Kay Iscah's Blog, page 15

For the Thrift Store doubters...

I'm proud of my mom.  She is sticking to her diet and has lost quite a bit of weight.  While we're all happy to see her healthier, this means a lot of her wardrobe no longer fits.  She's still on the road to her ideal weight, so while she needs clothes for now, there's a good chance in another year or so they won't fit too well either.  After watching her spend $25 on a single pair of jeans, I decided it would be a good idea to drag her to Grand Opening of the new Goodwill with me.

My mom's not a thrift store shopper.  Her tastes are not extravagent, but she's doesn't enjoy shopping and thrift stores can take a little extra effort.  By the end of the trip she was getting a little burnt out, but we found her two pairs of pants for $4.25, so it was a fruitful trip.  I had even more success in the kids section.

I decided to include a photo of what I found for my nephew at Goodwill this week.  Everything in the photo (5 pairs of pants, a sweater, sports coat, and dess shirt with vest) cost $19.92 total.  These were at normal Goodwill prices and took advantage of none of the other markdowns they offer on a regular basis.  As to whether a 4 year old actually needs a sports coat...well, humor me...it's Christmas, and there's only so many dress up options for little boys.  But the pants are definitely a necessity and the sweater is practical.

This being a singles blog, I'll give an example of how much kids clothes cost.  The brown pants on the far right still have the Circo sticker on them, obviously never worn.  Brand new at Target you would expect to pay $10 to $15 for the same pair.  You can find servicable kids clothes for $5 per shirt or pants, but they tend to be sweat pants and Ts which don't fit his school dress code.  Jeans for toddlers can easily run $20.  But even if we low end and say these could have been gotten for $10 a piece, that's $80 vs. $19.92...over a $60 difference.  ($15 is a more realistic average, which would bring the difference up to $120, making a $100 difference.)  As he's likely to outgrow these in a few months and we'll have to go through this process again, that difference compounds significantly.

So I think it's pretty clear there a financial advantages to thrift store shopping.  But let's address the other objections I've heard, which can be summed up to quality, wear, and convenience.

I admit thrift stores can be all over the map quality wise.  I've seen name brands of every material and thread count lumped together on the same rack.  You can find never worn brand new clothes, and you may also spot some that slipped through any quality checks and are threadbare and ratty.  And yes it is a little frustrating not to be able to grab a size up or size down when a pair you like doesn't fit quite right.

Here's a few tips to reducing your stress and disappointment at thrift stores:

1. Just accept that items are sold as is.

2. If you don't like anything about the item move on to another.

3. Don't get too married to a size or number.  Clothing sizes and styles have changed over the years, so an 8 on one pair of pants may fit like a 10 on another.  Also things often make the clearance rack for being mislabeled, so don't be afraid to eye ball something to guess if it fits.  A sense of realism helps, but so does a sense of adventure.

4. If you have time, skim other sections (like check the large and small sizes even if you're a medium).  Thrift store shoppers have a bad habit of sticking clothes back in random places, and this allows some jems to get temporarily lost.

5. Examine all sides and seams before purchase.  While I can't speak for all thrift stores, I believe clothes at Goodwill are cleaned before they're hung for sale, which means any stains are probably permanent.

6. Try stuff on.  With my nephew I took a gamble on everything but the sports coat, but he's 4...and having him try on 5 pairs of pants in a row borders on cruel and unusual. (Besides, most of the kids pants are adjustable, and we can get credit for trading these in at the kids consignment shop if they still don't fit him.)  But things that look fine on the rack often fall short when actually tried on.  Thrift stores are far less return friendly, so better to try it before you buy.

7. Be realistic about the time/energy you have to fix imperfections.  I have once or twice bought pants that were too long or items with minor imperfections with the thought that I could get them hemmed or fixed...and that can work out well if you actually do it.  I also have clothes that sat so long on my mom's to do pile, that they no longer fit by the time she got around to doing the hemming.  (My fault not hers.)  This may not even cross your mind as an option, but creative/crafty types often take on more projects than they can actually handle.

Fun Decor/Gift Idea: Candy Sleds

Wish I could take credit for this, but no, just something clever and share worthy that crossed my path.  My sister's friend had a limited Christmas budget this year, so she gifted us with these cute little goodies.  This looks to be a fairly simple project even if you're not crafty.  The candy is held together with clear tape and ribbons.

