Easy Ways to Save Money

Off Topic
101

[quote]Digital Chainsaw wrote:
PGJ wrote:
Never buy expensive shoes, watches, tires or protein powder. The cheaper versions will do the exact same thing.

A good place to find good quality, name brand shoes at great prices is Ross if you have one in your area. You can get Adidas, Reebok, Nike, Asics, or any other top-end shoe for $35 or less.

Personally, I go for the Avias, which IMO, are every bit as good as any of the above mentioned brands at half the price. The pair I wear to train in cost me $17 and change 2.5 years ago, and they are not even begining to fall apart.

Ditto just about all other clothing at Ross or a Bealle’s Outlet.[/quote]

I bought Nike Shox at a local sports store for $65 (1/2 price). I would never spend more than that for shoes. TJ Maxx and SteinMart are also good places to find cheap…er, less expensive clothes. Some people just go to the mall and pay whatever the price is, when all they had to do was shop around a bit, go to discount stores, or even use shopzilla.com.

102

[quote]Meddyg Stigg wrote:
PGJ wrote:

.

Never buy expensive shoes, watches, tires or protein powder. The cheaper versions will do the exact same thing.

The shoes ok…the tyres ? Do they do a budget 265/35 ZR 18 then ?

The watch ? If you don’t wear one at all, that’s the cheapest.

Cheap Protein powder can be shit too.

[/quote]

Tires come in a wide range of prices. Unless you’re a competitive race car driver, the cheaper one’s will work just fine. That doesn’t mean go with the absolute cheapest Chinese re-tred tires. Just don’t buy the stupid Pirelli or Yokohama tires. Shop around.

103

[quote]jedidiah wrote:
For the fellow college students that are buying textbooks: e-mail your profs, find out the texts and half.com that shit. Serously, the campus bookstoresa are taking you for a ride.

I’ve probably saved 600-800 dollars in two semesters by buying textbooks online. [/quote]

NEVER, NEVER buy new books for college. Then sell them back to Amazon.com

104

[quote]Kayrob wrote:

Did these come from Viz by any chance. I really miss Viz! I hear its gone to crap now though.[/quote]

I can’t comment on the Stig’s fine suggestions, but Viz magazine is still pretty funny.

105

[quote]iatguy wrote:
I don’t completely follow this but I do believe in " you get what you pay for".

BIGRAGOO wrote:
PGJ wrote:
Never buy expensive shoes, watches, tires or protein powder. The cheaper versions will do the exact same thing.

…and never know what real luxuries are. Dude, a cheap watch will break quickly, cheap tires wear faster than a better brand, or even blow, and cheap protein is just a gimmick and tons of abdominal gas in a bucket. Seriosly are you that cheap??

[/quote]

What’s the difference between a $5-20 Walmart watch and a $2,000 Rolex? They both tell time the same.

Why pay $120 for Nike running shoes at the mall when you can get them much cheaper on the internet or at certain discount stores? Why not go for the cheaper New Balance or Adidas?

What’s the difference between Pirelli tires that cost $200 each and Pep Boys tires that cost $60 each? A local tire store actually told me I needed performance tires like Pirelli’s on my BMW because, well, it’s a BMW and they’re supposed to be performance cars. I told him my car is 12 years old and I don’t drive like those idiots on “Fast and Furious”. A tire is a tire, unless perhaps you plan to race.

You DO NOT always get what you pay for.

106

[quote]CrewPierce wrote:
OK so this thread went from saving money to “How cheap can we be”. Most of this stuff is good and can be used by many but some of it…let’s just say I’m getting a mental picture of really big guys wearing 80’s suits and driving beat up cars. At some point, you may have to look at your bodybuilding ways and how much the massive amounts of food, gym memberships, supplements, and weight lifting equipment is cost you and cut back on that.

I know that may be unthinkable but if you are shopping at the Salvation Army and driving a car older than me to add another inch to your biceps, its time to let go, I’m sorry.
Sorry it had to be me, but someone had to say that!

