Comments on: Money Diaries: The 20-something cube-dweller with an addiction to phone accessories http://www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com/blog/money-diaries-the-20-something-cube-dweller-with-an-addiction-to-phone-accessories/ Personal finance blog for college students, recent graduates and everyone else -- including entrepreneurship -- for getting rich. Featured in the Wall Street Journal and New York Times. Sun, 21 Mar 2010 11:47:10 -0700 http://wordpress.org/?v=abc hourly 1 By: Money, Cash, Hoes at antinomian.com http://www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com/blog/money-diaries-the-20-something-cube-dweller-with-an-addiction-to-phone-accessories/comment-page-2/#comment-119244 Money, Cash, Hoes at antinomian.com Sun, 08 Nov 2009 19:53:38 +0000 http://www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com/?p=2191#comment-119244 [...] in many cases good for a few laughs as well. I was particularly amused by the guy who talked about getting high and buying cell-phone accessories, for [...] [...] in many cases good for a few laughs as well. I was particularly amused by the guy who talked about getting high and buying cell-phone accessories, for [...]

]]> By: Kristen@The Frugal Girl http://www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com/blog/money-diaries-the-20-something-cube-dweller-with-an-addiction-to-phone-accessories/comment-page-2/#comment-102650 Kristen@The Frugal Girl Sat, 04 Jul 2009 12:55:48 +0000 http://www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com/?p=2191#comment-102650 I agree with everyone else who said that it's not right to sell stuff you get on Freecycle. I'm also a little bit surprised that the OP sells books for $4 while spending money with impunity on other stuff. I agree with everyone else who said that it’s not right to sell stuff you get on Freecycle.

I’m also a little bit surprised that the OP sells books for $4 while spending money with impunity on other stuff.

]]> By: brian http://www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com/blog/money-diaries-the-20-something-cube-dweller-with-an-addiction-to-phone-accessories/comment-page-2/#comment-101743 brian Sat, 20 Jun 2009 17:39:00 +0000 http://www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com/?p=2191#comment-101743 wow. i'm glad i went to college. wow. i’m glad i went to college.

]]> By: My 25 Favorite Personal Finance, Career, and Personal Development Blogs | Dazzle Blog http://www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com/blog/money-diaries-the-20-something-cube-dweller-with-an-addiction-to-phone-accessories/comment-page-2/#comment-97629 My 25 Favorite Personal Finance, Career, and Personal Development Blogs | Dazzle Blog Sat, 09 May 2009 01:01:44 +0000 http://www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com/?p=2191#comment-97629 [...] I Will Teach You To Be Rich http://www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com/ I read I Will Teach You To Be Rich for two reasons. First, Ramit’s focus is largely on entrepreneurship - it’s fairly obvious that his audience is the Silicon Valley startup crowd. Second, his tone is pure entertainment - a pastiche of self-assurance and compelling advice that makes most of the articles there quite worth reading. Two great examples of his style and advice are The $28,000 question: Why are we all hypocrites about weddings? and Money Diaries: The 20-something cube-dweller with an addiction to phone accessories. [...] [...] I Will Teach You To Be Rich http://www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com/ I read I Will Teach You To Be Rich for two reasons. First, Ramit’s focus is largely on entrepreneurship – it’s fairly obvious that his audience is the Silicon Valley startup crowd. Second, his tone is pure entertainment – a pastiche of self-assurance and compelling advice that makes most of the articles there quite worth reading. Two great examples of his style and advice are The $28,000 question: Why are we all hypocrites about weddings? and Money Diaries: The 20-something cube-dweller with an addiction to phone accessories. [...]

]]> By: Tom http://www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com/blog/money-diaries-the-20-something-cube-dweller-with-an-addiction-to-phone-accessories/comment-page-1/#comment-97183 Tom Mon, 04 May 2009 20:16:31 +0000 http://www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com/?p=2191#comment-97183 I'm surprised that I didn't see anyone comment that all of that goofing off at work can do more than inhibit promotions. If your boss stops by at the wrong time, or your IT department tracks website usage, you could end up being fired very quickly. If that were to happen, you would have been fired "for cause" and would likely not be entitled to unemployment benefits (I don't know CA's employment law, but in PA, you'd be up a creek). Then, without a job or savings, all the free books on FreeCycle couldn't save you from financial death. A side note: if your wrists (or anything else) are hurting because of your work, you must report that to your employer. The ergonomic keyboard should be provided by your employer, and shouldn't cost you $29.99 OR a dollar for sad kittens. I’m surprised that I didn’t see anyone comment that all of that goofing off at work can do more than inhibit promotions. If your boss stops by at the wrong time, or your IT department tracks website usage, you could end up being fired very quickly. If that were to happen, you would have been fired “for cause” and would likely not be entitled to unemployment benefits (I don’t know CA’s employment law, but in PA, you’d be up a creek). Then, without a job or savings, all the free books on FreeCycle couldn’t save you from financial death.

A side note: if your wrists (or anything else) are hurting because of your work, you must report that to your employer. The ergonomic keyboard should be provided by your employer, and shouldn’t cost you $29.99 OR a dollar for sad kittens.

