gdp's Comments

I Pick Up Pennies : In praise of an ordinary life

Wed, 18 Feb 2015 15:53:22 +0000

Like other readers, I'm somewhere in the middle. I crave financial, physical, relationship well-being/stability. However, it's important for me to live out a few dreams I have. There's so much to experience, so many people to meet, tastes to be had, sights to be seen. So I've made what I lovingly refer to as my 'Top 10 Life List' (aka: bucket list, but hey.. I'm LIVING!). You can read/see about it here: http://makingcentsofitall.net/2015/02/03/tlcs-lif... P.S. LOVE the new look of your blog.

I Pick Up Pennies : Our friend's in town!

Thu, 29 Jan 2015 14:46:09 +0000

My mom's best friend (since high school) is visiting Monday. Coincidentally, the same day as the anniversary of my mom's passing. It'll be nice having her here even if I did see her last June. I'm hoping a friend of 15 years will come to our high school reunion this August. I haven't seen him in 3 years.

I Pick Up Pennies : Remembering to be thankful (mostly)

Tue, 20 Jan 2015 17:41:43 +0000

People don't like what they can't explain. I remind myself everyone gets treated differently or teased for something at some point in their lives. Maybe not everyone as often as me, but comparing myself/situation to others won't do any good. I also try to focus on the good that's come out of this situation, i.e. I find that I'm much more open-minded & compassionate to all walks of life. Differences are what make us unique & interesting!

I Pick Up Pennies : Remembering to be thankful (mostly)

Tue, 20 Jan 2015 16:07:12 +0000

I've always been tormented & discriminated against for my petite size/unique appearance. Whenever I'm feeling judged or just plain different, I try to remember my appearance doesn't affect other areas of my life, i.e, I have full physical & mental function.

I Pick Up Pennies : The year in (financial) review

Tue, 6 Jan 2015 15:34:07 +0000

Reading some of these comments makes me feel wishy washy about my own gripes. The dental emergency & pricey car repairs were irritating, but overall 2014 wasn't too bad. I've been feeling a tad down lately, but working myself out of this funk so I can focus on the year ahead.

I Pick Up Pennies : If it's not one thing, it's another

Tue, 6 Jan 2015 15:31:14 +0000

Ouch! I guess you weren't expecting a refund on a deposit so it slipped your mind? Just curious cuz the last several apartments I lived in I always kept a close eye on the mail for my refund check. *I don't mean that negatively, just asking :)

I Pick Up Pennies : Not dead, just boring

Wed, 17 Dec 2014 23:02:13 +0000

My Christmas shopping is all done, finally! My stress level is pretty low. Especially considering my stay-cation starts tomorrow @ 2pm.. 10 blessed days off work! Plus, my bday is tomorrow so lots of fun activities in general planned. Finances are decent *fingers crossed* it stays that way. I too am hoping for a bonus in 2015. That + tax return will go towards my dream vacation to London May 2016.

I Pick Up Pennies : And we're sure homeownership is a good thing?

Thu, 11 Dec 2014 14:40:39 +0000

Ouch! My big ticket items have been dental work & car repairs to the tune of around $4000 in 2014 *sigh*

I Pick Up Pennies : A compromise has been reached

Wed, 19 Nov 2014 14:53:11 +0000

Reading the last post/comments (including your Mom's) + this post/comments, I can see why you might be hesitant. From bits & pieces I've picked up (correct me if I'm wrong, I mean no disrespect), it seems like his parents rely on you quite heavily. To the point where they almost expect it? I imagine it's a very difficult decision to decide where to draw the line between being kind/generous or risk being taken advantage of.. cuz lotsa little requests do add up. http://makingcentsofitall.net/

I Pick Up Pennies : Sleep and grownup shopping carts

Mon, 10 Nov 2014 18:07:03 +0000

I'm not a big on sweets like candies, cakes, n the like BUT when I tried to give up pop a while back all I could think about was peanut butter cookies one day lol. So I don't think it was just the caffeine withdraw, but sugar as well. Most of my sugar comes from simple carbs. I'm curious, are you not a fan of cooking or just find it too exhausting? I only ask because you mentioned you usually buy frozen dinners & junk food but seem to enjoy the homemade meals your mom is making. I used to hate cooking when it was just me (leftovers for 5 days, no thanks!), but now that I'm living with the BF I really enjoy trying new recipes. I usually opt for simple recipes with everyday ingredients. I post several of my finds on my blog (in fact, I posted one today): http://makingcentsofitall.net/

I Pick Up Pennies : Well this is going to suck

Mon, 3 Nov 2014 15:22:44 +0000

That's impressive! I've pretty reliant on my (at least) 1 fountain Pepsi/day. I've tried to quit multiple times, but I give in to the sugar/caffeine withdraws. Feels like your body is dying. No energy, can't focus (except on how badly you want a soda), massive headaches, you name it. Everyone suggests I opt for coffee or tea to curb the caffeine, but I HATE both. They make me gag. And those mio caffeine drops for water make me shake. I hope I can do it one day.