[/quote]

True, but its all about balance. If I have a couple of million dollars sitting in the bank, I am going to drive what I want, wear an expensive watch, and eat at nice restaurants. On the other hand, if I am a broke college student, or am falling on hard times, a cheap reliable car is just as functional, and a Wal Mart watch still tells me what time it is. Most of us are somewhere in between, and should strike a balance between what we can afford and where we need to cut costs.

107

[quote]PGJ wrote:
…
Tires come in a wide range of prices. Unless you’re a competitive race car driver, the cheaper one’s will work just fine. That doesn’t mean go with the absolute cheapest Chinese re-tred tires. Just don’t buy the stupid Pirelli or Yokohama tires. Shop around.

[/quote]

I have found Yokohamas to be good tires at a reasonable price compared to Pirellis, etc.

Check out tirerack.com

108

[quote]Kayrob wrote:
CrewPierce wrote:
OK so this thread went from saving money to “How cheap can we be”. Most of this stuff is good and can be used by many but some of it…let’s just say I’m getting a mental picture of really big guys wearing 80’s suits and driving beat up cars. At some point, you may have to look at your bodybuilding ways and how much the massive amounts of food, gym memberships, supplements, and weight lifting equipment is cost you and cut back on that.

I know that may be unthinkable but if you are shopping at the Salvation Army and driving a car older than me to add another inch to your biceps, its time to let go, I’m sorry.
Sorry it had to be me, but someone had to say that!

True, but its all about balance. If I have a couple of million dollars sitting in the bank, I am going to drive what I want, wear an expensive watch, and eat at nice restaurants. On the other hand, if I am a broke college student, or am falling on hard times, a cheap reliable car is just as functional, and a Wal Mart watch still tells me what time it is. Most of us are somewhere in between, and should strike a balance between what we can afford and where we need to cut costs.[/quote]

I agree on that, I’m a college student who works full time to pay the bills so I know what its like. But on the same respect if the choice was walmart clothes and supplements or nicer clothes and go without the supplements I would choose the second option. Muscles are good and all but sometimes sacrifies must be made and at the end of the day, unless you are a pro bodybuilder or powerlifting, you need to put your muscles in perspective.

109

[quote]PGJ wrote:
BIGRAGOO wrote:
PGJ wrote:
Never buy expensive shoes, watches, tires or protein powder. The cheaper versions will do the exact same thing.

…and never know what real luxuries are. Dude, a cheap watch will break quickly, cheap tires wear faster than a better brand, or even blow, and cheap protein is just a gimmick and tons of abdominal gas in a bucket. Seriosly are you that cheap??

Yep! Those $5 watches at Walmart keep time just as well as a $2000 Rolex. And if I loose or break my Walmart watch, I go get another one. Expensive watches are just that…expensive. My cheap Pep Boys tires last longer than expensive Pirelli’s. You can get cheap tires with 50,000 mile warranties. Protein is protein, you want to buy in to the “designer” gimmic, go right ahead. This thread is about saving money, right? Drop the wrist bling and look-at-me tires.

[/quote]

I wasn’t actually talking about Rolex’s or look-at-me type tires. I guess cheap means different things to different people. But I assure you there is a difference in proteins. If you can’t see that, you’re a fool.

110

[quote]PGJ wrote:
iatguy wrote:
I don’t completely follow this but I do believe in " you get what you pay for".

BIGRAGOO wrote:
PGJ wrote:
Never buy expensive shoes, watches, tires or protein powder. The cheaper versions will do the exact same thing.

…and never know what real luxuries are. Dude, a cheap watch will break quickly, cheap tires wear faster than a better brand, or even blow, and cheap protein is just a gimmick and tons of abdominal gas in a bucket. Seriosly are you that cheap??

What’s the difference between a $5-20 Walmart watch and a $2,000 Rolex? They both tell time the same.

Why pay $120 for Nike running shoes at the mall when you can get them much cheaper on the internet or at certain discount stores? Why not go for the cheaper New Balance or Adidas?

