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Asante
Mage


Registered: 02/06/02
Posts: 86,796
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Re: A Dollar Saved Is A Dollar Made (moved) [Re: Asante]
#22350876 - 10/08/15 04:51 PM (8 years, 3 months ago) |
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Beyond a threshold it really pays to buy stuff online, the threshold being to exceed the sum the web shop has for Free Shipping.
Yes you can get insanely ripped off online if you're not careful but you can also get the BEST BARGAINS IN THE WORLD there.
A store needs to pay rent, heat their building, employ personnel, and whatnot all stuff that you can find back in the cost of the product. For this reason webshops often can undercut the store price by a considerable amount.
A simple example of something that made me happy!
I was looking for high quality walking shoes because I'm obese and lugging all that weight around requires quality footwear. Using the web I combed through expert outdoors sites opinions, user reviews and whatnot and arrived at what would be the perfect shoe for me.
In the sports store in town they were 150 bucks. NO. Then the first online store I saw, a google ad, 120 bucks. Much better. I went into bargain hunting mode. I found a small web store which was clearing out the collection and now was trying to get rid of the last pairs. I managed to get 2 pairs for $30 each, free shipping. Sooo... For the price of ONE SHOE in the Google ad I got TWO PAIRS of top notch walking shoes. Excellent 
Also with some items, don't be afraid to IMPORT, to buy foreign, such as directly from China, pay taxes to the customs man and STILL come out much cheaper than if you bought domestic, or even get stuff unheard of in your country.
-------------------- Omnicyclion.org higher knowledge starts here
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Stonehenge
Alt Center

Registered: 06/20/04
Posts: 14,850
Loc: S.E.
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Re: A Dollar Saved Is A Dollar Made (moved) [Re: Asante]
#22351041 - 10/08/15 05:31 PM (8 years, 3 months ago) |
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Very true, I buy stuff all the time on ebay and amazon. Sometimes one has the deal, sometimes the other. You are backed by their guarantees so if you squawk you get your money back.
I would be a little careful about buying from china. I have gotten some good deals out of there but sending stuff back is almost not worth it. They are subsidized on shipping and can send me an item from china for less than what it costs a usa vendor to mail it across the country. Your $20 item may cost $20 to send it back. Again, reviews are what you want to read and very carefully.
Even with stand alone websites you can get feedback on them. Do a google for "xyz.com reviews" and see what people are saying. If its a product, look on amazon, they may have 200 customer reviews on an item so even if you buy it elsewhere you can learn a lot about it. I have dodged a few bullets that way and stumbled upon good deals too.
For example, not too long ago I went into a major auto parts place to get spark plugs. I change the plugs myself instead of paying a high fee for a few minutes work. The clerk said $8, I said for the set of 4? She said no, for each one. I got all 4 off ebay for less than $8 delivered and they were brand new. Also, no tax. Didn't even have to drive somewhere to get them. That is another factor, your time is valuable and shopping can be exhausting.
"ding dong" your package is here!
-------------------- “A democracy cannot exist as a permanent form of government. It can only exist until the voters discover that they can vote themselves largesse from the public treasury. From that moment on, the majority always votes for the candidates promising the most benefits from the public treasury with the result that a democracy always collapses over loose fiscal policy, always followed by a dictatorship.” (attributed to Alexis de Tocqueville political philosopher Circa 1835) Trade list http://www.shroomery.org/forums/showflat.php/Number/18047755
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ManianFH
living in perverty


