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Crystal G



Registered: 06/05/07
Posts: 19,584
Loc: outer space
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How Cheap And How Smart of a Shopper Are You?
#19141422 - 11/15/13 03:48 PM (10 years, 2 months ago) |
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Do you take pride in your cheapitude? I thought that we could exchange tips on saving money and being frugal. Everybody has their own methods and ways that they save money. How about you, what do you do?
Recently, I ended up making close to $18 grand in 2 weeks this month, which is the most I've ever made in my life in a month or less. And it dawned on me just how frugal I am. I don't think it matters, even if I were to become a millionaire, you would never catch me buying $4,000 suits and Lamborghini's. It's just not in my nature to show off how much money I have, and I don't necessarily believe pricier = better, especially when it comes to Veblen goods.
I really can't help it, it's in my blood--I am one cheap motherfucker, but I'm not stingy when it comes to tipping people and things like that. I personally just love me a good deal and I like to stretch items that I've purchased to its last dollar.
Here are examples of my cheapitude.
-I haggle at every single store I small shop at--almost all the time I get some sort of discount, if it's a small shop. I have gotten every one of my cell phone chargers, originally $14 for $10. My favorite story was when I was buying a Christmas present for my mom that originally cost $380, and I managed to talk the sales rep into giving it to me for $90, in exchange for advertising for them.
-My underwear costs between 50 cents to a dollar a piece because I always buy them when they go on sale. Same for my shirt. and The shirts that I wear every day to the gym are 3 for $10 deals that I get.
-I am always renting a cheap bedroom even though I could afford a nice apartment, studio, or even start looking at houses or condos, because room rental only costs me $500 a month. I don't live with a boyfriend or husband, I have no kids, why do I ned a huge space all just for myself?
-I do not pay for TV because that costs another $100-$200 a month, so instead I torrent shows and movies on my computer.
-My car is busted from being hit in parking lots, and I have no plans to repair the damage, even though one guy offered to do (what should have been $2,000 work) for me for only $150. $150 is a great deal. But why would I waste my money for my car to look nice and shiny, when there's a pretty good chance it might get damaged in the future again?
-I will actually sometimes call the gas stations around my house to see what their rates are for today. Then I go to whichever one is cheapest and on the way to where I'm going. If gas prices are high, I will only put in $10 at a time until gas prices drop again.
-I never ever go to a car wash, I always wash it myself with a hose and microfiber cloth, because I can save the $10-$15.
-For birthday presents, in past years I have always asked my family to pay for things like my car insurance or annual cell phone bill.
-Every time I go to a fast food place, I steal a shitload of their sauces and napkins and paper plates and plastic forks. I have a little stockpile in my kitchen and in my car for "emergencies." 
-My work place has filtered water, so I bring a gallon jar and fill it up to bring back home. The place I'm staying at does not have filtered water, and buying it at the store would cost a dollar or two each day.
-I purchase all my makeup at Walgreens. 50 colors of eyeshadow for $9.99. This is a much better deal than going to Mac or Shiseido or Lancome, which costs over $18 for one color eyeshadow. The Walgreens quality is actually not bad and it doesn't smear or get runny.
-Most people throw away their toothpaste or face creams when you can't squeeze any more out of the tube. I cut mine open to get another stash long enough for a week. With jelly or jam, once the jar is low but there's still that tiny bit that left at the bottom, you throw in a splash of apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar, and you have your own house-made vinaigrette enough for 1-2 people.
-Obviously, I cook as much as possible to save money. I've met some people that eat at restaurants every single day. I mean, not only are you bound to become obese because restaurants always put way too much fat and sugar in their recipes, you would be wasting a ton of money. I think that I can serve food that tastes way better than a lot of "average" restaurants.
-I shower at the gym whenever I'm there to save money on heat and water.
The list goes on... LOL. What sort of methods do you guys use to be frugal and be smart shoppers?
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Dest
Roller-Derby Coach


Registered: 06/14/09
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Last seen: 6 years, 5 months
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Re: How Cheap And How Smart of a Shopper Are You? [Re: Crystal G] 1
#19141782 - 11/15/13 05:21 PM (10 years, 2 months ago) |
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Quote:
G said- -My car is busted from being hit in parking lots, and I have no plans to repair the damage, even though one guy offered to do (what should have been $2,000 work) for me for only $150. $150 is a great deal. But why would I waste my money for my car to look nice and shiny, when there's a pretty good chance it might get damaged in the future again?
-I will actually sometimes call the gas stations around my house to see what their rates are for today. Then I go to whichever one is cheapest and on the way to where I'm going. If gas prices are high, I will only put in $10 at a time until gas prices drop again.
why? because the trashed body of your car interrupts aerodynamic efficiency and therefore cost you more money in the long run on gas
Im pretty thrifty myself
Edited by Dest (11/15/13 05:25 PM)
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Niffla



Registered: 06/09/08
Posts: 46,485
Loc: Texas
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Re: How Cheap And How Smart of a Shopper Are You? [Re: Crystal G]
#19141841 - 11/15/13 05:36 PM (10 years, 2 months ago) |
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Honestly I'm a fucking idiot shopper of epic and biblical proportions. I just waltz in and grab stuff. A lot of it on straight up impulse. Like, "ooohh damn them prosciutto things wrapped around some cheese would probably good high". Buy. "Whoa this new $4 monster energy flavor has a cool ass design on the bottle, I bet it's the bomb". Buy. I never use coupons, I rarely look at the price in front of me. I'm just retarded when it comes to that shit.
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HAIL OUR NEW OTD KING
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psi
TOAST N' JAM


Registered: 09/05/99
Posts: 31,456
Loc: 613
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Re: How Cheap And How Smart of a Shopper Are You? [Re: Dest]
#19141860 - 11/15/13 05:40 PM (10 years, 2 months ago) |
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I buy most of my clothes at thrift stores, aside from things like socks and underwear. Footwear I will occasionally buy new.
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dontknow
It's all in the reflex


Registered: 07/05/13
Posts: 3,889
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Re: How Cheap And How Smart of a Shopper Are You? [Re: Niffla]
#19141868 - 11/15/13 05:42 PM (10 years, 2 months ago) |
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Quote:
Niffla said: Honestly I'm a fucking idiot shopper of epic and biblical proportions. I just waltz in and grab stuff. A lot of it on straight up impulse. Like, "ooohh damn them prosciutto things wrapped around some cheese would probably good high". Buy. "Whoa this new $4 monster energy flavor has a cool ass design on the bottle, I bet it's the bomb". Buy. I never use coupons, I rarely look at the price in front of me. I'm just retarded when it comes to that shit.
Pretty much me too. And I always go for name brand
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The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly. -Proverbs 15:14
“Imagination is everything. It is the preview of Life’s coming attractions.” Albert Einstein
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JesusIsLord
Jesus freak


Registered: 08/10/12
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Re: How Cheap And How Smart of a Shopper Are You? [Re: dontknow]
#19141931 - 11/15/13 05:57 PM (10 years, 2 months ago) |
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I research what I buy thoroughly, read reviews, etc. I'm extremely frugal in general but will buy high end shit that I use frequently (car, longboards, boots).
I got some 300$ USMC rat boots for $50 brand new because of a clearance deal. I always keep my eyes out for that kind of stuff.
But generally I just like to save as much cash as possible, I'd rather travel and invest in more education (got an AA, want a BS) than just buy toys and shit like most people out here in the oilfields seem to do.
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And I will bring you out from the people, and will gather you out of the countries wherein ye are scattered, with a mighty hand, and with a stretched out arm, and with fury poured out.
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badchad
Mad Scientist