The "sled" base is made from two candy canes taped in place on either side of a funsized Kit Kat bar (suspect a Reese's Cup would work well here too.)  Two Hersey mini-bars make up the second layer with a miniature candy bar (Snickers in this case) on top...these are also secured with clear tape.  Ribbon tied around just like on a package, with a Hersey kissed attached with a rolled piece of tape (like you would use for a bow) on the bottom.

Now the cost for this project could add up if you have none of the materials on hand, though I'd guess even paying full price materials would average around 50 to 75 cents per candy sled... however, this may be a great way to use up scrap ribbon and leftover Halloween candy.  Also a good way to handle groups you'd like to gift with an "I'm thinking of you" treat.

Fiscal Cliff and End of the World Parties

I'm ambivalent about the fiscal cliff.  If healthcare reform remains, then taxes were going to have to go up somehow.  That much is unavoidable.  I will be surprised if some sort of compromise isn't reached, because we've seen this sort of thing before, and there's a lot of pressure on both sides to come to an agreement.

I think we should be watchful.  Whatever happens, we need to know about it and try to adjust accordingly.  But I think it's far too early to panic.

Not too worried about the Mayan Calendar running out on December 21st either, but I do think it's a good excuse to throw an "End of the World" party.

My current plan involves at least one rendition of REM's "It's the End of the World as We Know It", leaning towards "It's a Wonderful Life" as the movie choice (2012 was just so bad), maybe do a reading from "Apocolypse Wow!" just to remind us all we thought the world was ending back in 2000.

Anyone else have some great "End of the World Party" plans/ideas they'd like to share?

Mm, Christmas is coming too.  I'm going to go back and make sure my Christmas related posts are tagged under holidays.  I've been dry this year on gift ideas.  Did my mom's Chrstimas shopping for her, got a lot of DVDs and gift cards.  For my own shopping, actually considering giving the extended family socks...fun Christmas themed socks...but socks, not my banner year for gift ideas.  I did luck out at Best Buy and scored some Death Note Revisited DVDs for $3.99, so my siblings at least dodged the sock bullet.

As for NaNoWriMo, I finished my rewrite and have a team of beta testers reading over the novel now.  I also have a prequel serial called "
This may be my last post for the year...maybe (you guys have learned I'm not good at staying away when I think I will).  I need to reorganize a lot of things in my business and personal life and just enjoy the Christmas Season.

So Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, lovely Kwanzaa or whatever else you're celebrating this year. 

Be generous but wise, and accept generosity with grace.

The Debt Resistors' Operations Manual

I haven't had time to read through this (working hard on NaNoWriMo still), but the title is pretty intriguing.  The Debt Resistors' Operations Manual

An organization called Strike Debt! which seems to be linked to the Occupy Wallstreet movement, has put together a free book/pdf outlining ways to resist or free yourself from debt.  And thus the control of the 1%.

I'm never a big fan of the us vs. them attitude on any level, but I am fan of educating people about debt and moving away from a debt based economy.  So I thought this might be worth checking out.

Not an endorsement, but I'd like to hear what people think of this. Did you get any good ideas from the manual?  Or is skippable?

We'll probably see more of this...

Article: Papa John's CEO John Schnatter Says Company Will Reduce Workers' Hours In Response To Obamacare

Significant Quote: "That's what you do, is you pass on costs. Unfortunately, I don't think people know what they're going to pay for this."

If you have time to listen to the Huff Post Live conversation, it does a good job of covering the pros and cons.

While I try to steer from straight politics in this blog, this change is too big to ignore.  I like the idea of universal health care...I really do.  But I don't think this legislation is designed well and have many concerns.  Mainly, how is the country going to pay for this.  This is one ripple effect that I'm pretty certain we'll be seeing.

Lots of jobs will be dropping down to part time with stricter rules about not going over 30 hours.

I'm not saying this will happen to all companies or at all levels, but I do think a lot of companies will be taking this route.

My other concern is I don't think there's any requirement for doctors to accept the government insurance...which has a history of poor payment.  So we'll probably see more and more doctors opting out...which may mean health insurance...but no doctor...or at least not enough doctors to go around.  (Like in this article: Doctors who take Medicare scarce )

There's obviously some good this Act is doing.  Covering people with pre-existing conditions and making it harder for people to be dropped is a good thing.  Government health insurance is better than no health insurance.  But those who do pay will probably be paying more.