Registered: 07/06/04
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Re: A Dollar Saved Is A Dollar Made (moved) [Re: Stonehenge]
#22355606 - 10/09/15 05:56 PM (8 years, 3 months ago) |
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I agree with shopping online. You can avoid a lot of taxes that way buying things out of state. I have saved thousands avoiding taxes on big items that I needed such as laptops, vitamins, etc..
I use the bathroom at work to do my business. Doing so allows me to use very little toilet paper at home. I also drink a lot of water there, and if I have coffee, I have the free coffee provided at work. I havent paid for a cup of coffee in years upon years.
I have recently switched from drinking beer to drinking carbonated water when I hang out with friends. Yeah its more $$ than free water, but about 1/3 the price of a 12 pack of beer. I have found that it satisfies much the same as an alcoholic beverage. The cold carbonation of water gives me a bite in my throat that feels much like beer. And also the likelihood of getting pulled over for DUI is 0. Thats a huge Chaching IMO.
I do all my own gardening instead of hiring a gardener. Thats $40 a month saved.
I have a fully paid for dodge neon that cost $2000 and $25 a month for insurance because its not some top of the line vehicle. Thats chaching.
OH, I buy Jeans on Ebay, I just look for the brand and style I want and get a very nice used pair, tax free and 1/3 the price. I buy shirts 3 for $10 at the swap meet, and they last 2-3 years before needing to be replaced. Thats $40 for 3 years of shirts!
I use a rewards card for all purchases, and pay off the balance in full twice a month. Doing so adds up over time and in a year you can earn hundreds of dollars of free stuff for doing pretty much nothing.
For breakfast at work I drink all natural protein powder, which is $56 dollars a month, or roughly $1.86 per meal. For lunch at work I have unsalted mixed nuts, which is roughly $0.78 per meal. If you compare that to someone who spends $5 on breakfast, and $6 on lunch (to be kind) every workday of the year that is $660 vs $2750, or $2090 in savings. Add my free coffee on top of what some pay for starbucks every day and you are saving nearly 3k a year with a much healthier diet.
For christmas instead of buying a ton of gifts for people (with the exception of my nieces ;p), I make soaps and other homemade things. I can make gifts for 20-30 people at the cost of about $100. Hard to beat with how many people I can give to.
Whenever I see something I want to purchase, I first look on websites such as ebay or craigslist for a cheaper deal on the same thing. Wanted a $450 acoustic guitar I saw at guitar center a couple years ago, but instead of impulse buying I wrote the model number down and went on craigslist. Someone happened to be selling the exact same guitar for $250, with a hardcase. I didnt even barter with the guy, because by buying from him I saved $250 after taxes. Great guitar! Craigslist is the best because you can see the item before you buy. Dont be afraid to say no if its not exactly what you wanted, or too worn out. Your money is always your money until you put it in their hands. Also meet in public places, such as a coffee shop where there are other people around. Dont go into someones house unless you feel very very confident that theyre on the level.
Thats all I can think of at the moment, hope this helped contribute
-------------------- notapillow said: "you are going about this endeavor all wrong. clear your mind of useless fear and concern. buy the ticket, take the ride, and all that.... " ChrisWho said: "It's all about the journey, not the destination."
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ch1ck3n.s0up
Troubled Loner



Registered: 10/03/08
Posts: 2,573
Loc: Hunting Fungi
Last seen: 2 years, 6 months
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Re: A Dollar Saved Is A Dollar Made (moved) [Re: ManianFH]
#22405591 - 10/19/15 09:08 PM (8 years, 3 months ago) |
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I know that it sounds obvious, but READ YOUR BANK STATEMENTS!!! You might be burning money every month!
If you have a few different credit/debit cards, and have signed up for paperless billing, it can be easy to not read those statements, but you would be amazed at some of the crazy-@$$ shit that you find there.
Here are some things that I've personally discovered from reading my statements:
1. A sports club that was billing my card about $43/month, for an account that I (thought!) was cancelled in writing. Same sports club also billed an annual $49 membership fee, and a $119 closing fee. 2. An old Equifax account that I'd signed up for, that was billing $9.99/month 3. A double-bill from a rental supply store. An accident? Intentional? Who knows, but if I hadn't read my statement, it would have been money down the drain. 4. A dormant account that was over-drafted. I tucked a card away, thinking that it would be there when I used it. I'd forgotten that, to get free checking, I had to automatically transfer $100/month into savings. Over the course of 8 months, the checking account drained to $0.00, all the money was transferred into savings, and I was paying $35.00/month in overdraft fees. 5. Unused credit card "points." Some cards will give either gifts or ca$h rewards just for using the card. If you don't claim them by a certain time, you lose them. 6. $7.99 Monthly billing from a hosting service that I'd completely forgotten about.
All together, I ended up finding almost $150 in money, per month, that I was burning!
Generally, beware "recurring billing" arrangements, where you give your checking account number, and they have carte blanche to bill your card.
Read your statements--all of them!!!
-------------------- "Inspiration ~ Move me brightly ~ light the song with sense and color ~ hold away despair ~ more than this I will not ask ~ faced with mysteries dark and vast ~ statements just seem vain at last" --Jerry Garcia, Terrapin Station "Officer, I'm going to remain silent, and I would like to speak with a lawyer. I'm not resisting, but I don't consent to any searches.
Edited by ch1ck3n.s0up (10/19/15 09:23 PM)
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ch1ck3n.s0up
Troubled Loner