Registered: 03/02/05
Posts: 13,372
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Re: How Cheap And How Smart of a Shopper Are You? [Re: JesusIsLord]
#19141986 - 11/15/13 06:10 PM (10 years, 2 months ago) |
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On most everyday items I just run and grab. I don't comparison shop on groceries, I don't look for deals on gas, I crank the heat and AC, leave the lights on, etc.
For most other items though, I buy on craigslist. I splurge on items like electronics, and the occasional garment. Usually when I comparison shop though, its because "the hunt" is fun for me, not really cause I need to.
I also hire people to do most of the work on my house. I consider my free time valuable, and pay to keep it.
-------------------- ...the whole experience is (and is as) a profound piece of knowledge. It is an indellible experience; it is forever known. I have known myself in a way I doubt I would have ever occurred except as it did. Smith, P. Bull. Menninger Clinic (1959) 23:20-27; p. 27. ...most subjects find the experience valuable, some find it frightening, and many say that is it uniquely lovely. Osmond, H. Annals, NY Acad Science (1957) 66:418-434; p.436
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gENERIX
/usr/bin/drinking?



Registered: 10/18/05
Posts: 5,697
Loc: Skyward Bound
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Re: How Cheap And How Smart of a Shopper Are You? [Re: dontknow]
#19141997 - 11/15/13 06:13 PM (10 years, 2 months ago) |
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Thanks for sharing with us some of your tips and tricks to save some cash.
For anyone based out in the UK, I highly recommended the following webiste if you are based out here in the UK as it a community driven website offering some of the best deals around.
http://www.hotukdeals.com
Enjoy!
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The5thElement
Smile Friends :)



Registered: 07/01/12
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Loc: Canada
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Re: How Cheap And How Smart of a Shopper Are You? [Re: gENERIX]
#19142079 - 11/15/13 06:30 PM (10 years, 2 months ago) |
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I've lived in this appartment for about 6-7 months now and have never bought a lightbulb yet... I just switch out one from somewhere else and put it in an area that has priority, like the bathroom
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Niffla



Registered: 06/09/08
Posts: 46,485
Loc: Texas
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Re: How Cheap And How Smart of a Shopper Are You? [Re: The5thElement]
#19142093 - 11/15/13 06:33 PM (10 years, 2 months ago) |
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Quote:
The5thElement said: I've lived in this appartment for about 6-7 months now and have never bought a lightbulb yet... I just switch out one from somewhere else and put it in an area that has priority, like the bathroom 
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HAIL OUR NEW OTD KING
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JesusIsLord
Jesus freak


Registered: 08/10/12
Posts: 8,061
Last seen: 8 years, 8 months
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Re: How Cheap And How Smart of a Shopper Are You? [Re: Niffla]
#19142125 - 11/15/13 06:41 PM (10 years, 2 months ago) |
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i live in a 3 bed 2 bath single wide with 2 roommates.
250$ a month plus utilities 
fuck. yes.
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And I will bring you out from the people, and will gather you out of the countries wherein ye are scattered, with a mighty hand, and with a stretched out arm, and with fury poured out.
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Alexestalex
fallen angel


Registered: 03/20/12
Posts: 5,644
Loc: heart of the sun
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Re: How Cheap And How Smart of a Shopper Are You? [Re: Crystal G]
#19142241 - 11/15/13 07:10 PM (10 years, 2 months ago) |
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Pretty much the opposite of frugal here, I've always preferred quality over quantity. I'd rather spend the extra dollar to ensure my product is up to par, reliable, authentic, etc.
For instance, I smoke weed once in a while. I could be cheap and frugal and craft a simple water pipe in a few seconds using nothing more than a hollow pen and dirty water bottle. It would be effective and do it's job of getting me ripped but I'm not about that life. I just feel so much better and enjoy the process of getting high significantly more if I'm using an expensive, cool-looking bong. I'm sure other smokers can relate. It's just a different vibe.
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Stay far from timid, only make moves when your heart's in it.
Edited by Alexestalex (11/15/13 07:15 PM)
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dontknow
It's all in the reflex


Registered: 07/05/13
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Re: How Cheap And How Smart of a Shopper Are You? [Re: Alexestalex]
#19142334 - 11/15/13 07:31 PM (10 years, 2 months ago) |
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Buying a lasting piece is the more efficient way to go though, over time you'll eventually save money on all those pens and water bottles you would have used. and smoking with plastic just doesn't seem like a good idea
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The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly. -Proverbs 15:14
“Imagination is everything. It is the preview of Life’s coming attractions.” Albert Einstein
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Crystal G



Registered: 06/05/07
Posts: 19,584
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Re: How Cheap And How Smart of a Shopper Are You? [Re: Alexestalex]
#19143589 - 11/16/13 12:16 AM (10 years, 2 months ago) |
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Alexestalex said: Pretty much the opposite of frugal here, I've always preferred quality over quantity. I'd rather spend the extra dollar to ensure my product is up to par, reliable, authentic, etc.
I prefer quality opposed to quantity too. Simply because a price is more expensive doesn't necessarily mean it's higher quality. For instance, brand-name medications are not always higher-quality or more efficient than generic medications. Many times it doesn't make a difference, yet some people believe that brand name is actually better.
Especially for Veblen goods. Veblen goods are essentially items that are priced artificially high for really no reason except to make it appear that it is higher quality or higher in demand. Gucci, Cadillac, Dom Perignon, and Rolex are examples of Veblen goods. A $400 bottle of wine is not necessarily better than a $30 bottle of wine. A $40,000 watch is not necessarily any better than a $400 one.
Now, things like toilet paper are a different story. With those, you get what you pay for. Brand-name toilet paper is usually double-ply and a lot softer than really cheap 99 cent brand toilet paper. Things like soap and bleach however... a cheaper brand of soap is not going to get your hands any more clean than Bath and Body Works soap. You just really have to know your product and test it out and decipher whether there is any advantage to one over the other, and whether that advantage is worth its monetary difference.
Take the example between Grey Goose and Kirkland brand vodka. Grey Goose is ridiculously expensive, and the only difference the two vodkas is that Grey Goose has been filtered 5 times, as opposed to Kirkland which has been filtered 3 times. I actually read and learn about the product so that I can decipher whether the more expensive brand is worth the price.
Quote:
For instance, I smoke weed once in a while. I could be cheap and frugal and craft a simple water pipe in a few seconds using nothing more than a hollow pen and dirty water bottle. It would be effective and do it's job of getting me ripped but I'm not about that life. I just feel so much better and enjoy the process of getting high significantly more if I'm using an expensive, cool-looking bong. I'm sure other smokers can relate. It's just a different vibe.
Uh I'm not about that doing that either. For starters, smoking plastic is hazardous to your health, so if you are doing things like that it costs you more in the long run because it damages your health. I think about these things too. This is why even though I'm cheap, I would never ever buy vaginal douches or suppositories from 99 cent stores. You don't know where they are getting those materials, it's most likely China which is scary and using these products very likely affects your health in the long run.
For instance, I buy high-quality face products. The face creams that I buy would ordinarily cost $380 on the market, but I buy it for less than 30% of the original price because of my superb haggling tactics. Your face and your body is something you should never skimp out on. Which is why I would never ever go to some cheap Mexican plastic surgeon for any kind of operation, because IMO the few thousand that you save wouldn't be worth the consequences of shitty work.
Tattooing as well, with tattooing you often get what you pay for. This is why I have never ever gone to some cheap artist, my artist always charges $100 an hour, and even my cheapest tattoo that is the actual size of an actual dragonfly has cost $300. But it's artwork that I'm going to put on my body permanently, people will be seeing it everyday, so why would I try to save the few hundred for shitty tattoo work?
Instead, my work looks identical to the lion on the left. And I'm glad I paid the $700 for it.

