Do you know who your neighbors are? According to the Pew Research Center, 57 percent of Americans say they know some of their neighbors. Whether you frequently talk to your upstairs neighbor or you only see your next-door neighbor on occasion, being a good neighbor is important in establishing yourself as part of the neighborhood and community.
1. Learn the three-step rule
“Our best tip to be a good neighbor is a simple three-step rule: Respect, communication and responsible pet ownership!” says 10 Stars Property Management. “In almost any situation respecting others’ space is a good base for any relationship. Especially with someone living right next door. Just be social and communicate with your neighbors — even just a smile goes a long way! Finally, always be conscious of your pets and their actions. No one wants to step into poop!”
2. Consideration goes a long way
“Being a good neighbor means being considerate of people,” says Nick Slagle of HomeRootsPM.com. “They take care of the appearance of their home and simultaneously are willing to help those in their neighborhood. Good neighbors are friendly and welcoming without being intrusive.”
3. Introduce yourself
“The best way to build into a good neighbor? Introduce yourself!” says Jim Shonts, real estate broker and owner of PMI Elevation. “Neighborhoods can thrive on a sense of community, and getting to know your neighbors soon after moving can help you settle in. And, since not all people are outgoing, those early introductions can give insight on how to respect their personal space.”
4. Show interest
“Whether you are moving in or welcoming a new neighbor, show interest in them by allowing the interruption in your day to greet each other when the opportunity arises,” says Sallie Plass from Etiquette Enrichment. “Ask for or suggest ways to get involved in the neighborhood or community. Intentionally smile, exchange names and phone numbers.”
5. Stay kind
Dr. Lew Bayer, CEO of Civility Experts Inc. suggests that a good neighbor should try to “ease the experience” of the others. “This means try to reduce stress and offer support versus causing stress, e.g. if the neighbor leaves the garage door open, let them know. If the neighbor’s dog barking bothers you, ask if you can give the dog a toy or bone. Turn your music down when you see your neighbor come home. Shovel the neighbor’s walk when you shovel yours. Just do what you can to stay kind…everyone is busy and tired and sometimes struggling. Try to assume the best of people and try to make their life easier versus harder.”
6. Treat your neighbor
“A few days after the new neighbors move in, knock on the door to meet them and include a small plate of homemade cookies or muffins or a seasonal plant (for example, a potted chrysanthemum in the fall) and a sticky note with your name and phone number if they need anything,” says Rachel from the Etiquette Trainer. “Additionally, if there’s a neighborhood Facebook page, let them know about it and encourage them to contact you if they need to borrow anything while settling in, such as a ladder or hand tools.”
7. Prioritize respect
“The adage, ‘Good fences make good neighbors’ still holds true,’” says Diane Gottsman, a national etiquette expert from The Protocol School of Texas, “It’s important to be respectful of each other, especially when sharing a fence, trees hanging over the roof, drainage coming into the other person’s lawn and an assortment of dilemmas. If you are experiencing an issue, reach out in person, and address the issue in a pleasant tone of voice with an open attitude and collaborative spirit. People are much more willing to work with someone who has a smile on their face and shows an effort to get along.”
“If there is a problem that cannot be dealt with neighbor-to-neighbor, the HOA may need to get involved. When renting, talk to the landlord first before going over their head. A good neighbor respects each other’s property, pets and privacy.”
8. Just say hi
“I think being a good neighbor starts by knowing your neighbors. I make sure to say hello every day. Whether it’s a good day, bad day or if I’m in a rush, I believe acknowledgment goes a long way and eventually, that helps cultivate a deeper and better neighbor relationship,” says Pamela Syvertson, broker and owner of Verandah Properties.
9. Model how you’d like to connect with your neighbors
“Challenge yourself to reach out to a neighbor you wouldn’t normally connect with and set the tone in how you want to connect with them,” says Daniel McArdle-Jaimes, the Strategic Communications Officer for the Office of Community & Civic Life in Portland, OR. “Maybe your neighbor is from another country or is a different age than you. Start by introducing yourself and developing a relationship to help make your block a more welcoming place for all. And who knows? You might make a new friend or regular lunch buddy!”
“Also — during and after an emergency, neighbors offer a powerful source of help. Organizing a neighborhood meeting or training through an organization to discuss emergency plans and personal safety is a wonderful way to build community. Many cities offer free resources, like the City of Portland’s Neighbors Together training, which help to start and host these important safety conversations.”