Registered: 10/03/08
Posts: 2,573
Loc: Hunting Fungi
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Re: A Dollar Saved Is A Dollar Made (moved) [Re: ch1ck3n.s0up]
#22405617 - 10/19/15 09:13 PM (8 years, 3 months ago) |
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If possible, get rid of your car. All things considered--monthly payments, depreciation, insurance, license, registration, inspection, gas, tolls, repairs, accidents, tickets, and parking--it is an absolute money sink.
It comes to about $750/month, based on the USA today's study: http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/04/16/aaa-car-ownership-costs/2070397/
If getting rid of your vehicle isn't possible, get a decent bicycle, and--as much as possible--ride it in lieu of driving. Running over to catch a train? Ride your bike to the station and save the parking fees. Going out for a slice of pizza? Burn some calories before you get there. Need to pick up a few groceries? Throw a backpack on and bike to the store. Not only does it save the cost of $0.60/mile, but it keeps you healthy, too!
EDIT: Also, if you're hooked on Starbucks or the like, try and make your own coffee. It saves a ton of money. Those double-mocha crappés add up!
-------------------- "Inspiration ~ Move me brightly ~ light the song with sense and color ~ hold away despair ~ more than this I will not ask ~ faced with mysteries dark and vast ~ statements just seem vain at last" --Jerry Garcia, Terrapin Station "Officer, I'm going to remain silent, and I would like to speak with a lawyer. I'm not resisting, but I don't consent to any searches.
Edited by ch1ck3n.s0up (10/19/15 09:20 PM)
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TravelerOfSorts
sober pro


Registered: 06/29/11
Posts: 492
Last seen: 2 years, 4 months
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Re: A Dollar Saved Is A Dollar Made (moved) [Re: ch1ck3n.s0up]
#22405645 - 10/19/15 09:20 PM (8 years, 3 months ago) |
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im considering buying a property building underground and buying a horse. lol fk cars
-------------------- a soul of solitude but a master of ecstacy in waiting for my rebirth cycle i have hopes that when mushrooms find me it will occur then and i can go about the world as a medicine man walking staff in one hand spaceship in the other a journeyman of nature soon to be stepping up to novice hopefully i will have time to become an expert, and i believe only in death will i become a master
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Stonehenge
Alt Center

Registered: 06/20/04
Posts: 14,850
Loc: S.E.
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Re: A Dollar Saved Is A Dollar Made (moved) [Re: ch1ck3n.s0up]
#22405682 - 10/19/15 09:29 PM (8 years, 3 months ago) |
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Quote:
ch1ck3n.s0up said: If possible, get rid of your car. All things considered--monthly payments, depreciation, insurance, license, registration, inspection, gas, tolls, repairs, accidents, tickets, and parking--it is an absolute money sink.
It comes to about $750/month, based on the USA today's study: http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/04/16/aaa-car-ownership-costs/2070397/
Yes, but what alternative do you propose for those who need transportation? Few cities have adequate public transportation and cabs are expensive too. Have you figured up how much that would cost you? Don't forget shopping, entertainment, work, etc if you have to use a cab each time that can add up fast.
Someone in a centrally laid out city with good transportation might be better off with public transportation or a bicycle. Some European cities are like that. Take Amsterdam for example, paris, many others.
ch1c, that is a very good tip. I assumed everyone did it same as I do but probably many do not check every month. Also, do not forget phone, cable, water and electric bills. You can often contest things but you have to stay on top of them. If your water bill is abnormally high, that could be a warning sign of a leak somewhere. You can have them check your water meter if you are sure its a mistake and if the meter is bad they will refund you. If your electric bill is high you can't really contest it but you can look around and see what is using up so much juice.
-------------------- “A democracy cannot exist as a permanent form of government. It can only exist until the voters discover that they can vote themselves largesse from the public treasury. From that moment on, the majority always votes for the candidates promising the most benefits from the public treasury with the result that a democracy always collapses over loose fiscal policy, always followed by a dictatorship.” (attributed to Alexis de Tocqueville political philosopher Circa 1835) Trade list http://www.shroomery.org/forums/showflat.php/Number/18047755
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nuentoter
conduit