I may be cheap but I am not TOO cheap, I avoid places like Walmart for food shopping because IMO their produce and meats don't even taste good. I am not going to pay to make myself miserable or inconvenience myself. I just mean that if I am looking for a pair of sunglasses, if I find a cute and comfortable pair that is $3, or an expensive designer brand for $800, I am obviously going to go for the $3 one. It's not like anybody will know the real price of your sunglasses.
Edited by Crystal G (11/16/13 03:51 AM)
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Crystal G



Registered: 06/05/07
Posts: 19,584
Loc: outer space
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Re: How Cheap And How Smart of a Shopper Are You? [Re: Dest]
#19143645 - 11/16/13 12:30 AM (10 years, 2 months ago) |
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Quote:
Dest said: why? because the trashed body of your car interrupts aerodynamic efficiency and therefore cost you more money in the long run on gas
Im pretty thrifty myself
It's a very minor dent, and plus it's on the passenger side door. The other isn't even a dent, it's a scrape on the bumper.
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dontknow
It's all in the reflex


Registered: 07/05/13
Posts: 3,889
Last seen: 7 years, 3 months
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Re: How Cheap And How Smart of a Shopper Are You? [Re: Crystal G]
#19143821 - 11/16/13 01:24 AM (10 years, 2 months ago) |
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Crysral g I like you more because of this thread for some reason but still not much
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The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly. -Proverbs 15:14
“Imagination is everything. It is the preview of Life’s coming attractions.” Albert Einstein
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Shroomism
Space Travellin



Registered: 02/13/00
Posts: 66,015
Loc: 9th Dimension
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Re: How Cheap And How Smart of a Shopper Are You? [Re: Crystal G]
#19144000 - 11/16/13 02:37 AM (10 years, 2 months ago) |
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I'm pretty terrible with money. I like nice things so I will spend more for the higher quality if it's stuff I really care about, like cars/car parts, computer parts/electronics, survival gear, drugs etc. And I mean ACTUAL higher quality stuff.... not veblen goods that are just a piece of shit with a name brand on it to jack the price up x10.
Things I couldn't give a fuck less about, like clothes.. I don't care at all. I can wear the same 3 pairs of cheapo pants and shirts for years. And I do. I actually hate dressing in "fancy" clothes. I will wear $10 pair of Toms shoes or $5 ninja shoes and will wear them everyday for 2-3 years until they literally turn into rags and then get some more.
It's a good thing my chick does all the grocery shopping - she's the uber thrifty spender, finding deals everywhere.. only buying stuff on sale, always looking for discounts etc... she can make a budget stretch hardcore... while still buying good quality/organic etc. She prides herself on being a super deal finder and thrifty smart shopping.
When I shop for food I'll always end up buying all the expensive good shit, but spending the same amount I'll have like half the food she does. I grocery shop with my stomach.
I try to find shit on discount or slightly used to save money here and there.. but I'm pretty bad at it. I tend to burn through money. I always do my research before buying shit, but in terms of reliability/performance and less on price.. I just have a tendency to want to buy the highest quality shit especially when it comes to tools/toys, because you almost always get what you pay for in those departments, to a certain extent. I don't cheap out when it comes to parts for my computer, or when upgrading performance mods for my car, for example. There are just some things I will not make compromises on.
For example I'm in the market for a good radar detector. There are hundreds out there in the 50-150 range that are 'ok', which most people would settle on.. but the ones I'm looking at are the "best in the market" and have all the features I'm looking for and more and are more like in the 500-600 range.. because it's an investment and I don't want to settle for mediocre.
So I buy high quality - but not necessarily always the most expensive for no reason. For example I drive a higher end VW.. definitely not the flashiest or most expensive cars out there, considering how everyone around here drives beamers and mercedes and audi for the "look". In terms of German cars, VW is on the 'economical' end. I just enjoy high performance automobiles, always have, and I like modding them and customizing them to my liking, not to be flashy..... but to have fun.
I focus purely on performance and functional mods over aesthetic ones. In other words I don't really spend money to try and impress other people, I spend it to impress myself and treat myself. Some people will spend thousands on a set of wheels, I'll much sooner put that money into upgrading the engine or suspension - things you don't see but improves performance.
I'd absolutely hate driving a honda civic or something. Like a tuna can on wheels.
Yeah, to most people cars are just a thing to get from point A to point B.. are a depreciating asset/money pit blah blah blah.. for me it's a hobby and I like driving something nice, sturdy, and fast that handles like a motherfucker.
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Crystal G



