Random Financial Nuggets…

  • I wore my “I’m Bringing Budgets Back” T-shirt out in the real world for the first time ever, and 2 whole people smiled at me when they saw it :) If you can convince me that you’ll wear one too, I’ll see if Brad can make us some more! [UPDATE: Now for sale!!]
  • I have a Visa Black Card offer sitting on my desk right now. The one that costs $500/year and made with carbon. It gives you all kinds of VIP access to places and things, but as much as I really REALLY want to give it a shot and see what happens, my fiscally conservative side is gearing up to punch me in the face :(
  • We bought the most comfortable sleeper sofa EVER last night!  It’ll be going in my Blogger Lair right next to the pimp library, and will then turn my office into a guest bedroom as well.  Since someone who shall not be named (but who’s the cutest unborn thing in the entire world!) will be moving into the original bedroom soon ;)  It cost $599, and 1/2 of it was paid for by selling off old furniture on Craigslist. (Update: we bought it at Bob’s Discount Furniture)
  • Remember last week’s post on wasting money? Here’s another to add to the list: 24k gold SHOELACES for $19,000. They’ll even be hand delivered to you by their personal security guard :)
  • We completed our first trip to Safeway WITHOUT being charged 5 cents a bag! Woohoo!  It cost us over $15 to buy NEW & sturdy ones that we can leave in our car for future shopping trips, but at least we’re now getting into the habit of things over here :)  This new rule isn’t as bad as I originally thought.
  • USAA won’t stop tempting me with their Mercedez Benz promos every time I log into their site…
  • We wasted $5.99 worth of pasta last night when we went to go cook it, and it came out pretty nasty looking :(  Are you all pretty good about returning *food*?  We always say we’re gonna do it, and then end up forgetting about it and just chucking.
  • My wife gave me this awesome currency gift for Christmas last Dec.  Pretty sweet, huh?
  • It’s Friday, which means I’ll be spending money on beer tonight :) If it’s in the budget, it’s good!
  • This is the first post ever written entirely in bullet points.
  • What’s a random thing going on your life right now?
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59 Comments

  1. Jaimie February 24, 2012 at 6:37 AM

    I would rock that shirt out! If you don’t mind me asking, where did you get the sofa from? We are going to be in the market for a new one.

    Reply
  2. Jennifer February 24, 2012 at 7:03 AM

    I’ve been looking for a sleeper sofa too! The key is comfort because some of them are pretty awful. Can you give us the link?

    Reply
  3. Hank February 24, 2012 at 7:29 AM

    I know exactly what you mean about the USAA Mercedez Benz ads….definitely tempting! Also, I would definitely wear the shirt!

    Reply
  4. harvestwages February 24, 2012 at 8:13 AM

    OMG, SHOELACES at $19,000???? Me i can’t purchase such, even if i were the richest in the world. I will check out your post on “wasting money”. It seems i missed your great list

    Reply
  5. Sarah February 24, 2012 at 8:23 AM

    I’m LOVING that budget shirt! It’s hilarious! And way to go on that sleeper couch….with a newborn baby, you’re gonna need it :)

    Random thing happening in our lives – cleaning out our humidifiers because they may have mold in them, which may or may not be making the baby stuffy and miserable. Very exciting, lol!

    Reply
  6. Jackie Walters February 24, 2012 at 8:36 AM

    I love the T-Shirt!

    Reply
  7. Michelle February 24, 2012 at 8:36 AM

    I would definitely wear the shirt!

    Reply
  8. Andrea @SoOverDebt February 24, 2012 at 8:38 AM

    I wish I had one of those shirts right now, because I would be wearing it. LOVE IT!

    Did you get the blue pimp sofa or a different one? That bullet point is useless without pics!

    My random thing – The puppy chewed up a pair of my flip flops. And as mad as it makes me, the fact that I’ve been wearing flip flops in February kind of cancels it out. Warm weather FTW!