10. Remember empathy
“In addition to following the rules of your community, being a good neighbor requires empathy,” says Stayce Wagner, founder and CEO of Spencer Crane Etiquette. “The ability to see things from your neighbor’s perspective helps you behave with kindness, consideration and respect. A good neighbor cleans up their dog’s poop, doesn’t blast music in the middle of the night and never parks in a neighbor’s assigned space without permission.”
“Additionally, if making small talk with people in your neighborhood is outside your comfort zone, start with a smile, eye contact and a friendly hello. When you feel more comfortable, introduce yourself to the neighbors you see regularly and let things develop naturally. Every introduction won’t lead to a close friendship, but you’ll have established friendly contact.”
11. Talk like adults
“The best advice we can give as a management company is that if you have an issue with a neighbor, you go visit them directly and discuss it in an adult manner. Try this approach first before contacting law enforcement, HOA’s or management companies,” says David Peschio, owner and principal broker at PMI Richmond. “It usually can be resolved without escalation and helps maintain good relationships moving forward.”
12. Remember their name
“Being a good neighbor isn’t difficult, but you need to put a little effort into it to have happy neighborly relations,” says Arden Clise, President of Clise Etiquette and author of Spinach in Your Boss’s Teeth: Essential Etiquette for Professional Success. “When a new neighbor moves in, drop by with some cookies, a plant or some small gift to introduce yourself and welcome them to the neighborhood. Be thoughtful. If you’re shoveling your walk of snow, clear your neighbor’s walk, as well. If you have a neighbor who is elderly, sick or struggling in some way, check in on them and see how you can be helpful. At the very least, make an effort to remember their name and say hello when you see them.”
13. When in doubt, act neighborly
“Remember — be kind. To yourself, to your neighbor, their kids, their pets and their plants and trees,” says Felipe Quintana from Charter for Compassion. “Be forgiving: We all make mistakes — aim to be the best version of yourself. Allow everyone their space but stay there for them on the sidelines if they need a friend. It all comes back in the end!”
14. Keep it friendly
“Being a good neighbor means being friendly and helpful, without being intrusive. Giving a wave and a hello with sincerity is felt and appreciated,” says Mary Ann Brennan, the Director of Rental Services for Del Val Realty & Property Management.
“Love your neighbor as yourself, but don’t take down the fence.” — Carl Sandburg
When you’re looking for a new place to live, make sure to ask your future landlord or property management company about the local community. While you can’t pick who your neighbors are, you can ask questions to get a sense of who could be living next door.
Charlsie Niemiec has spent the last 10 years working as a content marketing and social media editor and strategist. With in-house experience ranging from The Elf on the Shelf to CNN to Piedmont Healthcare, Charlsie has freelanced for the last four years with clients ranging from ESPN to the Atlanta Beltline. When she’s not copyediting or scrolling on Twitter, she is walking her very scruffy wirehaired terriers mixes Leonard and Biscuit or probably watering one of her 54 houseplants.
This article is part of a series put together by the Total Mortgage marketing team that provides loan officers and other sales professionals with a crash course in marketing and self-promotion. To read other articles in this series, click here.
Driving traffic to your site can be a challenge, and one of the most difficult aspects of that challenge is getting Google and the other major search engines to trust your site and consequently increase its ranking position for high-value keywords. Though there are hundreds, possibly even thousands, of components that factor into Google’s ranking algorithm, inbound links (links from another site to your own site) are one of the most important.
To help make the process as painless as possible, we’ve put together the following guide. It will help highlight the importance of inbound links and explain some of the best ways to generate high-value links to your site.
Why you want inbound links
Inbound links do two main things:
1. Drive traffic to your site
Ever clicked on a link and wound up at a website you otherwise would never have found? That’s the power of inbound links. They bring you users who would not have gotten there otherwise.
2. Increase search engine ranking
Search engines want to give users the best results. If a site has many links from other sites, that’s usually a good sign that it has worthwhile content on it, and its search ranking will go up.
Want those things to happen? Of course you do.
Quick Tips
It’s no easy feat to generate inbound links, but here are some tips to get the ball rolling:
Link to other blogs
When someone smiles at you, thanks to mirror neurons, it’s likely that you’ll instinctively smile back. It might be a little different from a biological point of view, but when other bloggers see that you’ve linked to their site, they’re more likely to reciprocate and link to your site.
So when you write blogs (if you’re not doing that already, you should be), add some links to other blogs. With so much fantastic content on the web, it shouldn’t be hard to find resources that naturally fit into your posts.
Guest blog for other sites
Creating quality content is tough, which means most sites welcome the opportunity for a guest post on their blog. So set aside a few posts and reach out to various outlets to see if they’re interested. It’s common courtesy to allow at least one inbound link to your site per post. Don’t be surprised if they contact you in the future wondering if they can do the same on your site.