Honestly, I don't think the answer here is full repeal so much as revision.  And something must be done to help increase the number of doctors/nurses.  (I think there's some educational reform needed for this one.)

I think we will see more punitive cost for unhealthy behaviors...so I wouldn't be surprised to see more increases for smokers or additional costs for those with obesity issues....and that may not be entirely a bad thing.

Check the post-Halloween Sales & Update

Beyond the typical candy markdowns, you may find other useful items and edibles marked down simply due to being orange in color or the presence of bats on the package.  So definitely worth a glance at the post Halloween mark downs, even if you don't have a sweet tooth.

Update: Taking a little break from this blog for NaNoWriMo.  I will have my fantasy novel finished at the end of November and would love to have some beta readers (hint, hint).  I am leaning towards Self-Publishing again.

When I return in December, I may slow down to monthly posts/videos while I direct my energy to other projects.  But I've learned alot about what I can do on the equipment I have, so the videos should be much better quality.  I'm also going to try to get every post tagged and streamline those tags, so it's easier to find info on various topics.

I will continue to regularly update my serial, since it ties directly into the novel I'm finishing up.

Halloween in Moderation

Halloween is tomorrow. I started to go into my standard thrifty holiday tips but instead decided this was a good time to talk about the importance of moderation. Moderation is a key element to living a healthy, holistic, and minimalist lifestyle.

Let's touch briefly on the candy. Sugar and fat are not just good for you but essential in moderation. Let's repeat that word "MODERATION". Alcohol has limited medicinal value, but as a beverage for enjoyment, moderation again is key. Costumes and decor are fun, but become tacky and tasteless when taken to excess. When we forget moderation, there is a cost.

First the obvious fincial cost is if you buy more, you spend more. Go on your shopping trips with a clear idea of purpose and clear limit on your expense. This will help you curb impulse spending.

Second is environmental cost. When we get more than we will use there is waste. It's impossible to know exactly how much party guests will eat or how many trick or treators will ring your door bell...so make a plan for left overs, either pick foods you will eat yourself post-party, or know where you'll take them.
 
Due to safety concerns, I still think individually wrapped candy is the best option for trick-or-treaters. But for office celebrations and parties with friends, try to steer away from individually wrapped items as they create extra garbage. Consider writing candy makers to encourage the use of compostable packaging. We have the technology. We just need to let companies know such things are important to us.

Three, health costs. Lack of moderation in food leads to obesity. Lack of moderation in drink leads to brain damage, liver damage, social damage, etc. I think there's nothing wrong with taking a break from the normal diet now and then throughout the year at celebration times. However, I think it's healthier to use it to vary the types of food you might normally eat rather than making a habit of eating excessive amounts. For instance if a normal meal for you is a meat and three veggies, but tonight you want a pumpkin pie. Have pie and three veggies, or take half your normal servings on the meat and three, so you're eating a similiar number of calories.  Since most candies and desserts are high in carbohydrates, bread is probably the first thing you subsitute out at holiday meals.

One concerning trend I've seen at conventions and other grown up Halloween parties is a tendency to forget your normal standards of modesty. As I said in the video, part of the fun of a costume is doing something different and stepping outside your comfort zone. But in this age of camera phones and facebook, you do need to be aware that your "sexy" costume may outlast the evening. Please keep in mind that not all costumes are appropriate for all situations...some are very much designed for spicing up private moments and not appropriate for wear in public, particularly when children and teens might be present.

We're all glad you're comfortable with your body, but not everyone else attending may be. If your coverage level is not appropriate for work or shopping at the mall, it's probably not appropriate for public events either.  No, we should not be quick to judge people by their clothing.  However, clothes do send subliminal messages about us.  If you wear clothes specifically designed to get sexual attention...then don't be surprised if the attention you get is sexual in nature, and realize you may not attract the specific person or type of person you want with that sexual message.

Employers are increasingly in the habit of searching online for background on prospective employees.  So there are some very real financial motivations for protecting how you present yourself to the world.

Reputations are hard to build and easy to ruin.  So please in all things, even entertainment.  Remember moderation.

Costuming Thrift

Video about how to get more for less with your halloween and con costumes. I made it honor of GMX this weekend, but there are some nice general tips for everyone.

Geek Thrift

Later this month at GMX (Geek Media Expo) I'll be hosting 5 panels, including "GMX on a Budget", so I made a little video specifically for GMX, and thought I'd do an accompanying blog posts with some tips on saving money at fan cons (short for conventions) in general.