    Reply
  9. Matt February 24, 2012 at 8:39 AM

    I want a shirt if I can get it in white or black. I would totally pimp that…maybe throw a J$ logo on the back by the neck aw yeah

    Reply
  10. Beth February 24, 2012 at 8:59 AM

    two of my best friends from college, to whom I am still very close, gave birth to their first child within 24 hours of each other. The was yesterday and the day before. I have whiplash ;)

    and, money-wise, instead of me oh so very easily blowing ALL THE MONEY on hilariously inappropriate geeky baby things my friends approve of, we’re all getting together later next month to have a Make The Awesome Baby Things Day- so instead of just sending presents, we’re all spending time together. I find this to be a acceptable alternative :) !!!!!!!!!!!

    Reply
  11. Eunice February 24, 2012 at 9:03 AM

    I would totally wear that shirt!!!!!!! Thanks for all your posts.. I’m 22, in college, engaged, and feel so financially SMART compared to everyone else my age. Thank you thank you thank you!!!!!!

    Reply
  12. Well Heeled Blog February 24, 2012 at 9:33 AM

    Want a cheaper alternative to the Amex Black card? Get the Chase Sapphire Preferred if you don’t already have it. It’s not as exclusive and doesn’t offer the same benefits (obviously), but it’s a really cool physical card – there’s a titantium strip so the card is extra thick and heavy, and I’ve gotten several comments on it. Plus right now there’s 50,000 Ultimate Rewards point bonus and $95/annual fee waiver for the first year. :)

    Reply
  13. Megan February 24, 2012 at 10:23 AM

    I would wear the hell out of that shirt everywhere I went. I work with economists, so it’s doubly appropriate!

    Reply
  14. Tiffany February 24, 2012 at 11:14 AM

    I would SO totally wear the t-shirt! Please please please? :-)

    Are the Visa and AmEx black cards essentially the same? My mom got an offer for the AmEx black card in the mail the other day…. pretty insane… I told her we should frame it!

    Reply
  15. Modest Money February 24, 2012 at 11:21 AM

    Avoid the temptation for the black credit card. Those things are such a gimmick. I think they’re more for the people who like to show off their money and try to get better service by flashing that card. As for the charge for bags at grocery stores, I try to bring reusable bags sometimes, but I also use grocery bags as garbage bags. So I have to keep alternating to keep stocked. I guess I’m just too cheap to buy actual kitchen garbage bags.

    Reply
  16. Edward Antrobus III February 24, 2012 at 11:33 AM

    I usually don’t return food at restaruants; I’m too woried about the new plate being spit on! I have a friend who used to work at a restaraunt. He says that everything you hear about what goes on behind the kitchen doors, is pretty much true.

    When I checked my blog analytics this morning, I saw 160 pageviews for the day so far. Thought I had gotten another big mention! Then I looked closer and saw that it was from just 15 visitors, all of whom where new! Still trying to wrap my head around how I got 15 new, direct traffic visitors to spend an average of 20 minutes on my site and view ~11 pages each… at 4 in the morning.

    Reply
  17. Heather February 24, 2012 at 11:35 AM

    Haha. We got one of those Visa black offers too and it was soooooo tempting. Just to say we had it. lol Maybe someday when the $500 fee is pocket change.

    Most random thing…this whole week. :-/ Told position cut on Monday, interviewed/offered new internal postition Wednesday.

    Reply
  18. Hannah February 24, 2012 at 11:38 AM

    LOVE that shirt and would definitely wear one!

    Reply
  19. Leland February 24, 2012 at 11:58 AM

    I love your work J. Money.

    Random thing: Preseason indoor soccer practice starts here on Saturday. I coach both my kids’ teams U8 girls and U7 boys.

    Reply
  20. KimmieKim84 February 24, 2012 at 12:12 PM

    I would love to have one of those shirts….please let us know when it’ll be avaiable for sale.

    Random Thing: Tonite I’m going to my 2nd class for Financial Peace by David Ramsey. The class is great so far. I’m 27 now so I’m trying to figure out how to take better care of my $ so I can be a millionaire by 65!!! BTW, I read your blog everyday and not only is it financially useful but it’s sooo funny!!! :)

    Reply
  21. Yardwork February 24, 2012 at 12:18 PM

    J$, spot me one of those shirts (as a freebie or a sale) and ill send you a pic of me wearing it out and about in the financial wastes that are our current economy. I LOVE IT!

    Reply
  22. LB February 24, 2012 at 12:31 PM

    I would love one of those shirts, if it said budgets are sexy on the back of it and was in another color then grey!