Registered: 06/05/07
Posts: 19,584
Loc: outer space
Last seen: 8 months, 6 days
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Re: How Cheap And How Smart of a Shopper Are You? [Re: Shroomism]
#19144145 - 11/16/13 04:08 AM (10 years, 2 months ago) |
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Quote:
Shroomism said: Things I couldn't give a fuck less about, like clothes.. I don't care at all. I can wear the same 3 pairs of cheapo pants and shirts for years. And I do. I actually hate dressing in "fancy" clothes. I will wear $10 pair of Toms shoes or $5 ninja shoes and will wear them everyday for 2-3 years until they literally turn into rags and then get some more.
I love dressing up because it's something that I RARELY get to do in SoCal. If I were living in New York or something, looking fashionable and dressing sharp and wearing suits all the time would be the norm. But here even at work, nobody wears suits here, at most a button up shirt and slacks. But even my dress clothes are cheap, I never paid more than $30 for a dress except for my prom dress, which came from a discount retail store but still cost $130 or so.
Even my college graduation dress, I went to this AWESOME Mexican dress store that provides tons of dresses for quinceneras (sp?), and I got this dress for clearance for only $30: https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/427358_10150521612171881_190690094_n.jpg
I put together ensembles for formal occasions all the time from clearance materials that cost virtually nothing. Some of my most formal looking dresses and tops were purchased for only $3. When I wear it around people they say it looks like I paid at least $80 for it. I take pride in saving money, so I always tell people what the price really cost, and it always shocks them that I can buy clothing of such good taste and fashion sense for so cheap.
When I told people the price, they marveled. They said when I wore it, it looked like the dress was at least $300. I have tons of other formal clothes like that too, that I got for as low as 3 bucks!!!! That's another thing I should add, I only ever buy clothes on clearance. You get the same quality clothes but it is reduced by at least 50% or more.
I just love a good deal, and there is no way anybody would have been able to tell I got it for under $50. That place had wedding gowns for less than $100-$200 too, so I will definitely hit up that store if I ever get hitched.
Quote:
When I shop for food I'll always end up buying all the expensive good shit, but spending the same amount I'll have like half the food she does. I grocery shop with my stomach.
I will buy stuff even without coupons, but I only go for the super expensive stuff when I'm cooking for other people. I am stingy with myself, but with other people I am very generous. Things like caviar, duck legs, escargot, foie gras, that's all stuff I would never pay for if I was just cooking for myself. But I would go all out and buy it to serve to guests.
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For example I'm in the market for a good radar detector. There are hundreds out there in the 50-150 range that are 'ok', which most people would settle on.. but the ones I'm looking at are the "best in the market" and have all the features I'm looking for and more and are more like in the 500-600 range.. because it's an investment and I don't want to settle for mediocre.
You interested in computer parts? I got a Toshiba in 2011-2012 that broke when I dropped it. The motherboard's screwed up but if you're a computer expert I can sell you the computer so you can take it apart and use its parts for something else.
Quote:
So I buy high quality - but not necessarily always the most expensive for no reason. For example I drive a higher end VW.. definitely not the flashiest or most expensive cars out there, considering how everyone around here drives beamers and mercedes and audi for the "look". In terms of German cars, VW is on the 'economical' end. I just enjoy high performance automobiles, always have, and I like modding them and customizing them to my liking, not to be flashy..... but to have fun.
Hey, I do too! I decided to go with VW because some of my family members have always driven VW's, and even after the car going over 150,000 miles there has never ever been any problems. Also, when other people have driven my car, they remarked that it handles like a more expensive $30-40,000 luxury car. I think it's because German cars are specifically engineered to drive on the autobahn.
Going with a VW ended up coming in handy, because somebody ended up breaking into my car once and apparently stole my registration papers and a couple other things in my trunk. Apparently he tried to hotwire the car or something and was unsuccessful. That guy was a professional too, because he managed to break into my car without triggering the alarm. So the fact that a pro broke into my car and was unable to start the car to drive off with it makes me really happy I got a VW. I know now that VW's are really difficult to steal without the key. If it were a Honda or a Toyota or something, my car would have been G-O-N-E.
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I focus purely on performance and functional mods over aesthetic ones. In other words I don't really spend money to try and impress other people, I spend it to impress myself and treat myself. Some people will spend thousands on a set of wheels, I'll much sooner put that money into upgrading the engine or suspension - things you don't see but improves performance.
Personally, I think that it's a waste of money to invest money into your car. For starters, a car degrades in value over time. It's not like real estate which accrues in interest over time. One accident, which is very much a realistic possibility, can easily ruin your entire investment. You can upgrade the car's performance all you want, but really, what are you going to use it for? Are you going to race it? It reminds me of those people who buy a BMW M3 and then never ever go past the speed limit on the highway. What's the point of getting a super performance car if you're not going to use its features, and drive it like everybody else?
Of course, it's your money and I'm not telling you what to do with your own money. Just personally I wouldn't do it. My best friend gave me a subwoofer system for free though in exchange for letting him stay at my pad for free while he was homeless. I'm contemplating whether it's worth the $150 bucks to install it. It's pretty cool, but to be honest I am not a flashy person like my friend. I see subs as basically an instant police magnet.
I'd absolutely hate driving a honda civic or something. Like a tuna can on wheels.
Quote:
Yeah, to most people cars are just a thing to get from point A to point B.. are a depreciating asset/money pit blah blah blah.. for me it's a hobby and I like driving something nice, sturdy, and fast that handles like a motherfucker.
I'm just curious, do you race it or enter it in shows or something? Or do you pull maneuvers that are not allowed on the road for fun and things like that?
Edited by Crystal G (11/16/13 04:43 AM)
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jboredone
Money-The root of all evil....



Registered: 01/19/12
Posts: 4,783
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Re: How Cheap And How Smart of a Shopper Are You? [Re: Crystal G]
#19144148 - 11/16/13 04:11 AM (10 years, 2 months ago) |
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I like the walmart price match....we get adds from stores that areen't very close but have good buy one get one and other great deals.....walmart is just down the street so we will go there and match the price.....
-------------------- Peace Pot Micro-Dot God Loves You High or Not!!! In order to grow old and wise, you must once have been young and dumb!

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Shroomism
Space Travellin



Registered: 02/13/00
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Re: How Cheap And How Smart of a Shopper Are You? [Re: Crystal G]
#19144166 - 11/16/13 04:32 AM (10 years, 2 months ago) |
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Nah I don't need computer parts. I work for a computer company and I have more spare laptops than I need atm.
Yes I realize most people think putting money into a car is a colossal waste of money.. my girlfriend hates it. And yes I realize cars are not a good investment and degrade in value - I don't care.. that's what I have fun doing. Some people are into fashion.. I like driving crazy. I think my girlfriend is fucking nuts for having 50 pairs of shoes.
But yes I do race and track it sometimes in the desert .. and I have a lead foot and drive pretty aggressively normally. Or "Spirited driving" as they call it. I actually USE the features and push the car to its limits. I don't buy and upgrade a high performance car and drive like a grandma. People that do that are idiots. My car gets a workout every single day. Hence why I'm investing in a $500 radar detector. I wouldn't do that if I didn't need it. As is I try and keep it under 100 on the highway without one... cant afford crazy tickets. But I've taken her up to 150 in the desert already I'm always in the left lane on the highway... you know.. the guy that flies past you. Funny enough I never get pulled over. It seems in this area the nicer the car you drive, the less likely the cops are to fuck with you. But I also have a good sense of where they lurk.
Plus it's not THAT much a waste of money, high performance aftermarket parts DO have resale value.. when I sell the car I can revert it back to stock and make some of my money back selling all the parts individually. I'm a member of several car forums where people eat parts up.
I consider myself a very skilled driver. I've been driving for 16 years and have never been in a single accident while I was driving and have avoided countless other accidents due to skill and hyper-awareness. Not to say that I'm infallible and immune to an accident by any means.. just that it's unlikely. All the accidents I have been in were when other people were driving and I wasn't in control. Or unless you count the chick who was texting and rear-ended me at stoplight, but that doesn't count. On the road.. I am hyper aware of my surroundings at all times.. and ESPECIALLY the other drivers.. it's everyone else you have to be aware of... all the other clueless idiot lemmings on the road. (And I have lived in DC and LA/OC - two of the worst places in the country for traffic and retard drivers)
And yes VW's are fucking amazing. Not only are they German engineering and built to extremely high standards (basically an Audi/BMW for half/quarter the price), they are incredibly safe and well built cars if you DO get into a serious accident. UNLIKE a honda or toyoto which will crush into an accordion. They are also super fucking reliable and tend to last a very long time. My last VW had 125K, and the engine had a good 150K left in it EASY.
And yeah my car has some awesome safety features, I just recently traded in my 2005 and got a 2013.5. If someone steals my car (highly unlikely)... and tries to remove the VIN and holographic SN badges which are hidden all over the car.. even if they remove the badges... there is invisible infrared/blacklight technology etched into the steel so you can still read the VIN with a blacklight and this is in multiple hidden locations around the car. Funny.. my car is actually the GLI Autobahn version. Here she was 2 days old pretty much stock aside from the tint which was the very first thing I did
 heated seats, navigation/GPS built in, self levelling/auto-adjusting headlights, cornering lights, keyless entry, push button start, rear-view backup camera.. fanciest car I've ever owned It actually is a 30k luxury car that handles more like a 60k audi/bmw. Will be even better once I get some good coilovers and few suspension mods on it.  But the performance companies haven't developed an ECU tune for my engine yet. It's too new!!! First world problems.
Yeah cars are a depreciating asset, not a good investment blah blah blah.. I love the hell out it. And what good is money if you don't enjoy it!
So yeah I guess I suck at being cheap
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morrowasted
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Re: How Cheap And How Smart of a Shopper Are You? [Re: Shroomism]
#19144227 - 11/16/13 05:37 AM (10 years, 2 months ago) |
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i actually do the coupon deals and online/phone surveys and shit that you get when you go to restaurants and fast food places and pizza joints. i save a lot of money on food that way. that's about it.
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kneesocks
Divineress