Create infographics
We live in a largely visual world. If you have information that you can craft, or have someone craft, into a compelling infographic, people will share that image and link back to you as the source. You might think to yourself, “I’m a loan officer; I can’t create infographics…”
Not so. You don’t have to be schooled in design, you just have to know some of the basics. There are many tutorials online that take as little as an hour to run through what you need to know to get started.
Considering your site will be around for a while, it could be worth it to learn how to design an infographic. Who knows? Maybe you’ll enjoy it.
Do something funny
Laughing is fun. Humor is one of the most desirable traits in a significant other for a reason. The mortgage industry isn’t known for its jokes, but that doesn’t mean you can’t try your hand at some comedic relief.
The key here is to know your audience—the last thing you want to do is offend someone. So make sure you bounce your joke off several different people before sending it out into the internet. And if for some reason you aren’t sure how your idea will come across, don’t do it.
Influencer (Social Media) Marketing
When it comes down to it, you’re going to have to reach out and promote yourself if you want to generate inbound links. That means talking to social media influencers. They are seen as authorities of their industry, and therefore, links from them have a lot of weight. And as a bonus, they have followers that are ready to devour any content that’s fed to them. If you build up a good relationship with several influencers, you can find yourself with a steady stream of inbound links.
Who are your targets?
It’s important to properly identify your targets. You need to figure out who the biggest influencers are in the mortgage and real estate industries, and whittle down what relationships will be the most productive. There are a few different ways to go about doing this.
1. Analytics sites
There are several sites that have software that crawl social media sites to gather data which then goes through an algorithm, resulting in a score. The most popular are Klout, Kred, and PeerIndex.
Klout is kind of the de facto authority for ranking social media influencers. It’s fairly straightforward, the algorithm comes up with a score between 1-100, where 1 is the worst and 100 is the best. Klout is particularly notable in that it takes into account blog influence.
PeerIndex shares a lot of similarities with Klout. It does get into a little more detail with its reporting, but that’s about it.
Kred doesn’t just rate individuals based on influence, it adds in an outreach score that lets you know how often someone engages with other people.
2. Messing around on social media
It might sound crazy, but doing your own direct searches on Facebook, Twitter, and any other social media platform can help you discover new influencers. It’s a lot less low-tech than the algorithms, but it has its merits. If you’re wondering where to start, take a look at our article on maintaining your social media presence.
3. Search engines
You use google when you want to find out about nearly anything on the internet, so it only makes sense that you would use it when trying to find social media influencers. A good place to start is by googling different mortgage related topics to find out who the big names are in the mortgage blog world.
How will you reach out?
Twitter? Facebook? Email? Once you know who your targets are, you have to figure out how you will reach out to them. There are many ways to go about this. Will you have to offer a cold pitch or will you need to build a relationship with them first?
Having a standing relationship definitely makes the process easier, but that doesn’t mean you should be afraid to pitch an idea to someone you’ve never talked to before. If the idea is good enough and you sell it to them in the right way, it’s not out of the question that they’ll go for. In the end, don’t overthink it. The important part is that you make the effort and contact them.
Content Outreach and Promotion Tips
Keep the conversation going
Influencers are people, and people generally don’t like it when you only talk to them when you want something. That means reaching out to influencers only when you have a new post you want them to share is poor etiquette, and unlikely to help you build lasting relationships.
The solution? Engage when you can.
Make sure you’re following them on whatever social media platform they use and keep an eye out for their posts. Commenting on their posts shows that you aren’t just in it for the links. As you’ll see, there are other benefits to commenting on blogs.
Comment on other blogs
There’s a certain element of skill to this one. You can’t just say, “Nice post! Thanks for sharing. www.yourloanofficerwebsite.com.” Not only does that look like spam and will most likely get deleted before anyone sees, it looks desperate and doesn’t give a user any reason to follow your link.
You have to thoughtfully engage and respond with a comment that brings something to the table. That way people know that you are capable of bringing them value and will be more apt to click the link to see what else you have to say.
Bigger Outlets
Breaking into a popular media outlet like the NY Times or Wall St. Journal can be challenging. They most likely don’t know who you are, and sending the editor an article to read is basically guaranteed to get ignored. Editors are busy, and they only look at material from unknown writers who get vouched by someone they know. That’s why you should reach out to a writer on their staff.
Send them an email telling them how you really love their writing and point toward an article you’ve recently read (if you don’t already, start reading their work and find a piece that you can really engage with).