    I return food if there something wrong with it at a grocery store (rarely happens though), but won’t return it at a restaurant. I know way too much of what is going on in the kitchen for me to ever return food. I have tried in the past to get something done about overcooked or nasty food, and it usually just comes back undercooked or something more nasty (got very sick from pizza I complained about once).

    Two Random things that weirdly relate:
    1) I won something through my Orthodontist for doing a word scramble through Facebook. Has something to do with Football and I have no idea what it is.
    2) I have been practicing the Star Spangled Banner, because one of these days I will sing it at a Stadium for fun.

    Reply
  23. Kathy February 24, 2012 at 1:17 PM

    Random things:

    * Just realized this morning that it’s been 2 1/2 years since I’ve used credit for any purchases….woohoo.

    * I have too much crap…NEED to purge

    * my bedroom is making me have anxiety because there is stuff everywhere! I WILL be cleaning/organizing this weekend because I feel soooo much better when it’s picked up.

    Here’s one for a t-shirt – My bedroom isn’t messy, it’s an obstacle course that keeps me in shape
    (cracked up at that one)

    Reply
  24. Nick February 24, 2012 at 1:18 PM

    Haha! I’d totally rock the I’m Bringing Budgets Back shirt!

    Those black cards are so tempting, but I feel the same way. I’d have to KNOW I’d be $500 better off without changing my spending habits before I’d do it. A guy at work has a free companion air card and actually uses it, which apparently that alone saves him what the card costs (he travels a lot for work and regularly scheduled vacations).

    Had a random drop-in visit from a buddy who lives in Atlanta today. That was pretty cool.

    Reply
  25. Marianne February 24, 2012 at 1:41 PM

    I *need* one of those shirts!! ha. maybe you can get them in a womens’ cut? :)

    Reply
  26. Brent Pittman February 24, 2012 at 1:48 PM

    I’d wear one of your shirts next time I do a small business Skype interview.
    Random: We might be moving to “The Valley” as my wife got an apartment manager job, aka free rent!

    Reply
  27. Jefferson February 24, 2012 at 2:01 PM

    I totally want one of those shirts, JM.

    Reply
  28. KimmyQ February 24, 2012 at 2:02 PM

    Can you send Amex a link to your awesome personal finance blog and see if they will waive the annual fee for a year?

    Reply
  29. J. Money February 24, 2012 at 2:29 PM

    Haha… awesome! LOTS of you like that shirt, eh? :) I shall speak to Brad then and see what we can do about selling them in the future… would be AWESOME to see a gaggle of people walking around the world w/ those on! Yeah Budgeters!!

    Oh, and for everyone wanting the link to the place we bought ours: We hit up Bob’s Discount Furniture. They’re not top of the line or anything (obviously, haha…) but MAN do they have a great selection over there. And lots of great deals too, for any bedroom really. We have to wait a few weeks to get ours delivered, but we’re pretty excited!! My lair is coming along nicely! :)