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Re: How Cheap And How Smart of a Shopper Are You? [Re: jboredone]
#19144240 - 11/16/13 05:45 AM (10 years, 2 months ago) |
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I get a lot of good deals on groceries due to my job, but I still shop around locally, and love buying things like music, art or clothes while I'm in the same room with the people that made them. I don't mind buying people gifts/leaving decent tips where appropriate.
I hated it back when I had to pay rent, towards nothing. Now I pay to own.
I've never bought jewelry; mine were all inherited or gifts. Rarely wear it, too, but I'd never sell it either.
The most expensive clothing I've bought was a ~$100 Bodyline lolita dress which I ended up giving away later. For the most part I don't go above $50/item when it comes to clothes or shoes, but every now and then I buy stuff like $20-a-pair socks/underwear - no regrets! I also think thrift stores are great.
Most of my disposable income gets invested, put into savings or put towards principal. Hooray for safety nets!
I prefer to fix my own stuff if I know how and have the time. I spilled tea on my laptop keyboard last year (completely ruining the keyboard), and it would have cost $20 to send in and $100+ for shipping, handling, labor and parts. I just removed the keyboard, looked up the part number and placed an order on a $20 one, with free shipping. It came in a week later and within an hour I had a fully working laptop again.
I learned at an early age to put together my own PCs, and learned early not to trust repair services like GeekSquad, or anyone in similar places that isn't an actual CSE. Last time I walked into BestBuy to see which laptops they were selling, a sales rep walked up to me and said "Oh yeah, that one's a good pick, it's got a really big hard drive and the cool new Windows 8.", and thats all it took for me to decide to buy it somewhere else. I like hearing the details of the specs, and I also like not having it dumbed down for me into things like "really big hard drive" (and to me, 'really big hard drive' means above 3TB). And they were never prepared when I asked about price matching.
Anyways, when PC shopping, most people buy pre-assembled, and don't realize (or don't care) that they are paying hundreds of dollars more than they should with brand names such as Alienware. You can save a lot if you just buy the same or equivalent components online and put one together, and at the same time you'll learn how to replace or upgrade components as needed.
-------------------- "An ignorant man is lost, faithless, and filled with self-doubt; A soul that harbors doubt has no joy, not in this world or the next." -Bhagavad-gita 4:40
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Shroomism
Space Travellin



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Re: How Cheap And How Smart of a Shopper Are You? [Re: kneesocks] 1
#19144246 - 11/16/13 05:50 AM (10 years, 2 months ago) |
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Alienware is overpriced bullshit. And prebuilts are overpriced, underpowered bullshit. You always save money and have better performance by building your own but most people can't be bothered with it. Now when it comes to building your own performance PC, if you want to save money you'll go ATI/AMD, but for me it's Intel/Nvidia or go home That's one of those areas where I will always spend more for the higher quality, higher performance products.
And it really pisses me off when people buy an alienware, or prebuilt Dell/HP/Gateway whatever, and then buy a $500 video card and put it in it, thinking it's going to turn it into some kind of super computer. (working for said company that makes the $500 video card). 90% of the time those prebuilts have stupid ass compatibility problems with aftermarket parts, and are built with INFERIOR PSUs/Mobos to begin with. It's not even worth your time.
If you want a badass gaming/video editing computer then fucking do it right the first time and build it from scratch. Don't think you are going to save money and buy a shitty $300 prebuilt and put a $500 video card in it thinking you are going to make it awesome.
That's like me buying a shitty '88 pinto and putting a 500 HP turbo charged engine in it. Shit is not gonna work right without a major overhaul and first upgrading the chassis.. suspension, drivetrain, fuel delivery, brakes..... basically everything in the car.
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Shroomism
Space Travellin



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Re: How Cheap And How Smart of a Shopper Are You? [Re: Shroomism]
#19144269 - 11/16/13 06:12 AM (10 years, 2 months ago) |
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That said, for people that are too scared of building computers, there are a couple companies out there that actually do make some very nice high end systems with all high quality components that AREN'T alienware (Digital Storm, Ibuypower, Cyberpower PC, etc etc...) they use all high grade parts.. BUT you are still going to be paying more for them building it.. you learn more by doing it on your own.... and also a lot of times they will use parts with limited warranties. If you build it yourself you can control EVERYTHING that goes into the system and choose parts with extended warranties etc.
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jboredone
Money-The root of all evil....



Registered: 01/19/12
Posts: 4,783
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Re: How Cheap And How Smart of a Shopper Are You? [Re: Shroomism]
#19144282 - 11/16/13 06:19 AM (10 years, 2 months ago) |
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Quote:
Shroomism said: That said, for people that are too scared of building computers, there are a couple companies out there that actually do make some very nice high end systems with all high quality components that AREN'T alienware (Digital Storm, Ibuypower, Cyberpower PC, etc etc...) they use all high grade parts.. BUT you are still going to be paying more for them building it.. you learn more by doing it on your own.... and also a lot of times they will use parts with limited warranties. If you build it yourself you can control EVERYTHING that goes into the system and choose parts with extended warranties etc.
sorry to thread jack....was gonna get my kids laptops this yr for christmas..... they are 8 and 9....they always use mine and want to get them there own.....any suggestions on cheap pre-built computers for basic stuff.....cheap walmart comp probably work just fine....
-------------------- Peace Pot Micro-Dot God Loves You High or Not!!! In order to grow old and wise, you must once have been young and dumb!

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Shroomism
Space Travellin



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Re: How Cheap And How Smart of a Shopper Are You? [Re: jboredone]
#19144290 - 11/16/13 06:21 AM (10 years, 2 months ago) |
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laptop? Lenovo or Toshiba. I cannot with good conscience recommend a prebuilt desktop, even for a 9 year old.
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jboredone
Money-The root of all evil....



Registered: 01/19/12
Posts: 4,783
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Re: How Cheap And How Smart of a Shopper Are You? [Re: Shroomism]
#19144299 - 11/16/13 06:24 AM (10 years, 2 months ago) |
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yeah the main reason i want a laptop is they visit there grandparents quite a bit and would be convenient for that...any online store that sells those brands for good deal?..
-------------------- Peace Pot Micro-Dot God Loves You High or Not!!! In order to grow old and wise, you must once have been young and dumb!

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Shroomism
Space Travellin



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Re: How Cheap And How Smart of a Shopper Are You? [Re: jboredone]
#19144300 - 11/16/13 06:24 AM (10 years, 2 months ago) |
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newegg, amazon
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kneesocks
Divineress



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Re: How Cheap And How Smart of a Shopper Are You? [Re: Shroomism]
#19144303 - 11/16/13 06:25 AM (10 years, 2 months ago) |
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I was building my own at age six or seven.
-------------------- "An ignorant man is lost, faithless, and filled with self-doubt; A soul that harbors doubt has no joy, not in this world or the next." -Bhagavad-gita 4:40
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jboredone
Money-The root of all evil....



