiences have YOU unhesitatingly opened your wallet for? Share your no-regrets spending with dollarsandsense@sfgate.com.
| September 02 2010 at 10:17 AM
Reader feedback on Burning Man
In a prior post, I had followed an editor's query as to whether the sustained economic downturn would be hitting Burning Man. Answer: probably not, since the roots of the festival reward low-impact, high-creativity projects and planning ahead -- both skills that lend themselves to working around financial constraints.
However, I'm pleased to be able to run testimony from a reader who -- while hit by the recession, career-wise, hasn't let it cramp his trips to the Playa. Here it is, straight from the burner's mouth:
I am a consultant and things have been getting progressively worse over the last two years economically.
Although my prospects started declining in June 2008 I didn't see that then. My 7th Burning Man happened that year and all seemed normal I was just pleased to have more spare time to be able to go longer. The meltdown was happening around us but who knew what it meant.
In 2009 things had not improved and I thought well even more time. I noticed that at my 8th Burning Man that year there seemed to be less 'tourists' (those that come just for the labor day weekend, a few days), and more people taking advantage of being able to come for longer. If you are not working you may as well come for 7 to 10 days it costs the same. So there was more of a relaxed feel and community and less come and go wild for a weekend.
2010 came around I decided not to go ... money is too tight and last year I spent about $1000 total going. But I can't resist -- I bought a $210 ticket at the last minute. I am cutting down on costs .. no new costumes and glow lights (even though it will be a New Moon this year unlike the Full Moon last year). I will be reusing stuff -- no new 'projects' -- and going for longer.
But when it comes down to it you only live once,you don't often get the free time to be able to go to Burning Man for a longer time so ... Life doesn't wait for you to participate in it! So just do it!
| August 27 2010 at 03:45 PM
Reader feedback: Your Costco-fu
I had previously thought the smartest Costco tip I received came from my sister-in-law, who used to use it as a way to introduce her kids to new foods as toddlers. Sample sizes are perfect for small tummies and, hey, trying it is free. But -- but! You all had some awesome advice on getting the most out of warehouse clubs, and you were generous enough to share Read More 'Reader feedback: Your Costco-fu' » .
| March 31 2010 at 12:23 PM
Reader feedback: What you're living with
In a prior entry, I asked what you all were learning to live and learning to live without. Here are some of your answers. Krys, who lost a six-figure job a year ago, wrote:
Joan wrote:There was a period of time where I did learn to live without things like a car, cable TV (i.e. The total package), a land line telephone, dining out at nice restaurants, etc. However, there are now things I am learning to live with, embrace and even enjoy. A few such positive spins include:
- public transportation (everywhere!)
- ramen, spaghetti and dishes you can make in a slow-cooker
- self-manicures & pedicures(yes, learning to paint one's own toenails is note worthy!)
and the most valuable and important items of all ... time, friends, family and life (maybe not in that same order.)
While learning to live with all these things may not always be as easy without money -- the rewards in finding myself along the way outweigh the challenges and sometimes hard evolution from where I once was to where I am today.
When my husband lost his job two years ago we really thought our lives were over but we were wrong. In order to manage our fear we started volunteering at our local Food Pantry where we learned just how lucky we really are. Turns out helping others really is the best way to help yourself.
My husband and I are learning to live without restaurants and new clothes. For entertainment we host and attend potlucks with friends, and we buy our clothing at Thrift Town. Not a sacrifice at all: the truth be told, our lives feel way richer for this new "resourcefulness." I personally dress better now than I ever have; I certainly own more designer clothing (at $1.99 and $2.99 per item) and I am part of a thriving community of neighbors and friends.
So it sounds like what some of you are learning to live with is an increased sense of self-reliance. Here's to you!
| March 25 2010 at 01:17 PM
Your words on BYOB (bring your own bag)
I got a lot of great responses to the post on how you'd change your behavior -- or if you would -- if your local grocery stores began charging for grocery bags.
Both Kendra ("a fee, any fee, will prompt me to remember every time.") and Angela prove that getting dinged at the cash register's a strong incentive to change your behavior:
I would absolutely remember to bring my bags if I got charged. I think it is a great incentive. They have been charging for bags in European grocery stores for years, it is time we catch up and start saving some resources.
Andrew elaborates on what we could learn from our overseas friends for whom this is already standard practice:
I have the feeling that if policy makers ever traveled to Europe, assuming they have passports, they would observe far superior ways to handle environmentalism, public transit, traffic, etc.
Then there are those of you who would not change your behavior to bring the bags along -- you'd change your shopping choices altogether. Michael says:
NO !!! I'd just leave the groceries on the checkout stand and walk out !!
While Tom writes:
It will keep me out of grocery stores - will therefore be shopping in bulk from Costco (they have better quality meats and seafood anyway).
FYI: It's worth noting that Costco does charge you if you use their bags. Their boxes and crates are still free, and last time I was there, they knocked a few cents off my bill because I brought my own bags.)