    @Hank – I’ll trade you my one and only original shirt, for the car? ;)
    @harvestwages – Haha… you’ll probably be surprised at what’s over there then too ;)
    @Sarah – YUCK!! Haha… but yes, VERY random – good job ;)
    @Andrea @SoOverDebt – Haha, yeah for real! Damn good weather lately :) And yeah, I know – I need to do pics later but I have to get it IN my house first. There was a 3-week delay – the only sucky part about buying it from the place. But now I have something awesome to look forward to!! And I’ll def. blog about it more once it comes :)
    @Matt – I’ll see what I can do!
    @Beth – Woahhhh what are the odds!!! That’s awesome! Baby overload, haha… great idea on the party to spend time together too – that’s always much more fun and rewarding :) Have fun!
    @Eunice – Yay!!! Thank YOU so much for reading and stopping by the blog all the time – you make ME feel bloggingly smart! ;)
    @Well Heeled Blog – Ooh la la, I like the sound of that! I’ll most def. look into it then, friend – thanks :) I’m def. happy with the ones I have, but I’m thinking I need to re-evaluate soon to make sure I’m getting the goodies out there. At least w/ my Biz card. I’m happy w/ USAA owning my personal ones – makes life easier.
    @Megan – HAH! Now THAT I’d like to see :) Your whole office should get one when they’re ready and take a big large picture together, haha… this excites me!
    @Tiffany – Haha, I like the enthusiasm! I need it so I won’t get lazy and never make it happen! :) As for the diffence between the Visa and the Amex – yeah, big differences but I can’t recall what off my head. Either of them are pretty sexy to look at though ;)
    @Modest Money – For sure… I know the card’s gimmicky, but it doesn’t stop intriguing me still ;) I like a little flash every now and then.
    @Edward Antrobus III – Well hey, that’s a good problem to have sir ;) And I freak about retuning food at restaurants too – EVERYONE says they do that crazy stuff!! It’s horrible.
    @Heather – Woahhh!!! That’s crazy! Way to secure a new position so fast :) I wonder if you’ll end up liking it BETTER in the end? And is the money/etc the same?
    @Leland – THANKS! That means a lot :) And totally jealous about your indoor soccer stuff – I’ve never played indoor before, only outdoor, but have always wanted to. Have fun w/ the kiddies!
    @KimmieKim84 – THANK YOU!!! I’m so happy you come here every day and get something out of it :) As long as that keeps happening for people, I’ll keep blogging! Congrats on taking your Dave Ramsey class – that’s super empowering!!
    @Yardwork – HAH!! You got it then – stay tuned… (though yeah, it’ll def. have to be “for sale” since it’ll cost some to make/ship/etc… stay tuned though :))
    @LB – Haha… first of all, your orthodontist is dope just for HAVING a facebook page. And secondly, that’s damn random about the word scramble, haha… congrats!
    @Kathy – Wowwww good work on not using that credit card!! It’s a world record! Haha… glad you have a nice handle on your finances :)
    @Nick – I know, that thing tempts the hell out of me! Someone mentioned I should try and get them to waive it for me if I blogged about it and tried it out for a year ;) I’m seriously gonna ping them and see if I can work that angle, haha… never know, right?
    @Marianne – Yup! We’ll try and get them for both sexes – though not sure about how easy that is w/ costs, sizing, etc… we’ll do our best though!
    @Brent Pittman – Awesome!!! On BOTH accounts!! I’ve always wanted to try that gig out. My ex-gf did it for 2 years and loved the benefits that came along w/ it. Will holler when the shirts are out!
    @KimmyQ – YES! Someone just told me to do that and I am! How cool would that be? :)

    Reply
  30. lora kathleen February 24, 2012 at 2:43 PM

    I would TOTALLY rock the bringing budgets back shirt. And make all my budgeting friends rock them too.

    Reply
  31. Cassie February 24, 2012 at 2:44 PM

    I would totally rock that shirt!

    One random thing that’s going on in my life right now is that it’s finally snowing here, and I shovelled my walkway at 2:45am last night.

    Reply
  32. J. Money February 24, 2012 at 3:08 PM

    Now, the question is – Would you PAY money for the shirts? And have it in your budget? ;)

    Reply
  33. Yana February 24, 2012 at 3:12 PM

    I’d totally wear that shirt if it were black. We bought something similar to a Tempur-pedic, but without the heat retention issue or outrageous price tag, at Amazon, just this month. So far I think it is outstanding.

    I’d like that black credit card, but I don’t pay for credit cards!

    I knew when I took the dog out this morning that it would be pretty warm today, so it is my first day of wearing shorts in a long time. I like longish Levi mens shorts from Target, especially all the pockets :)

    Reply
  34. Kylie February 24, 2012 at 3:23 PM

    I would wear that shirt allll over the place! (#financemajor :))

    Reply
  35. BrokeElizabeth February 24, 2012 at 4:38 PM

    I’ve never been able to return food, even some apples that were already bad when I bought them, they were just hidden by the others in the bag. I guess I’m just really bad at confrontation :(. I need to get over this attitude, I think.

    Reply
  36. Julie @ Freedom 48 February 24, 2012 at 4:48 PM

    LOVE the “I’m Bringing Budgets Back” t-shirt. You could totally market it. Just think… it could be the beginning of a budget revolution =P

    Reply
  37. Ryan February 24, 2012 at 5:27 PM

    I’m moving back into my parents basement at 28 yrs old to save enough money for the down payment on a house or a condo and also to knock out some long standing debts from a lengthy period of unemployment.