Registered: 01/19/12
Posts: 4,783
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Re: How Cheap And How Smart of a Shopper Are You? [Re: Shroomism]
#19144304 - 11/16/13 06:26 AM (10 years, 2 months ago) |
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thanks....plan on getting them in next couple weeks....was gonna wait till that black friday shit but who knows....
-------------------- Peace Pot Micro-Dot God Loves You High or Not!!! In order to grow old and wise, you must once have been young and dumb!

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Shroomism
Space Travellin



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Re: How Cheap And How Smart of a Shopper Are You? [Re: jboredone]
#19144307 - 11/16/13 06:27 AM (10 years, 2 months ago) |
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yeah wait until black friday. Or cyber monday I mean. There's always crazy online deals around there for electronics.
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jboredone
Money-The root of all evil....



Registered: 01/19/12
Posts: 4,783
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Re: How Cheap And How Smart of a Shopper Are You? [Re: kneesocks]
#19144309 - 11/16/13 06:28 AM (10 years, 2 months ago) |
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Quote:
kneesocks said: I was building my own at age six or seven.
yeah my son who just turned 9 has been using my computer for years....they actually use computers quite a bit in school in the area...i can see it being a required school item in the near future....
-------------------- Peace Pot Micro-Dot God Loves You High or Not!!! In order to grow old and wise, you must once have been young and dumb!

Edited by jboredone (11/16/13 06:29 AM)
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yogabunny
fancy cat



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Re: How Cheap And How Smart of a Shopper Are You? [Re: Crystal G]
#19144864 - 11/16/13 11:01 AM (10 years, 2 months ago) |
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jesus Crystal G that list makes you sound pretty neurotic.
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SillyString525
Much Obliged



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Re: How Cheap And How Smart of a Shopper Are You? [Re: yogabunny]
#19146794 - 11/16/13 08:25 PM (10 years, 2 months ago) |
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Quote:
pika* said: jesus Crystal G that list makes you sound pretty neurotic.
just seems like way too much work for things I don't wanna work that hard for.
-------------------- It's really too bad that so much crumby stuff is a lot of fun sometimes.-The Catcher in the Rye
Get yourself a powder charge and seal that silver mine
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kneesocks
Divineress



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Re: How Cheap And How Smart of a Shopper Are You? [Re: jboredone]
#19146808 - 11/16/13 08:31 PM (10 years, 2 months ago) |
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Hehe, cool. Can he touch type and all that?
And yeah, computer class was already required back when I was in grade school.
-------------------- "An ignorant man is lost, faithless, and filled with self-doubt; A soul that harbors doubt has no joy, not in this world or the next." -Bhagavad-gita 4:40
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jboredone
Money-The root of all evil....



Registered: 01/19/12
Posts: 4,783
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Re: How Cheap And How Smart of a Shopper Are You? [Re: kneesocks]
#19146842 - 11/16/13 08:43 PM (10 years, 2 months ago) |
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Quote:
kneesocks said: Hehe, cool. Can he touch type and all that?
And yeah, computer class was already required back when I was in grade school.
not yet but he tries and knows where the keys are but his hands aren't large enough....he mainly uses it uploading/editing pictures he takes with his camera and for internet stuff like google earth/youtube/sports....just being able to navigate around at his age is great in my opinoin....
-------------------- Peace Pot Micro-Dot God Loves You High or Not!!! In order to grow old and wise, you must once have been young and dumb!

Edited by jboredone (11/16/13 08:45 PM)
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nicechrisman
Interdimensional space wizard



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Re: How Cheap And How Smart of a Shopper Are You? [Re: Crystal G]
#19146903 - 11/16/13 09:02 PM (10 years, 2 months ago) |
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I am neither cheap nor a particularly smart shopper. I don't really give too much of a shit about paper, as long as I have enough to maintain my fairly simple lifestyle.
-------------------- "Cosmic Love is absolutelely ruthless and highly indifferent: it teaches its lessons whether you like/dislike them or not." John C. Lily
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Crystal G



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Re: How Cheap And How Smart of a Shopper Are You? [Re: Shroomism]
#19147757 - 11/16/13 11:07 PM (10 years, 2 months ago) |
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Quote:
Shroomism said: Nah I don't need computer parts. I work for a computer company and I have more spare laptops than I need atm.
Yes I realize most people think putting money into a car is a colossal waste of money.. my girlfriend hates it. And yes I realize cars are not a good investment and degrade in value - I don't care.. that's what I have fun doing.
Oh. Well if you race and stuff then that's totally different. Than I can understand why you spend money on it, because it's your hobby. Concerning cars though, the dumbest guy I have ever met, was a buy who driving a $300,000 Ferrari while living in a 1-bedroom apartment. Talk about the biggest waste of money.
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Hence why I'm investing in a $500 radar detector. I wouldn't do that if I didn't need it. As is I try and keep it under 100 on the highway without one... cant afford crazy tickets. But I've taken her up to 150 in the desert already
Same. I don't just drive slowly to save money on tickets. I also drive slowly to save money on gas. I never ever go 5+mph above the speed limit. Unless I'm late and in a hurry, I don't drive super fast.
The thing about cops not pulling over nice cars is totally true in my area too. My roommate in this city used to have a car that was like a 1996 Ford something. He got pulled over by cop cars all the time, sometimes as often as 3 times in one night. They obviously thought he was an illegal Mexican or a drug dealer and didn't belong there with the rich folk. Personally I think it should be the opposite, they should pull over and be ticketing people with NICER cars so that the city can make more money. But they mainly do it because rich people complain, and cops know that rich people have high-powered attorneys.
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I consider myself a very skilled driver. I've been driving for 16 years and have never been in a single accident while I was driving and have avoided countless other accidents due to skill and hyper-awareness.
I consider myself a very skilled driver too. I have never been in any accident except for getting rear-ended. Actually I lied, there was one minor accident I had where I hit the curb, and that happened because I was doing whippits while driving, and as soon as I took a hit, I almost blacked out and then I thought I saw a cop car right in front of me so I tried to swerve to the right to run away and ended up losing control. But sober or even on other drugs, perfect driving record.
It's funny because I'm an Asian female, but I have taught at least 3 white male friends and 2 female friends how to parallel park. Every single one of my friends has said that I am an excellent driver, and my exes said out of all of their past girlfriends I have been the best driver.
People who live in the suburbs can't drive for shit, I swear to god. My best friend (white male) doesn't even know how to fucking parallel park, for god's sakes! And when he sees me in parking lots, he's always freaking out because according to him I'm getting "too close" to the other cars. Bitch, I KNOW THE PERIMETER OF MY FUCKING CAR. It sounds like YOU DON'T. Which IMO is fucking retarded because he drives a TRUCKS for godssake's. If you don't even know the perimeter of something as big as a TRUCK while you're sitting in the driver's seat you shouldn't be driving a truck at all. It frightens me that there are people who drive trucks or hummers and have no idea where their car ends and begins.
Like you, I am a highly reactive driver and can react to somebody else's mistake seconds before most other people do. I am a quick thinker and have cat-like reflexes. I can drive safely and do it well while following the speed limits. But I can also drive recklessly and do it in a way that is skilled--similar to ricers.
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And yeah my car has some awesome safety features, I just recently traded in my 2005 and got a 2013.5. If someone steals my car (highly unlikely)... and tries to remove the VIN and holographic SN badges which are hidden all over the car.. even if they remove the badges... there is invisible infrared/blacklight technology etched into the steel so you can still read the VIN with a blacklight and this is in multiple hidden locations around the car. Funny.. my car is actually the GLI Autobahn version. Here she was 2 days old pretty much stock aside from the tint which was the very first thing I did
I have a 2011, the only thing I wish that I had gotten was a black interior with tinted windows instead of the color I have now. I will continue driving my car probably for another 10 years hopefully if I can stretch it that long.
Edited by Crystal G (11/16/13 11:24 PM)
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Crystal G