Flattery is all well and good, but what will really set you apart is if you can offer some sort of constructive criticism. Tell them that you think their readers would appreciate it if you added in so and so. You want to emphasize that you aren’t trying to be negative, you just want to keep seeing them producing high-quality content.
If your feedback has validity, they will probably be grateful that you reached out to them, and will respond. After a few emails back and forth, you can ask them how you would be able to get to their level and write for them.
There are no guarantees, but getting your work into more prominent media outlets will certainly increase your exposure, making the reward worth the effort.
How to Create Quality Content
Without quality content, no matter how suave of a networker you are, no one is going to link to your site. That means posting quality content on a consistent basis is of the utmost importance. How do you figure out how to do that? As part of our loan officer marketing series, we’ve already created a blog on Creating and Curating Content.
Bottom Line
Generating inbound links is one of the most important steps on the path to a thriving website. It also takes time, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t have a million links after a few weeks. Just keep on hacking away at it and eventually the links will come.
You can learn more about what the Total Mortgage marketing team does for our loan officers by checking out other articles in this series, or by visiting our career portal.
Carter Wessman
Carter Wessman is originally from the charming town of Norfolk, Massachusetts. When he isn’t busy writing about mortgage related topics, you can find him playing table tennis, or jamming on his bass guitar.
Inside: Looking to celebrate Christmas on a budget? This guide has you covered with creative and affordable ways to do just that.
Are you stressed out about how to afford a fabulous Christmas on your budget? Worry not.
This festive season isn’t about how much cash you fork out, it’s about creating lasting memories and spreading joy.
Why let financial woes dampen the joyous yuletide spirit when you can celebrate a charming Christmas on a budget?
Remember, it’s your money, your decisions, and your rules – no guilt trips or social pressures should force you into spending Christmas in debt.
Today you will learn:
Determine your Christmas budget: Figure out what’s a comfortable amount for you to spend and stick to it religiously.
Be creative with gift giving: Homemade presents or heartfelt letters can be more valuable than pricey items.
Find simple ways to save money: Use these money saving tips to enjoy a festive holiday season.
This holiday season, celebrate responsibly, within your means, for a Christmas that’s merry, bright, and totally guilt-free!
Why Celebrate Christmas on a Budget?
Embracing a budget-friendly Christmas can prove to be not only a smart choice but one filled with warmth, delight, and genuine joy.
Enjoy valuable family bonding time with exciting games and shared activities. Volunteer work, a day of holiday baking, or a simple drive-through Christmas lights sightseeing trip can leave a lasting impression. Look through this Christmas bucket list.
Opt for economical, yet thoughtful gifts or stick to fun gift exchange rules, such as the “four gift rule” for your kids. Remember, it’s the sentiment behind the gift that matters the most.
In essence, an economical holiday season needn’t be a dull affair, rather it’s an opportunity to make it more heartfelt and unforgettable.
This post may contain affiliate links, which helps us to continue providing relevant content and we receive a small commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the full disclosure here.
What to buy for Christmas on a tight budget?
Yes, friend, you can buy meaningful Christmas gifts while sticking to a budget.
In fact, the thought behind a gift is often what makes it special, not the price tag.
A few ideas include homemade gifts, gift cards, subscriptions, and second-hand items. With a little creativity, you can find the perfect present for everyone on your list without spending a fortune.
Below you will find plenty of great gift guides for Christmas that won’t break the bank.
Benefits of a Budget Christmas
1. Allows you to plan ahead and stay on track 2. Prevents overspending 3. Buy gifts that are within your budget 4. Focus on quality over quantity 5. Ensures that everyone gets a gift 6. Helps you avoid debt during the holidays 7. Prevents you from feeling stressed out about money during the holidays 8. Be creative and come up with unique gifts 9. Save for next year’s holiday budget 10. Stay connected to the spirit of the holidays
Savings with Christmas on a Budget
From homemade Christmas decorations to unique gift ideas, it’s possible to create magical moments that’ll last a lifetime without a hefty price tag.
Embrace the true spirit of Christmas – love, family, and togetherness, rather than commercialism, and read on to discover how.
Learn the simple ways to celebrate the festive season without breaking the bank with our creative and budget-friendly Christmas ideas.
1. Think about a No Gift Christmas
Having a No Gift Christmas is a creative and budget-saving alternative to traditional holiday festivities, especially suitable if funds are tight. Why not consider it?
Here are some benefits:
You can alleviate the holiday stress often associated with spending on gifts.
It fosters the idea of Christmas as a season of togetherness, not just gift-giving.