    I think about it and I want to blow my brains out right now, but it should lead to bigger and better things down the road : )

    Reply
  38. BusyExecutiveMoneyBlog February 24, 2012 at 10:24 PM

    J. Money. You setup those t-shirts on paypal and I’ll buy one. How about that! I like that look…understated, but classy.

    Reply
  39. Katherine February 24, 2012 at 10:33 PM

    I want that shirt! I may have to make myself one this weekend:)

    Reply
  40. Carrie - Careful Cents February 24, 2012 at 10:33 PM

    Dude I want a shirt! I will totally wear it. I’ll even bribe Brad with my super smile if I have to :) lol

    Reply
  41. Jenn February 24, 2012 at 11:43 PM

    I love the shirt! I need to wear that shirt in front of certain family members! I would totally buy one!

    Reply
  42. Donna Freedman February 25, 2012 at 12:20 AM

    If you gave me one of those shirts I would absolutely wear it:
    1. At work. Okay, I work at home, but I bet that the UPS lady would like it. (I tend to sign for all my neighbors’ deliveries because I’m the only one in the building who is home all the time and speaks English.)
    2. The next time I’m on the radio. When I was a guest on “Talk of the Nation” earlier this week, a producer at the Seattle affiliate asked me to come back and be on a local program. Yes, I know that none of the viewers would see it, but surely I would *sound* more professional if I wore it.
    3. When I visit the surgeon about having my gall bladder removed. Maybe it would convince him to give me a discount.
    4. Over the hospital gown when I go in for the surgery. But they probably wouldn’t let me.

    Reply
  43. Money Infant February 25, 2012 at 4:54 AM

    – I finished and eFiled my taxes today
    – My wife took my daughter out visiting friends so I have a whole day just to myself. I spent it working on my blog ;-p
    – Tonight I am making roast chicken for dinner. It should be interesting since our oven doesn’t have a temp setting or thermostat
    – Watching Puss in Boots tonight after dinner. DVD cost = $3. I love Thailand!

    Reply
  44. Mistress Susan February 25, 2012 at 12:07 PM

    Drop the Visa Black Card. It is NOT worth the fee at all. Instead, get the AMEX Business Platinum CHARGE Card for $400. The benefits pays for the fee. The VBC is a marketing gimmick so that people could feel that they have an exclusive card like the AMEX Centurion card, but the VBC offers no real benefits for the fee. When it first came out, I got it and cancelled it immediately because it cannot stand next to the AMEX Platinum.CHARGE card. ~ Queen Bee

    Reply
  45. J. Money February 25, 2012 at 12:29 PM

    Making notes of all those who like the shirt! We’ll do a post once we get them made and all that :) Fairly confident we’ll be doing that now, but still have to chit chat w/ Brad. He’s loving all these comments though! I came up with the slogan, but he physicall made them! Woo!

    @Cassie – SNOW! I’ve barely seen a flake here in the DC are this Winter :( Enjoy it all if you like that kinda stuff!
    @Yana – Oooh now that’s not a bad idea! Did you test out Tempur-pedics first, before going to Amazon? That’s the only thing that would be weird to me – buying w/out laying on it and testing it out. But a helluva good idea for sure going online! (totally making a note to check after posting this up, haha…)
    @BrokeElizabeth – It’s def. hard :( I don’t like confrontation either – and I think for the most part that’s okay. I’d much rather ignore more of it than be the opposite, haha…
    @Ryan – Oh dude, I think that’s super smart – ESP with all those outstanding debts you have! You know how much money you can save and pay off living at home?? I know it’s rough, but if they like you there and allow you to chill for a bit, I’d personally do it in a heart beat. No shame in that! Hell – if my wife let me, I’d move in with either of our parents today! Haha… free babysitters ;)
    @Donna Freedman – HAH! It def. turns heads, I’ll give you that ;) Even if they have to re-read it to make sure they actually saw that right, haha… I’ll keep you posted!
    @Money Infant – That’s so cool!! I really REALLY want to visit out there one day. I hope you have comfortable floors, cuz I’m gonna be a callin’ when I do! :)
    @Mistress Susan – Haha, I believe you! And I haven’t picked it up yet, so no worry there at this moment… maybe what I’ll do is ping BOTH of those companies, and see if they can hook me up for a year so I can compare the two? ;) That would be pretty sweet! Only if they waive the first year of fees though… appreciate the info though, thx friend!