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Re: How Cheap And How Smart of a Shopper Are You? [Re: SillyString525]
#19147790 - 11/16/13 11:20 PM (10 years, 2 months ago) |
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Quote:
pika* said: jesus Crystal G that list makes you sound pretty neurotic.
I'm really not. I'm one of the most laid-back people you will ever meet. I won't ever save money if it means inconveniencing guests, friends, or family. For instance, if I am taking my family out to dinner reservations, and we are already running 20 minutes late and there is a ton of traffic on the regular freeway, I will just pay the $5 fee to use the toll road to get us there on time. When I'm treating guests, I want them to feel as comfortable as possible and not feel like I'm being cheap with them.
And, now that I'm making a ton of money at my work I don't do the gas station thing anymore where I try to find the cheapest prices. The few cents doesn't make that much of a difference to me, and if it's a gas station that's a few more miles away, you aren't saving any money including the cost it takes to drive there.
But I also grew up being taught never ever to waste food, and I think it's a good thing that I will save every last bite and store it in the fridge to eat it for later.
The rest on my list really are not neurotic at all, except maybe the one where I bring a gallon jar to fill it up with filtered water at work.
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SillyString525 said:just seems like way too much work for things I don't wanna work that hard for.
Uh, you must not understand what the whole concept of saving is. The whole concept of saving is so that your money eventually builds up and builds up, so that you DON'T have to work as much in the long run.
That is why I have never applied for a credit card, due to my APR. If I don't have the money to buy it, I don't spend it. If you manage your money in the wrong way, then that $100 steak dinner you paid for on your credit card could end up costing $500 in the long run. And when you waste money like this, it means you have to work MORE to pay or these things.
People who are good savers and make wise investments retire around age 40-50. People who aren't good savers and are always deep in debt end up working until age 60, 70, or 80. In the end you have to work WAY MORE in the long run if you don't save. Laziness now = financial hardships in the future.
Buying clothing and underwear on clearance is not "work." Taking napkins from fast food joints is not "work." Asking for car insurance for your birthday is not "work." Refusal to buy TV or repair your automotive is not considered "work." Haggling is a TINY bit of work, but the savings that you sometimes get from negotiating makes that 2 minutes of haggling worth it.
Because of my continuous saving and storing of my money in my bank account, my car is only 2 years old and I've already paid it off. The only debt that I have left are $18,000 left in my student loans. I plan on buying a cheap house because I don't need the extravagant luxury mansion. Even if I could pay for it, cleaning would be a bitch. I would either have to pay for maids and housekeepers or clean that huge space myself, and maintaining that kind of lavish garden would also be expensive or a lot of work. If I needed to replace some blinds or doors or something, every little thing that I change would cost way too much money. Community housing and neighborhood association fees would be damn expensive too. These are things that ordinary people don't think about when they purchase a home. They just want the nicest, biggest home possible. But they SHOULD think about these things if they want to avoid monetary problems all their life.
Edited by Crystal G (11/16/13 11:40 PM)
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pcplease
Salame

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Re: How Cheap And How Smart of a Shopper Are You? [Re: Crystal G]
#19147853 - 11/16/13 11:40 PM (10 years, 2 months ago) |
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Keeping the yard and garden nice is really rewarding, too though. Most of the year it isn't much work at all, and when you do have to work a little, I mean- it's nice being outside in the spring/fall and most of it isn't strenuous. I wouldn't want to clean a huge house, but keeping the house nice isn't too bad. It's a lot worse with pets, but then again it's just nice to have pets, so 
IMO what's much more important is the quality of the house itself. Even if you can do the fixing up/repairs yourself, it's still money.
I'm pretty sure "ordinary people" think about these things too
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Magenta
I care!!



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Re: How Cheap And How Smart of a Shopper Are You? [Re: pcplease]
#19147922 - 11/16/13 11:56 PM (10 years, 2 months ago) |
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I buy security screwdrivers off ebay (if needed) and follow youtube video tutorials to fix my electronics.
I use a 'stable' version of Gnu/Linux so i don't wast my internet data on updates which take data, and cost money.
I water down orange juice, (healthily, and dollar saving)
(Good thread)
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Johnny Depp

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Re: How Cheap And How Smart of a Shopper Are You? [Re: Magenta]
#19147937 - 11/17/13 12:01 AM (10 years, 2 months ago) |
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Edited by Johnny Depp (12/19/14 05:34 PM)
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jboredone
Money-The root of all evil....



Registered: 01/19/12
Posts: 4,783
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Re: How Cheap And How Smart of a Shopper Are You? [Re: Johnny Depp]
#19147950 - 11/17/13 12:05 AM (10 years, 2 months ago) |
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Quote:
Johnny Depp said: I went to walmart 3 times last week to get 40lbs of boneless skinless chicken breasts for $0.99 per lb.
football tailgate party?...
-------------------- Peace Pot Micro-Dot God Loves You High or Not!!! In order to grow old and wise, you must once have been young and dumb!

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Crystal G



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Re: How Cheap And How Smart of a Shopper Are You? [Re: pcplease]
#19148134 - 11/17/13 01:11 AM (10 years, 2 months ago) |
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Quote:
pcplease said: Keeping the yard and garden nice is really rewarding, too though. Most of the year it isn't much work at all, and when you do have to work a little, I mean- it's nice being outside in the spring/fall and most of it isn't strenuous.
That's pretty subjective. Of all the neighbors on my street I've only ever seen one neighbor ever to her own garden, and she's an old Asian lady.
Also, people with huge houses tend to have extravagant bushes and trees and water fountains and things that you don't necessarily NEED professional help for, but are harder to maintain on your own. If all you have is a yard of grass and a couple plants in the soil then yea it's not much maintenance. Larger houses tend to have pools too, and most ordinary people don't have the slightest idea what pH their pool is supposed to be, or how much chlorine or what other chemicals to use to sanitize their pool.
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I wouldn't want to clean a huge house, but keeping the house nice isn't too bad. It's a lot worse with pets, but then again it's just nice to have pets, so 
I would like a nice house too. But it doesn't have to be huge. I obviously don't want to live in rat's nest in the ghetto with stains on the walls and cockroaches running among. I would like a small, quaint house that looks beautiful and has a modern look to its furniture. I also don't want to live in a McMansion because I grew up in one and IMO the architectural work is TERRIBLE. Cheap carpeting, and the walls are so thin the entire house echoes from the other side of the house. The materials used to make this house was really shitty and it's really not a well-built house.
I could get a half acre McMansion in a posh suburban county for close to a million dollars. Or with that money I could buy an entire 4 acres of well-built home in Temecula (which is 40 minutes away and has more outdoorsy stuff and horses and polo clubs and everything I could ever want). I don't need 4 acres, but a small 2 or 3 bedroom home would be perfect, and I can design and modify the furniture to make it as modern-artsy as I like.
When I get my my own home, I would plan to throw a lot of adult parties, and so I would like to invest in a "party room" that is decorated like a casino, complete with a blackjack table and open bar and pool table, and casino/gambling-themed rugs placed on the floor, so that way if anybody spills something (which is bound to happen) it can easily be replaced without having to replace the whole carpet. And you can bet that I would do it in a way that would make it cheap for me, such as buying used material and getting the material for rugs from scratch and having the prints made myself.
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IMO what's much more important is the quality of the house itself. Even if you can do the fixing up/repairs yourself, it's still money.
I'm pretty sure "ordinary people" think about these things too 
Exactly. And no, Now I live in a place where a lot of people care more about status than quality. People here believe that Louis Vuitton is obviously better than Coach because it costs 5 times more. Or that Cristal champagne is really better than any other champagne because it costs a thousand dollars. Or that caviar actually tastes like the best food simply because it's expensive, even though it's basically oversalted fish eggs.
Edited by Crystal G (11/17/13 01:30 AM)
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pcplease
Salame