What’s the difference between Pirelli tires that cost $200 each and Pep Boys tires that cost $60 each? A local tire store actually told me I needed performance tires like Pirelli’s on my BMW because, well, it’s a BMW and they’re supposed to be performance cars. I told him my car is 12 years old and I don’t drive like those idiots on “Fast and Furious”. A tire is a tire, unless perhaps you plan to race.

You DO NOT always get what you pay for.

[/quote]

Now you’re arguing the obvious. If your $20 watch is a Timex, yes it will last indefintiely. The shoes, whatever fits and are comfortable. The tires, you just avoided a getting suckered by the salesman. Everyone knows, and does this stuff.

My point is that some things are pleasing to have as a “luxury” item.

111

[quote]PGJ wrote:
iatguy wrote:
I don’t completely follow this but I do believe in " you get what you pay for".

BIGRAGOO wrote:
PGJ wrote:
Never buy expensive shoes, watches, tires or protein powder. The cheaper versions will do the exact same thing.

…and never know what real luxuries are. Dude, a cheap watch will break quickly, cheap tires wear faster than a better brand, or even blow, and cheap protein is just a gimmick and tons of abdominal gas in a bucket. Seriosly are you that cheap??

What’s the difference between a $5-20 Walmart watch and a $2,000 Rolex? They both tell time the same.

Why pay $120 for Nike running shoes at the mall when you can get them much cheaper on the internet or at certain discount stores? Why not go for the cheaper New Balance or Adidas?

What’s the difference between Pirelli tires that cost $200 each and Pep Boys tires that cost $60 each? A local tire store actually told me I needed performance tires like Pirelli’s on my BMW because, well, it’s a BMW and they’re supposed to be performance cars. I told him my car is 12 years old and I don’t drive like those idiots on “Fast and Furious”. A tire is a tire, unless perhaps you plan to race.

You DO NOT always get what you pay for.

[/quote]

The difference between the two, other than looks? Shows you have class, and if it is a Rolex wealth as well. Now I could never affoard a Rolex with paying for school and all, but I will spring for a good fossel. It was about 60 bucks, has lasted me 4 years with no replacements and looks a hell of a lot better than some plastic watch. Sometimes you just can’t be as cheap as a jewish accountant (sry if there are any of those on here!!) people just don’t like hanging around with extreme penny pintchers. Now this is all if its not needed. If you can barely scrape by then Walmart is one of the best inventions around! I’ve been there, and luckily enough can affoard nicer things now, but I wont forget where I started out.

112

[quote]The difference between the two, other than looks? Shows you have class, and if it is a Rolex wealth as well.
[/quote]

Class? Two words. “Fifty” and “Cent”.

113

[quote]CrewPierce wrote:
PGJ wrote:
iatguy wrote:
I don’t completely follow this but I do believe in " you get what you pay for".

BIGRAGOO wrote:
PGJ wrote:
Never buy expensive shoes, watches, tires or protein powder. The cheaper versions will do the exact same thing.

…and never know what real luxuries are. Dude, a cheap watch will break quickly, cheap tires wear faster than a better brand, or even blow, and cheap protein is just a gimmick and tons of abdominal gas in a bucket. Seriosly are you that cheap??

What’s the difference between a $5-20 Walmart watch and a $2,000 Rolex? They both tell time the same.

Why pay $120 for Nike running shoes at the mall when you can get them much cheaper on the internet or at certain discount stores? Why not go for the cheaper New Balance or Adidas?

What’s the difference between Pirelli tires that cost $200 each and Pep Boys tires that cost $60 each? A local tire store actually told me I needed performance tires like Pirelli’s on my BMW because, well, it’s a BMW and they’re supposed to be performance cars. I told him my car is 12 years old and I don’t drive like those idiots on “Fast and Furious”. A tire is a tire, unless perhaps you plan to race.

You DO NOT always get what you pay for.