]]> By: Catherine http://www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com/blog/money-diaries-the-20-something-cube-dweller-with-an-addiction-to-phone-accessories/comment-page-1/#comment-97158 Catherine Mon, 04 May 2009 15:38:35 +0000 http://www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com/?p=2191#comment-97158 This guy really grates my nerves. Re-read the FreeCycle guidelines and spend your time doing something valuable instead of getting high and making money from other people's generosity and trust. This guy really grates my nerves. Re-read the FreeCycle guidelines and spend your time doing something valuable instead of getting high and making money from other people’s generosity and trust.

]]> By: mike http://www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com/blog/money-diaries-the-20-something-cube-dweller-with-an-addiction-to-phone-accessories/comment-page-1/#comment-96005 mike Fri, 24 Apr 2009 05:30:42 +0000 http://www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com/?p=2191#comment-96005 IMHO, integrating accounts makes sense because they are a married couple and should be fully open and honest with each other regarding how the money is earned, spent, saved, etc. It also gets them immediately on the same page financially. That way, they can budget their needs, wants, goals, and vices on paper, before they go out and spend. As a side benefit, it also gets rid of the "you owe me..." nagging, because they'll both take ownership of the family money if it's in a shared account. All that said, part of my thinking requires the couple to be rational and mature enough to communicate their needs and wants, and actually live within their means. I'm not sure, by this guy's write-up, if he's there yet. IMHO, integrating accounts makes sense because they are a married couple and should be fully open and honest with each other regarding how the money is earned, spent, saved, etc. It also gets them immediately on the same page financially. That way, they can budget their needs, wants, goals, and vices on paper, before they go out and spend. As a side benefit, it also gets rid of the “you owe me…” nagging, because they’ll both take ownership of the family money if it’s in a shared account.

All that said, part of my thinking requires the couple to be rational and mature enough to communicate their needs and wants, and actually live within their means. I’m not sure, by this guy’s write-up, if he’s there yet.

]]> By: Vicki http://www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com/blog/money-diaries-the-20-something-cube-dweller-with-an-addiction-to-phone-accessories/comment-page-1/#comment-95868 Vicki Wed, 22 Apr 2009 16:49:13 +0000 http://www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com/?p=2191#comment-95868 @rtk88edmo After thinking about it, you're right. At first I suggested merging accounts because, if she is vigilant/empowered enough, she'll see how quickly he's depleting funds and put him in line. But, this is also endangering her financial stability. I know when my husband and I merged accounts I cut down on spending, realizing that I was no longer spending just for myself, but for two. But it's hard to say how psychology would factor into the merging decision here. @rtk88edmo After thinking about it, you’re right. At first I suggested merging accounts because, if she is vigilant/empowered enough, she’ll see how quickly he’s depleting funds and put him in line. But, this is also endangering her financial stability. I know when my husband and I merged accounts I cut down on spending, realizing that I was no longer spending just for myself, but for two. But it’s hard to say how psychology would factor into the merging decision here.

]]> By: rkt88edmo http://www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com/blog/money-diaries-the-20-something-cube-dweller-with-an-addiction-to-phone-accessories/comment-page-1/#comment-95841 rkt88edmo Wed, 22 Apr 2009 14:13:51 +0000 http://www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com/?p=2191#comment-95841 Curious as to why people think integrating accounts is a good thing - seems like the OP would quickly drain out any surplus in wifey's account. Curious as to why people think integrating accounts is a good thing – seems like the OP would quickly drain out any surplus in wifey’s account.

]]> By: Vicki http://www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com/blog/money-diaries-the-20-something-cube-dweller-with-an-addiction-to-phone-accessories/comment-page-1/#comment-95825 Vicki Wed, 22 Apr 2009 11:12:13 +0000 http://www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com/?p=2191#comment-95825 OP, thanks for your honest insight. However, just judging purely on what you wrote, it seems like you do have some growing up to do, as mentioned by previous commenters. Being the same age as you and also married, I don't think that other commenters' note that "He's only in his 20s" is a good enough excuse. Let's rehash the facts: 1) You buy "medicina marijuana" for what seems like just plain old getting high when it's not within your budget. $40 a month could be going into an emergency account or other savings/investment. 2) $32 on brand-name clothes when you make, as others have noted $25-$25k a year? go to TJ Maxx or an outlet and buy brand-name stuff there. It just takes a little sorting and looking 3) If you like phone accessories, get a raise or switch jobs so you can afford them. We all have our "things" that we just can't resist. 4) Integrate your accounts with your wife. If you already have one shared account, why not share the rest? It will make transferring money much less painful and you will know all the money you are spending and what is available to you. 5) Keep on packing lunches. It looks like this is one thing you are doing right. OP, thanks for your honest insight. However, just judging purely on what you wrote, it seems like you do have some growing up to do, as mentioned by previous commenters. Being the same age as you and also married, I don’t think that other commenters’ note that “He’s only in his 20s” is a good enough excuse. Let’s rehash the facts:
1) You buy “medicina marijuana” for what seems like just plain old getting high when it’s not within your budget. $40 a month could be going into an emergency account or other savings/investment.
2) $32 on brand-name clothes when you make, as others have noted $25-$25k a year? go to TJ Maxx or an outlet and buy brand-name stuff there. It just takes a little sorting and looking
3) If you like phone accessories, get a raise or switch jobs so you can afford them. We all have our “things” that we just can’t resist.
4) Integrate your accounts with your wife. If you already have one shared account, why not share the rest? It will make transferring money much less painful and you will know all the money you are spending and what is available to you.
5) Keep on packing lunches. It looks like this is one thing you are doing right.

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