Registered: 09/02/11
Posts: 6,089
Last seen: 9 years, 10 months
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Re: How Cheap And How Smart of a Shopper Are You? [Re: Crystal G]
#19148157 - 11/17/13 01:28 AM (10 years, 2 months ago) |
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Fountains are less maintenance than a fish tank though You could easily have the casino room, all you need is an extra room. Don't forget the pool table I hope to hear you finish it! Home improvement is IMO the most rewarding and satisfying thing you can do.
Don't think of the other people, but if you find a quality product worth a few extra bucks and you can afford it, treat yourself. Balance/sustainability is key.
I'm one of the people who chose to live 45 minutes away from the city to own a couple acres, a nice house, privacy and safety (nowhere near the crime-rate of the suburbs)
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Crystal G



Registered: 06/05/07
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Loc: outer space
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Re: How Cheap And How Smart of a Shopper Are You? [Re: pcplease]
#19148186 - 11/17/13 01:41 AM (10 years, 2 months ago) |
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pcplease said: Don't think of the other people, but if you find a quality product worth a few extra bucks and you can afford it, treat yourself. Balance/sustainability is key.
I do. That's why I take polo lessons, even though they are very expensive (around $625 a month for a once a week lesson, and that's not including any equipment you may want to buy). But I really need a hobby otherwise I'm just going to keep wasting my time doing drugs, and I love horses. I also am really big into cooking, so every now and then I splurge and will buy some expensive ingredients (such as prosciutto or filet mignon or live sea urchin), especially when I am cooking for guests.
I went shopping today and got another great bargain!!! Ugg boots, pleather (fake leather) jacket with leopard print, a Hello Kitty pajama set, and 4 pairs of underwear for less than $40!!!! I am the best shopper in the world. Again I bought the $2 underwear that I always do.
The stuff that I buy is quite fashionable too, it's definitely not old lady clothes, and keeps up with current trends.
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I'm one of the people who chose to live 45 minutes away from the city to own a couple acres, a nice house, privacy and safety (nowhere near the crime-rate of the suburbs)
Suburbs have crime? That's news to me. You must be thinking of urban places. Crime is so low, there is literally less than 1 murder a year here out of a population of 500,000+.
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Fountains are less maintenance than a fish tank though You could easily have the casino room, all you need is an extra room. Don't forget the pool table I hope to hear you finish it! Home improvement is IMO the most rewarding and satisfying thing you can do.
So what do you recommend? I've never owned a home so I've never been involved in any type of remodeling project. I don't know the first thing about construction so I'm not planning on building anything. But I would like a pool table, a blackjack table, and an open bar in my room. I bet I could hire a couple day laborers to build me a pool table and blackjack table for very cheap. Like $200 for 3 day work. The blackjack table I could even decorate myself with the placemat, all I would need is that curved table outline.
An open bar would be easy to make myself with some open shelves. I could easily find that type of stuff for cheap buying used furniture from other people. Alternatively, I know a suuuuuuper cheap Mexican furniture store in Long Beach off Nebraska Ave & 6th or 7th st. You can get a 7 piece dining set for only $350, and that's BRAND NEW not even used! I love that place better than Ikea.
As for carpeting, I think I would get a sequence of black and red long rugs, and place them side by side each other to give it that casino "feel." And also paint the room with mostly red (though not sure how that would turn out, might be TOO vibrant). But I want the color theme to have black, red, and gold in the room.
Edited by Crystal G (11/17/13 01:57 AM)
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tyrannicalrex
Strange R



Registered: 04/24/03
Posts: 38,323
Loc: subtropics
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Re: How Cheap And How Smart of a Shopper Are You? [Re: Crystal G] 2
#19148340 - 11/17/13 03:25 AM (10 years, 2 months ago) |
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Never pay full price for anything, ever. Period.
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pcplease
Salame

Registered: 09/02/11
Posts: 6,089
Last seen: 9 years, 10 months
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Re: How Cheap And How Smart of a Shopper Are You? [Re: tyrannicalrex]
#19150745 - 11/17/13 05:05 PM (10 years, 2 months ago) |
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Forgot to check my threads this morning oops
@crystal I'm trying to figure out how I want my bar too. It's certainly going to be built, as I am going to need room for a few pony kegs. And I still have a while to decide, but I don't know if I'm going all wood, granite or marble tops, etc. So yea I still have a lot to figure out 
I recommend building the pool table if you can, especially if you have a friend good with wood-working to do some neat inlays and etches. If you find a solid one for ~$300, and as long as it's still level of course, I would consider that too.
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NWlight
Just look


Registered: 01/12/10
Posts: 18,686
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Re: How Cheap And How Smart of a Shopper Are You? [Re: pcplease]
#19150757 - 11/17/13 05:07 PM (10 years, 2 months ago) |
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Honestly I don't really look at price tags.
if I need something I go get it, from the closest store to my house.
i don't waste money on junk though
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Amphibolos
Le bourgeois gentilhomme




Registered: 05/22/09
Posts: 626
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Re: How Cheap And How Smart of a Shopper Are You? [Re: NWlight]
#19152898 - 11/18/13 05:32 AM (10 years, 2 months ago) |
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Well, im not cheap because i want to, i'm cheap because im broke 
So every other day, me and some others do our dumpster run to cook food at the university. This saves me from 2 to 5 lunches in the week. I sometime go alone, which saves me the money from the vegetables that i gather. At my job i can find some alcohol that i trade for food or weed with my friends.
if i'm lucky, ill also find some tofu which saves me more food.
All my clothes were taken from second hand drift stores. Its time consuming but sometime you get lucky. I found a merino wool shirt for 5$, a really good winter coat for 30$, jeans for 5$ and so on.
For my furnitures, i wait for the 1st of july, which is the date that most leases end in Québec, This is the time that me and my friend go along the streets to find furnitures that we like or are more adapted to our needs. Also, at the university, there is a warehouse where they pile the outdated stuff, so once in a while me and my Gf wander there to see if we need something.
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"Homo sum ; humani nihil a me alienum puto"
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nicechrisman
Interdimensional space wizard



Registered: 11/07/03
Posts: 33,241
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Re: How Cheap And How Smart of a Shopper Are You? [Re: NWlight]
#19152901 - 11/18/13 05:36 AM (10 years, 2 months ago) |
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Quote:
NWlight said: Honestly I don't really look at price tags.
if I need something I go get it, from the closest store to my house.
i don't waste money on junk though
Pretty much this
-------------------- "Cosmic Love is absolutelely ruthless and highly indifferent: it teaches its lessons whether you like/dislike them or not." John C. Lily
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