The difference between the two, other than looks? Shows you have class, and if it is a Rolex wealth as well. Now I could never affoard a Rolex with paying for school and all, but I will spring for a good fossel. It was about 60 bucks, has lasted me 4 years with no replacements and looks a hell of a lot better than some plastic watch. Sometimes you just can’t be as cheap as a jewish accountant (sry if there are any of those on here!!) people just don’t like hanging around with extreme penny pintchers. Now this is all if its not needed. If you can barely scrape by then Walmart is one of the best inventions around! I’ve been there, and luckily enough can affoard nicer things now, but I wont forget where I started out.
[/quote]

I agree 100%, If I could affords the luxury of being able to sport a Rolex, I would. But mu income and my choice of lifestyle does not allow for it.

There’s nothing worse than some douche bag wearing a Rolex and nice clothes, only to flaunt it like he’s somebody special, when he know’s he’s either piled up in credit card debt, and still livin with his parents.

It all boils down to living beyond your means and what you are willing to compromise with.

Bullpup

114

[quote]Zap Branigan wrote:
PGJ wrote:
…
Tires come in a wide range of prices. Unless you’re a competitive race car driver, the cheaper one’s will work just fine. That doesn’t mean go with the absolute cheapest Chinese re-tred tires. Just don’t buy the stupid Pirelli or Yokohama tires. Shop around.

I have found Yokohamas to be good tires at a reasonable price compared to Pirellis, etc.

Check out tirerack.com[/quote]

That’s part of my point. Shop around. The internet has great prices, although I have found Pep Boys to be the best deal around. Don’t pay full price for anything.

115

[quote]BIGRAGOO wrote:
PGJ wrote:
iatguy wrote:
I don’t completely follow this but I do believe in " you get what you pay for".

BIGRAGOO wrote:
PGJ wrote:
Never buy expensive shoes, watches, tires or protein powder. The cheaper versions will do the exact same thing.

…and never know what real luxuries are. Dude, a cheap watch will break quickly, cheap tires wear faster than a better brand, or even blow, and cheap protein is just a gimmick and tons of abdominal gas in a bucket. Seriosly are you that cheap??

What’s the difference between a $5-20 Walmart watch and a $2,000 Rolex? They both tell time the same.

Why pay $120 for Nike running shoes at the mall when you can get them much cheaper on the internet or at certain discount stores? Why not go for the cheaper New Balance or Adidas?

What’s the difference between Pirelli tires that cost $200 each and Pep Boys tires that cost $60 each? A local tire store actually told me I needed performance tires like Pirelli’s on my BMW because, well, it’s a BMW and they’re supposed to be performance cars. I told him my car is 12 years old and I don’t drive like those idiots on “Fast and Furious”. A tire is a tire, unless perhaps you plan to race.

You DO NOT always get what you pay for.

Now you’re arguing the obvious. If your $20 watch is a Timex, yes it will last indefintiely. The shoes, whatever fits and are comfortable. The tires, you just avoided a getting suckered by the salesman. Everyone knows, and does this stuff.

My point is that some things are pleasing to have as a “luxury” item.[/quote]

Agreed. But the whole point of the entire thread is how to save money, not how to spend it.

116

Regarding tires and shoes:

-Don’t skimp on them, but look for a sale.
I suggest tirerack.com as well. Great prices and the delivery to my local shop was flawless.

-I also agree with half.com and ebay for textbooks.

The next step in my financial evolution is to keep track of all expenses, as someone suggested

117

[quote]CrewPierce wrote:
PGJ wrote:
iatguy wrote:
I don’t completely follow this but I do believe in " you get what you pay for".

BIGRAGOO wrote:
PGJ wrote:
Never buy expensive shoes, watches, tires or protein powder. The cheaper versions will do the exact same thing.

…and never know what real luxuries are. Dude, a cheap watch will break quickly, cheap tires wear faster than a better brand, or even blow, and cheap protein is just a gimmick and tons of abdominal gas in a bucket. Seriosly are you that cheap??

What’s the difference between a $5-20 Walmart watch and a $2,000 Rolex? They both tell time the same.