    Reply
  46. Melissa @ Little House in the Valley February 25, 2012 at 1:57 PM

    I am echoing the sentiment of many others. Can’t wait to see the picture of the sofa sleeper. We have one, and it is miserably uncomfortable. Looking forward to seeing yours.

    Reply
  47. Yana February 26, 2012 at 11:45 AM

    I researched the Tempur-pedic (didn’t lie on one), but knew I could not be comfortable with it because it retains heat. I have heat issues. The reviews on Amazon for the alternative sold me on it. The problem with buying something like that online is that you have to get rid of the old mattress, instead of having the local store take it for you – and that costs money. I really hated paying to throw something away ($22 disposal fee, plus I gave someone $18 to haul it off). Unwrapping the compressed foam mattress was cool :) UPS delivered it, and it weighed about 80 lbs. I’ve had to restrain myself from writing a review too soon, because I think I should have it 30 days before doing so. I give it 5 stars right now because I can’t find a thing I don’t like about it!

    Reply
  48. Patrice C. Washington February 26, 2012 at 9:30 PM

    I’d totally rock the shirt! Of course, I’d bling it out a little, but totally rock it!

    Reply
  49. Mercedes February 27, 2012 at 7:33 AM

    I would totally wear that shirt everywhere! I’ve been meaning to check out that Bob’s place, there are a few more pieces of furniture I need for my spare bedrooms.

    Reply
  50. J. Money February 27, 2012 at 11:07 AM

    @Melissa @ Little House in the Valley – You got it. Will post up once it’s in it’s rightful home! :) Though the only sucky part is we didn’t get to test out the actual sleeper part itself, so I’m PRAYING that part is indeed comfy too. Though anything is better than our current futon – bleh.
    @Yana – Good to know!! Thank you so much, I think we’re gonna seriously look at Amazon too here shortly :) We’ll probably test one out first in-store, but I like the idea of having it delvered right to your home which is nice. We don’t have a truck or anything which makes all that stuff hard. Glad you like it so much!!
    @Patrice C. Washington – Yeah!! We need to get some Swarovski crystals all up on it, right? :)
    @Mercedes – I like them a lot – much more cleaner and friendly than the other discount furniture stores we’ve been to. Only part that sucks at all these places are the crazy pushy salesman. Our guy wasn’t too bad, but when we went out looking on our own, some other reps tried snatching us up and had to tell them to leave us a lone on many occasions. But when you find the item you really want, it’s all worth it! :) Give ’em a shot.

    Reply
  51. Tyler S. February 28, 2012 at 12:05 AM

    Random but halfway similar to your currency gift: I was at a gas station and instead of a 75 cent candy/gumball/toy dispenser, it was an old coin dispenser – pretty cool! But unfortunately I didn’t have any change :/ Never seen one like it before.

    Reply
  52. Cassie February 28, 2012 at 5:24 AM

    @J. Money I’d build that shirt into my budget ;)

    Reply
  53. Cathy February 28, 2012 at 1:47 PM

    Add me to the shirt list!

    Reply
  54. Ashley February 28, 2012 at 2:53 PM

    I really want that shirt. Seriously. I will wear it at FinCon12 if I can have one. :)

    Reply
  55. J. Money February 28, 2012 at 5:20 PM

    NICE! Consider all y’all on the waiting list then! :) Would be hot as $hit if we all pimped these shirts out on the same day at FINCON, haha… let’s do it!!

    @Tyler S. – Oooooooh old coin dispenser? Like what kind of old coins?? Fake or real? I would have tried to buy the whole machine! Haha…

    Reply
  56. Cat March 1, 2012 at 4:47 PM

    o0o0o Mercedes promos… I’m in no position for a new car.. but when I am, I’ll be a sucker for those promotions. haha.

    Reply
  57. J. Money March 2, 2012 at 11:09 AM

    They’re tempting every single time!! :)

    Reply

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