I Pick Up Pennies : I feel dirty: We have cable again

Mon, 27 Oct 2014 16:41:15 +0000

I cut cable 2+ years ago. And Netflix. And Hulu. I bought a Mohu Leaf Antenna and HIGHLY recommend it for basic channels: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mohu-Leaf-Paper-Thin-Indoor-Antenna/dp/B004QK7HI8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1414427953&sr=8-1&keywords=mohu+leaf+antenna" target="_blank"> ;http://www.amazon.com/Mohu-Leaf-Paper-Thin-Indoor... Has worked in a 3rd floor & 1st floor apartment and house. I watched DVDs I already owned, free tidbits online, i.e. youtube, and rented movies for free from the library. Since moving in with the BF, we have free cable (long story, but it comes from his family's store) but no DVR. I like it sometimes, but it's certainly not necessary. Mostly just a lot of wasted channels & time. P.S. I don't have a lot of time for TV anyway with my full-time job, part-time photography business, time with BF/friends/family/pets & fitness goals.

I Pick Up Pennies : Black Friday looms large

Thu, 16 Oct 2014 16:01:58 +0000

I'd love to spend more (on more people), but it's what I can afford in my current situation. It allows me to give a little something to the people I love most w/o going into debt. It covers (2) tickets to a Christmas show for me & the BF (kind of a bday present to myself also), cards/postage, yearly photo prints for family, mailings, & gifts for my BFF, BF, only blood cousin, Dad (mom passed), & BF's sister (split with BF). P.S. I LOVE my Galaxy. I had the S2, now 4. Android (over Apple) all the way!

I Pick Up Pennies : Black Friday looms large

Thu, 16 Oct 2014 13:00:21 +0000

No plans for Black Friday. The one and only time I shopped Black Friday was last year. My cell phone contract had been up for 4 months, but I was specifically eyeing the internet for deals on a new Galaxy S4. Best Buy ended up offering a FREE phone if I signed another 2 year contract with Sprint. No gimmicks, no ties to Best Buy. Since I planned to re-sign my contract anyway, this wasn't an impulsive purchase. I stood in line for maybe 2 hours, but it was well worth the wait. I'm not sure what I want for Christmas. I get mostly cash & a gift or two from the BF. I'll probably use any cash I receive for my Amazon Prime renewal, new tires savings fund, and maybe *hopefully* a new camera lens. I already know what I'm buying everyone on my list, except my Dad. My entire budget (including postage, wrapping supplies, shipping, & actual gifts) is $395.

I Pick Up Pennies : To thine own cell be true: A breakdown of prepaid plans

Mon, 15 Sep 2014 18:42:44 +0000

Do you not use cell phones for regular use, i.e. landline instead? Just curious.

I Pick Up Pennies : Swagbucks for beginners

Mon, 15 Sep 2014 18:37:24 +0000

Hey! I have an additional question. Do goals stack? Meaning I could potentially earn 625 SB if I reach my 7, 14, 21, and 31 day goals? OR is it 300 total for reaching your goal every day? http://blog.swagbucks.com/2014/08/swagbucks-tips-...

I Pick Up Pennies : Things not to do in 105 degree weather...

Thu, 4 Sep 2014 12:17:04 +0000

Glad you're OK. Reading this post brings back memories of my claims days - first job outta college was as an auto coverage/casualty adjuster, meaning I determined fault & whether someone had coverage.

I Pick Up Pennies : Swagbucks for beginners

Sat, 16 Aug 2014 23:05:40 +0000

BTW, just thought I'd share. I blogged about my recent adventures with SB & mentioned your post :) http://makingcentsofitall.net/2014/08/16/giving-s...

I Pick Up Pennies : Swagbucks for beginners

Thu, 7 Aug 2014 13:08:30 +0000

Thanks for the great tips, this is super helpful (I bookmarked this post)! I WAS really excited about the RadioLoyalty option, until I remembered my employer blocks ALL streaming audio.. Pandora, Spotify, etc *sniff* It doesn't work on my Galaxy S4 either. Guess I'll stick to the traditional earning methods.

I Pick Up Pennies : Skip the work: Let someone else get your car insurance quotes

Thu, 7 Aug 2014 12:54:55 +0000

I agree. I also think an agent could be good for someone who isn't as comfortable servicing their policy. I guess the point of my long-winded comment lol is to factor in more than just price, like your great claims experience :)