Why pay $120 for Nike running shoes at the mall when you can get them much cheaper on the internet or at certain discount stores? Why not go for the cheaper New Balance or Adidas?

What’s the difference between Pirelli tires that cost $200 each and Pep Boys tires that cost $60 each? A local tire store actually told me I needed performance tires like Pirelli’s on my BMW because, well, it’s a BMW and they’re supposed to be performance cars. I told him my car is 12 years old and I don’t drive like those idiots on “Fast and Furious”. A tire is a tire, unless perhaps you plan to race.

You DO NOT always get what you pay for.

The difference between the two, other than looks? Shows you have class, and if it is a Rolex wealth as well. Now I could never affoard a Rolex with paying for school and all, but I will spring for a good fossel. It was about 60 bucks, has lasted me 4 years with no replacements and looks a hell of a lot better than some plastic watch. Sometimes you just can’t be as cheap as a jewish accountant (sry if there are any of those on here!!) people just don’t like hanging around with extreme penny pintchers. Now this is all if its not needed. If you can barely scrape by then Walmart is one of the best inventions around! I’ve been there, and luckily enough can affoard nicer things now, but I wont forget where I started out.
[/quote]

Oh, yeah, P-Diddy has all kinds of class. He’s got the watches, necklaces, rings…bling like you read about. Come on, having gawdy expensive jewelry doesn’t give you class. It just makes you flashy. I wouldn’t buy a Rolex even if I could afford it just for that reason. The whole point of this thread is saving money. If you can afford a $60 watch, go ahead. But you don’t NEED a $60 watch. A $5 one from walmart will do just fine. And if you are worried about impressing your friends, just forget completely about saving money. If they won’t hang out with you because you watch your money, then they aren’t your friends.

118

[quote]Zap Branigan wrote:
I have found Yokohamas to be good tires at a reasonable price compared to Pirellis, etc.

Check out tirerack.com[/quote]

I originally bought Yokohama touring tires from tirerack after I heard they were quiet. They don’t seem any quieter, but they’ve been good, long-lasting tires and were quite inexpensive. After one was trashed due to a road hazard, I replaced it with a mismatched used tire. Put the mismatch on the back and you’ll never know the difference.

119
120

[quote]MrTangerineSpedo wrote:
obatiger11 wrote:
Nate Dogg wrote:
Here are a few things that have worked for me:

1) Only use 0% interest credit cards and transfer the balances until paid off (be sure to pay more than the minimum balance). I’ve been doing this for the past two years. One card will be paid off next month. The other card now has my car loan transferred to it so I don’t pay interest on a loan. The only other loan I have is my school loan. I may also transfer that to a 0% credit card in the future to pay it off sooner. I am down to about $3,500 on that loan (~$100/month right now).

Are you talking about switching cards whenever the introductory rate is over and the real interest rate kicks in?

How many times can you continue to transfer balances from one card to another? Someone once told me it was illegal to continue doing this over and over again. Were they full of shit? Would appreciate any advice b/c I have a credit card now I am trying to pay off. I only owe about $3,500, but with the interest it is hard to make any progress. I currently have only transfered this balance once from another credit card.

Thanks!

I don’t believe there’s any law limiting how many times you can transfer credit balances. Just be careful because it will drive your credit rating way down.[/quote]

There is no law preventing this. I’ve done this with four different cards in the past 2 1/2 years (three from the same company - Chase).

However, the one “negative” on my credit report is that I don’t have enough long-term history on my 0% credit cards since I keep cancelling them and applying for others every 12-15 months. So this does lower my credit score somewhat (but I’m still over 730 on all three credit bureaus).

Also, I only choose 0% interest credit cards with a low fixed-rate once the promotion ends and something with no annual fee or additional fees.

Chase has been one of the best companies since they offer all of the above. I currently have a Visa (to be paid off next month) and a Mastercard with them (that now has my car loan on it for 0% interest until August 07).

So, if you can get those promotional offers, use them until you pay off your debt!!!