Another Stroll Thru the Blogroll
14th May 2008
Here are my favorite articles from the next 5 blogs in the blogroll:
Katie at Novel Experiences talks about slowing down while driving. I laughed so hard that soda came out of my nose (free soda from CVS bucks, mind you) when she talked about all the SUVs and semis rushing past her. I always think the same thing, but I don’t think they realize how much money they’re wasting by driving 70 mph. I also don’t think a lot of people know that when they go over 40 mph with their windows down they are cutting down on MPG in their car.
Aching Debt had an interesting article about only having a little bit of money. I think that when I have less money, it is harder for spending creep to catch up with me, as I become more resolute in my savings.
At One Big Mortar Board, HC talked about her April spending. I loved her explanation of “vampy shoes”!
Caveman talked about his hourly pay equating to the items he buys at One Caveman’s Financial Journey. I don’t understand why he was purchasing such a pricey bike when he owes so much debt (have a look at his right sidebar), but I guess that’s his choice!
At One Frugal Girl, she explained that her net worth is now positive! This is a monument for each and every one of us in our lives - go congratulate her!
Favorite WML-Net Articles:
Progress Update @ Dividends 4 Life
Ridiculous to Stay, A Pain in the Ass to Go @ Her Every Cent Counts
I Will Not Save Money Because I Need a New Eye Exam @ How I Save Money
My Emergency Fund Update - May 2008 @ Just Personal Finance
Reporting From Omaha 2 @ Living Off Dividends
EF Goal = $12,000 @ Saving For Home
May 15th, 2008 at 8:36 am
Thanks for the link. The bike cost a little more than I wanted, but I also got 3 years of free maintenance (which I will need to use regularly) and the piece of mind of buying from a local company.
But my bike is more of an investment for me than an expense. Right now, with just a 4-mile total commute for work, I’m spending almost $1 a day to drive to work. As gas prices increase, my savings will similarly increase.
It’s also an investment in my health. I need to lose some serious weight - I have about 50lbs to go. I canceled my gym membership a few months ago that was eating $25 a month and am now exercising at home for free and the bike will supplement my routine.
I also mentioned in my birthday post that I received $90 specifically for buying the bike. So in reality, the bike was almost paid for before I bought it by the money I had already saved for that purpose and by the other changes I have made.
Yes, I could have bought a cheaper bike from Target, but it wouldn’t have come with 3 years of free labor. I also could have bought a used bike from a yard sale (something I have been trying for almost a year) but I never found a good one and used bikes almost always need immediate maintenance and new tires - adding at least $120 to the cost. In the end, it was more economical to buy this bike. After this, I’m thinking I should write up a post weighing the purchase vs the alternatives.