1.) Register Early

Registering early when possible will allow you to take advantage of discounts for con admission and room block deals, which are common with most large and mid size cons.

2.) Share Rides and Rooms

Carpooling and splitting a hotel room is a great way to keep costs down. It's best to start with people you know and trust, but you may be able to find roommates and carpools through online groups and forums. Follow some common sense safety steps if you take this route, get to know the person(s) you're considering splitting a room with as well as possible before hand. Get references if possible, be specific about who's handling the money and how, and listen to your gut. I've shared a room with girls/women I had not met offline before, but we were all part of a long running club/mailing list of people who were regular con goers...and the group added a layer of accountability.

3.) Scout the local area online before you go

At most cons, there's really not much need to leave the main hotel or convention area during the con, but being familiar with the area can help you know what your cheapest food options will be and where to go in emergency. In some cases, it may be more practical to mail certain purchases home rather than try to pass them through airport security.

4.) Avoid Restaurants but remember to eat

Con schedules can be very full, and there's a temptation to skip meals so you won't miss anything. It's okay to skip meals as long as you snack smart. Pack things like meal bars and trail mix that will supply the protein, vitamins, and calories you need while fitting neatly in your bag. Reusable water bottles are a good idea (some even come with filters now), or at the very least locate available water fountains and dispensers. It's more important to stay hydrated than fed. If you drive, pack a cooler. If you're staying at a hotel call ahead to see if you'll have a microwave, mini-fridge, or coffee pot available.

To illustrate, the average restaurant meal will cost $10 - $20, while packing meals will probably average $1-$3 per meal. Over 3 days, that could make a difference of $63 to $171.

There's no rule that says you can't mix it up. Pre-pack two meals and enjoy a restaurant in the evening, but I figure you can eat out any time...I'd rather save money for con activities and swag.

5.) Avoid the Dealer Room

If you're on a really tight budget, I'd advise avoiding the dealer room all together. You can still enjoy the con without it.

6.) or at least plan for it....

Most other expenses at the con admission/hotel/travel will be fairly fixed by the time you get there. Where most people go overboard is on all the really cool stuff you can find from dealers. You can help control your spending by creating a pre-set limit, and/or limiting what you'll consider buying. For example, this year only things I'll consider is an umbrella or a very well priced wig for a specific costume. Make use of our 5 Questions to avoid buyers regret.

7.) Volunteer

Most cons are staffed mainly by volunteers.  While specifics vary by con, most of them give you free admission for X number of hours worked.  Volunteers may enjoy other perks like behind the scenes moments, closer access to celebs, and additions to their resume.

8.) Over Budget for the unexpected

If I think a con is going to cost me $200, I try to budget $400 for the trip.  This doesn't mean I will spend $400.  But I like having some extra built in to deal with the unexpected.  For instance, one of your roommates bails last minute, or you get a flat tire.  It may be a pleasant surprise, rather than a negative one.  That collectors doll you've been seeking for the past ten years is available at one of the dealer tables, or you get invited to lunch with your favorite writer.  I've taken $200 in spending money with me, only to spend $10 and come home quite happy.

9.) Consider Special Events

Most events at most cons are included with admission, but there may be a special banquet, show, class, or contest that cost extra.  If you'd like to participate don't forget to included that cost in your budget.  You may need to buy tickets seperately or in advance for these.

(Still relearning video production, but I think this is an improvement.)

Holistic Finance

Short video discussing one of our most basic financial concepts.



Sorry about being absent last week. The yardsale was crazy big this time (had to research pricing on all my grandmother's antiques/collectibles), and I spent pretty much all last week getting ready for it. I was happy with what we sold, but we still have a lot leftover. Took two trunks worth of stuff to Goodwill, my sis took all the baby toys to the consignment shop, and I took five boxes of books to the used bookstore (they accepted about half a box). Since our neighborhood has a yardsale every year early in the summer and we have a large basement, we boxed up all the glassware to try again in a few months.

I'm going to take my first steps onto ebay to try to get the best price for some of my grandmother's small antique/vintage/collectible items. Thankfully she's not in great need of quick cash, so I can sit on stuff for a while to get the best price. But I have talked to some antique/consigment shops that might purchase or sell the items for us...we'd just take a significant hit selling them that way.

I'll try to be less droopy in the next video, but I think I'm going to do a few more on basic concepts before moving back to application/examples.