Registered: 09/17/08
Posts: 2,721
Last seen: 7 years, 21 days
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Re: A Dollar Saved Is A Dollar Made (moved) [Re: Stonehenge]
#22406007 - 10/19/15 10:45 PM (8 years, 3 months ago) |
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Cars are a financial drain. I'm a car killer though, I buy card for no more than $1k and always has at least 10 months left on inspection. Drive it till it dies while putting away $100 a month just like a payment. Inspection time rolls around and if it costs under a thousand fix it, if it's more sell it for metal parts and use your saved up money to buy a new grand car. Bike whenever weather permits.
Also dude how can you not notice $150 bucks a month? I've lived with my wife off $300 a month.
--------------------
The geometry of us is no chance. We are antennae, we are tuning forks, we are receiver and transmitters of all energy. We are more than we know. - @entheolove "I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn't say any other way - things I had no words for" - Georgia O'Keefe I think the word is vagina
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ch1ck3n.s0up
Troubled Loner



Registered: 10/03/08
Posts: 2,573
Loc: Hunting Fungi
Last seen: 2 years, 6 months
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Re: A Dollar Saved Is A Dollar Made (moved) [Re: nuentoter]
#22407717 - 10/20/15 08:34 AM (8 years, 3 months ago) |
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Quote:
nuentoter said: Cars are a financial drain. I'm a car killer though, I buy card for no more than $1k and always has at least 10 months left on inspection. Drive it till it dies while putting away $100 a month just like a payment. Inspection time rolls around and if it costs under a thousand fix it, if it's more sell it for metal parts and use your saved up money to buy a new grand car. Bike whenever weather permits.
My buddy will find a recent inspection sticker in some parking lot, take a picture, print it, and put it in his car every year. He hasn't had a car inspected since 1983.
Not sure what the penalties are for forged inspection stickers, or if The Man is even looking for this kind of thing.
-------------------- "Inspiration ~ Move me brightly ~ light the song with sense and color ~ hold away despair ~ more than this I will not ask ~ faced with mysteries dark and vast ~ statements just seem vain at last" --Jerry Garcia, Terrapin Station "Officer, I'm going to remain silent, and I would like to speak with a lawyer. I'm not resisting, but I don't consent to any searches.
Edited by ch1ck3n.s0up (10/20/15 08:43 AM)
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Stonehenge
Alt Center

Registered: 06/20/04
Posts: 14,850
Loc: S.E.
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Re: A Dollar Saved Is A Dollar Made (moved) [Re: ch1ck3n.s0up]
#22408296 - 10/20/15 09:14 AM (8 years, 3 months ago) |
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I'm not sure counterfeiting things is a good idea for saving money.
-------------------- “A democracy cannot exist as a permanent form of government. It can only exist until the voters discover that they can vote themselves largesse from the public treasury. From that moment on, the majority always votes for the candidates promising the most benefits from the public treasury with the result that a democracy always collapses over loose fiscal policy, always followed by a dictatorship.” (attributed to Alexis de Tocqueville political philosopher Circa 1835) Trade list http://www.shroomery.org/forums/showflat.php/Number/18047755
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Patchouli_Savage


Registered: 12/26/13
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Loc: Somewhere between here an...
Last seen: 1 hour, 11 minutes
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Re: A Dollar Saved Is A Dollar Made (moved) [Re: ch1ck3n.s0up]
#22408314 - 10/20/15 09:18 AM (8 years, 3 months ago) |
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Save your dollar bills after breaking a large bill. I have managed to save for larger more expensive items that way.
Barter whenever possible. I once went 11 months without paying cash for cannabis. It has been two years since I have had to pay for soap.
Thrift stores are your friend.
Learn to sew- you can keep clothing for longer that way.
Get a library card instead of buying books.
Make whatever you can, such as laundry soap. Don't buy cleaning supplies. Vinegar is cheaper, non-Toxic and effective for most things.
-------------------- "You are a ghost driving a meat coated skeleton made from stardust. What do you have to be scared of?"
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Asante
Mage


Registered: 02/06/02
Posts: 86,796
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Patchouli Savage makes a good point, BARTER. Your friends and acquaintances and you typically have stuff you dont really need that the other could benefit of. Lend each other books if you read.
If you need a fridge or so, remember there are businesses that buy brand new goods with insignificant damage (such as a scrape or dent on a fridge) and sell the item for a considerably lower price. Presto, you now have a great fridge, brand new, 200 bucks cheaper because theres a scratch on the door.
-------------------- Omnicyclion.org higher knowledge starts here
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TravelerOfSorts
sober pro