There's also the question of whether or not the stores owe it to their customers to give them bags. Lydia writes:
If a store started charging, I just wouldn't go to that store. Being environmentally friendly needs to be convenient for people to change their ways. I think it's the store's responsibility to provide bags to its customers. I don't think I would shop at a grocery store that charges extra for bags. What Trader Joe's does with their raffle is that they make the customer feel good for bringing in their own tote bag. When a grocery store makes a customer feel bad (by charging them a fee) for not bringing in their own bag, I think that would only hurt their business.
Sarah points out that human behavior might catch you coming and going:
But my problem is this: what if you have to pop into the store for some last-minute items on your way home from work or the like, and you don't have your bags. On this trip you pick up a few extra items (which the stores hope you do, considering all the product placement). Then what? You either get charged for bags, or you spend more money on a reusable bag that you probably didn't need. Does that really offset the cost of recycling a paper or plastic bag? Not to me.
(My only suggestion: Consider getting a string bag or a Baggu, as both can be crammed into the bottom of a typical-sized purse. But that gets back to having to remember to stick the bag back in your everyday satchel.)
And finally, I now know that some of you would walk across a parking lot to save a quarter. As Ron wrote:
Having markets charge .25 cents for any type of bag they hand out would be a great incentive to make people remember to bring in their own reusable bags. I forgot my own bag this morning, but was too lazy to go back to the car and get it. Paying for a bag in the store, that was redundant for my reusable in the car, would have made me walk back to the car and get it.
Thank you all so much for your feedback! I wish I had SFGate.com grocery totes for you all, I really do.
| March 16 2010 at 02:02 PM
Banking on your future: Where do you shift your money?
Have you all read this article on how 43% of American workers have less than $10,000 saved for retirement? In this economic climate, it's not too surprising -- when your wages have been cut or you're underemployed, it's difficult to imagine putting aside 10% of your (now reduced) income.
But let's say you're in that 57% who have been salting away money so you can retire. And let's say you've had an income setback for the year. What do you do to keep up your retirement savings?
A -- Do you pare back other discretionary spending (so long, cable! So long once-a-month dinner out!) and keep throwing cash into your 401(k) or IRA?
B -- Do you cut back on saving for the kids' college education? After all, they can get student loans for school. Nobody gives loans for retirement.
C -- Do you just sigh and accept that you'll have some catching up to do later when you've got more leeway in your budget?
Stories like the one in the first paragraph can come off reading like Americans are merrily ignoring their looming old ages -- but I wonder if it's a matter of not being able to set aside any money at all? What sort of hard choices have you all had to make about retirement savings as part of your household budget? Share at dollarsandsense@sfgate.com.
| March 09 2010 at 10:31 AM
The readers speak: On children's birthday parties
To my total lack of surprise, nobody wrote in defending children's god-given rights to an opulent birthday shindig. Instead, I got feedback from parents who have navigated the party straits.
Aida writes:
I have four children. Each of them has had at least one party with gifts.
They do not each have a party every year -- they take turns. My children all know and are all comfortable with the notion that the party IS the gift from Mom and Dad and gifts will come from the grandparents and aunts/uncles. The child with no party gets a special gift instead.
When we do have parties, the invitations have asked for donations for Toys for Tots, the Children's Book Project, or a local food bank instead of presents for the birthday child. They have never complained and they don't miss the presents.
What seems to work in Aida's approach is clearly communicating to the child what the parameters are in celebrating their special day. Reader Maria picked up this theme and explained it with admirable clarity:
Last year, for my daughter's 9th birthday, we wanted to invite a lot of kids (because the party was held at a swimming pool that allowed for many guests) but didn't want all the accompanying presents and gift wrapping. So my daughter agreed to a movie swap. Each guest was asked to bring an unwrapped, used DVD. We put them all into a big bag and let each child blind pick one out of the bag at the end of the party. They were all thrilled with their "new" movies, especially my daughter. The movies also doubled as the goody bag.
The important part is that the child needs to be fully on board with this plan. Remind them of how they rarely enjoy the mountain of gifts they receive and all the thank you notes they have to write. And that they will get gifts from their family.
I want to repeat what Maria said: "The important part is that the child needs to be fully on board with this plan." I think that's where a lot of the controversy in the Slate posts came from -- the author made it clear the kids weren't on board, but they did it anyway.
Finally, Hannah writes to remind us that the best parties are the ones that blend restraint with creativity:
The best 3 year old party I have heard about is a friend in NYC- they invited the whole preschool class but just took the subway and got off at each stop, did the hokey pokey, and got back on. Practically free and I am sure the kids loved it.
Oh, to have witnessed that!
What are the creative and low-cost ways you celebrate birthdays? Share your suggestions at dollarsandsense@sfgate.com.
| February 19 2010 at 02:59 PM
What you said about your compassion window
In reply to Friday's query, "How long does your "compassion window" stay open after there's a call for aid? Do you prefer to give immediately after a crisis, or do you prefer to allocate your charitable donations to a few specific organizations regardless of whether or not a crisis has hit recently?", you had some really good responses.
Gayle writes:
My husband and I were both raised as 'tithers.' We give 10% of our net salary to our church, and then 10% of the difference between net and gross to places like World Vision, an organization in China, and a fellow teaching farm methods and literacy in Togo.
But when stuff like this comes up, we try to be open to giving one-time generous gifts. It's just something that has to be done. And we get our kids involved too with their money. Which isn't as easy as it sounds since that means taking some out of their college savings.
I'm not conceited about our giving, but I'm grateful we have giving hearts – I think it’s good for us. And we also hope if we're ever in need, others will respond in the same way.
Meanwhile, reader Ron provides an alternate perspective:
I have deep compassion for victims of any disaster, anywhere. But because of past incidents of fraud and chaos until a semblance of order is apparent, I hold back.
The other problem I have is the "ad nauseam " coverage by the media, you can't get away from it. I have my favorite local charities I give to and I know where my money really goes.
Gayle and Ron have two great tips for anyone who's looking to manage their charitable giving: If philathropic works are in line with your values, make charitable donations a part of your regular budget, and do due diligence on who you donate to.
There are some easy ways to make donations a line-item expense in your monthly budget: program a reminder in your calendar or give on nonprofits that are happy enough to charge your card on a regular basis.
If you're not already researching the nonprofits you donate to, here are a few links to get you started:
- The Better Business Bureau's directory of charity reports and standards, which include assessments of how nonprofits govern their organization, spend their money and present themselves to potential donors.
- GuideStar lets you do a basic search for information on nonprofits.
- And then there is Charity Navigator, another site that lets you assess how effectively a nonprofit deploys its resources.
And in keeping with Ron's cautious concern that early donations may get lost in the immediate post-crisis chaos, the blog Good Intentions Are Not Enough has a great post on how to provide effective, long-term donations to Haitians.
| January 25 2010 at 02:26 PM
Your words: Paying for snacks at the movies
I had no idea movie theater popcorn was something so many of you felt so passionately about! Readers had a variety of reasons as to why they bought or brought snacks. Jeff argues for using concession purchases as a way to support local cinema:
It depends… if I'm visiting a local chain, like the Grand Lake in Oakland, or the Fairfax in Marin, I tend to buy the overpriced snacks to support the venues I want to see remain open. The exhibitors depend on it.
and Tarna's got some recommendations for folks down on the Peninsula:
As someone who has been known to attend big-screen movies FOR THE POPCORN, I can tell you that some theatres are more happily supported than others. You should know that the Stanford Theatre in Palo Alto offers delicious popcorn (hot, WITH butter) at ridiculously low prices. You can also get good chocolate and cheap sodas. All they ask is that if you're going to bring in food, please bring ONLY the kinds of refreshments they sell: popcorn, sodas, and candy.
Another Palo Alto theatre with worthwhile (if not inexpensive) food offerings is the CineArts in Palo Alto Square. Nathan's hot dogs, gelato, good coffee, etc. They a butterlike substance on the popcorn, however. If you can manage it, go next door for dinner at the Fish Market first, then just get coffee or gelato at the movie.
Meanwhile, on the "I bring my own snacks" wagon, Molly worked out the cost of bottled water at the theater:
I am happy just bringing in my Sigg bottle of water ($4 for a 16 oz bottle of water at the concession stand?! I can buy a whole case of water for that amount of money!) or a Starbucks latte which I have yet to have confiscated.
Tracy had an entire system worked out:
My wife and I have a theater snack system that even influences how we buy at Costco. Because soda is so expensive at the movies (along with everything else!), we buy a large pack of plastic Coke (Diet and Zero) bottles and place it into the freezer a hour before we leave to the theater. Prior to taking off, we grab the Cokes, licorice, Cornnuts, and other assorted snacks and put on baggy clothes.
Placing the food securely into our pockets and my wife's purse, we travel on to the movies, bypassing the over-inflated snack bar and into the theater to watch our favorite flicks. There, I said it, we cheat the MAN!
The only way we'd stop our frugal behavior is by being frisked at the entrance of the theaters. Despite the 4th Amendment violations that would trigger, even then they probably wouldn't detect the hard candy deftly hidden in my shoe.
Tracy gets the thinking-ahead award, but the smuggling hall of fame award goes to reader green wheel
Our most recent outing to see the movie "2012" entailed a stop at Bevmo where we boldly purchased a cold 5 liter keg of beer and brought that into the movie theater in a backpack. The only difficulty was venting the keg at the appropriate time when the soundtrack was really loud. Next time I'll bring a small flashlight so I can tell when the cups are full. The beer was better than the movie. :)
Finally, a word from the no-eating crowd, courtesy of ELeonard:
I, for one, find it off-putting that so many people feel one MUST EAT during a movie. Are we so food obsessed that we cannot go without stuffing our faces full of junk for 3 hours or so?
| December 11 2009 at 03:38 PM
Dollars and Sense is about finding new ways to inject dollars, cents and sensibility into your everyday spending.
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