Registered: 06/29/11
Posts: 492
Last seen: 2 years, 4 months
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Re: A Dollar Saved Is A Dollar Made (moved) [Re: Asante] 1
#22412996 - 10/21/15 09:59 AM (8 years, 3 months ago) |
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dont buy used appliances. Seriously unless you like having insect infestations from other peoples houses in your house.
-------------------- a soul of solitude but a master of ecstacy in waiting for my rebirth cycle i have hopes that when mushrooms find me it will occur then and i can go about the world as a medicine man walking staff in one hand spaceship in the other a journeyman of nature soon to be stepping up to novice hopefully i will have time to become an expert, and i believe only in death will i become a master
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Cowb0yNeal00



Registered: 06/05/13
Posts: 11,059
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Re: A Dollar Saved Is A Dollar Made [Re: Asante] 1
#22413025 - 10/21/15 10:06 AM (8 years, 3 months ago) |
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People that wear contacts/glasses I would highly recommend saving $ and get lasik eye surgery. Will probably save you money in the long run, better vision, less risk of infection, never have to worry about glasses or contacts again. :thumb up:
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Ran-D



Registered: 12/19/10
Posts: 16,313
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Re: A Dollar Saved Is A Dollar Made [Re: Patlal]
#22413035 - 10/21/15 10:10 AM (8 years, 3 months ago) |
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Quote:
Patlal said: 13) Tap water can easily refill a plastic bottle 10000000 times
I think the cost of medical bills you would have from drinking the tap water where I live would outweigh the money saved from not buying water.
Seems like every year we get a letter explaining how for 6 months the water had unacceptable levels of such and such carcinogen.
Edited by Ran-D (10/21/15 10:10 AM)
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Patlal
You ask too many questions



Registered: 10/09/10
Posts: 44,797
Loc: Ottawa
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Re: A Dollar Saved Is A Dollar Made [Re: Ran-D]
#22413116 - 10/21/15 10:31 AM (8 years, 3 months ago) |
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Quote:
Ran-D said:
Quote:
Patlal said: 13) Tap water can easily refill a plastic bottle 10000000 times
I think the cost of medical bills you would have from drinking the tap water where I live would outweigh the money saved from not buying water.
Seems like every year we get a letter explaining how for 6 months the water had unacceptable levels of such and such carcinogen. 
And what's being done about it?
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Ran-D



Registered: 12/19/10
Posts: 16,313
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Re: A Dollar Saved Is A Dollar Made [Re: Patlal]
#22413182 - 10/21/15 10:45 AM (8 years, 3 months ago) |
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I don't know, I assume everyone that works for the city is incompetent and I do not want to rely on them for something as essential to life as clean water. Spring water is cheap enough (25 cents a gallon), and there is even a spring with some great water about 30 miles from here where I can stock up as much as I want.
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Perusha_Kyuden



Registered: 07/27/15
Posts: 644
Loc: Canada
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Re: A Dollar Saved Is A Dollar Made [Re: Ran-D] 1
#22418660 - 10/22/15 02:50 PM (8 years, 3 months ago) |
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grow ur weed
-------------------- Master of none
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Asante
Mage


Registered: 02/06/02
Posts: 86,796
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Quote:
TravelerOfSorts said: dont buy used appliances. Seriously unless you like having insect infestations from other peoples houses in your house.
True but I meant appliances from damaged goods merchants. They sell essentially new appliances which got damaged in transport or store storage.
-------------------- Omnicyclion.org higher knowledge starts here
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nuentoter
conduit



Registered: 09/17/08
Posts: 2,721
Last seen: 7 years, 21 days
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Re: A Dollar Saved Is A Dollar Made (moved) [Re: Asante]
#22425961 - 10/24/15 06:17 AM (8 years, 3 months ago) |
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I dunno I've had the same washer& dryer for 6 years I bought them both used for $100 from someone I knew well that was moving and couldn't afford the space to bring them with him.
--------------------
The geometry of us is no chance. We are antennae, we are tuning forks, we are receiver and transmitters of all energy. We are more than we know. - @entheolove "I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn't say any other way - things I had no words for" - Georgia O'Keefe I think the word is vagina
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