It offers the potential for unique and memorable experiences, like volunteering or creating fun traditions with your loved ones.
Remember, having a memorable Christmas doesn’t have to cost much, or anything at all Learn more about a no gift Christmas.
2. Make Your Own Gifts
DIY Christmas gifts are your perfect solution. They not only save pennies but are laced with your love and creativity.
Start by exploring plenty of creative gift ideas available for free online. Need help? Look for “homemade gifts for Christmas” and you’ll be surprised.
Compile a list of possible gifts from homemade candles to personalized coupon books, keeping the recipient’s likes in mind.
Remember, your efforts will reflect in your gift. So, unleash your creativity and let the magic begin.
3. Borrow Instead of Buy
Borrowing instead of buying is a clever way to have a festive holiday while keeping things budget-friendly. This concept is simple: swap decorations, games, or even gifts with friends, neighbors, or family
Discuss your idea with your circle and organize swapping parties to exchange items.
The key is to creatively engage and make it a fun, budget-conscious activity. After all, Christmas is about sharing and caring!
Remember, return borrowed items in their original condition to maintain trust.
4. Attend Free Events
The Christmas season doesn’t have to be a strain on your wallet. Attending free community events can provide fun and festive celebrations:
To find these events, check your local newspaper or community websites. Be sure to:
Take advantage of free refreshments, but also bring your own to share.
Consider hosting a potluck dinner before or after community events.
Attending free events supports your local community.
Remember, Christmas is about togetherness, not extravagant spending.
5. Make Your Own Decorations
To create a festive atmosphere this season, you could repurpose items around your house or make your own decorations.
Choose a color theme and gather items in those shades, then place them together on a mantel or coffee table to create a coordinated layout.
For a natural touch, clip pine needles, branches, or herbs from your garden, and enhance them with glitter.
Additional budget-friendly options include taking advantage of sales and discounts at thrift stores or crafting handmade decorations such as ribbons from fabric strips or Christmas cookie ornaments.
6. Keep Track of Your Christmas Expenses
Just like throughout the year, budgeting is critical to your financial success.
Nothing changes with Christmas, it is crucial to track and budget your holiday expenses. Jot down every potential cost – from the Christmas tree, and food, to holiday décor.
Be thoughtful about what you really need and opt for items you can use for years.
This is one of the cash envelope categories I recommend saving for. To effectively manage your expenses, assign specific dollar amounts to each item on the list, ensuring you stay within your budget.
Enjoy guilt-free spending and effortless saving with a friendly, flexible method for managing your finances.
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7. Share the Spirit
Embracing frugality during the holiday season can not only help you save money, but can also create memorable experiences and meaningful connections.
Small gestures, such as sending heartwarming physical letters to loved ones instead of emails, can still convey thoughtfulness and spur the holiday spirit.
By centering your holidays around family activities and endeavors, like homemade ornaments or a scavenger hunt with small gifts, the focus shifts from materialism to fellowship and unity.
Find more frugal Christmas ideas.
8. Check Out Bargain Stores
Bargain stores provide the perfect solution for savvy holiday shoppers looking to save money without compromising on quality or variety. Not only can you find unique, quirky gifts, but you can also keep a lid on your spending while doing so.
Stores like consignment shops or websites such as Craigslist often have high-quality used toys that are nearly new if you’re willing to look carefully.
Another option is to look at discount retailers like TJMaxx as they often host sales during the holiday season, making it even easier for you to save money while hunting for the perfect gifts.
9. Save Money Throughout the Year
Automating your savings for the Christmas season can be a practical and efficient strategy. The 100 envelope challenge is perfect for this!
By setting aside just $50 each month, you could accumulate up to $600 by December, providing a decent budget for your holiday expenses. This method can ease the financial stress during the holiday season, letting you enjoy the festivities without worrying about overspending.
Consider setting up automatic transfers to a high-interest savings account. This ensures your Christmas funds grow without your intervention.
Lastly, try a no-spend month where you only cover essential bills, giving your savings a significant boost.
10. Start a Side Hustle for More Money to Spend
Engaging in side hustles throughout the year can help you significantly cover your holiday expenses.
By delivering food, completing microtasks, selling gently used items, or shoveling snow, you create extra earnings that can go directly into your Christmas fund.
For instance, extra income from a seasonal retail job could help finance gift-purchasing without straining your usual budget.
This strategy not only prevents potential post-holiday debt but also allows you to enjoy the season without financial stress.
In fact, more people are interested in how to make money online for beginners.
This is the perfect side hustle if you don’t have much time, experience, or money.
Many earn over $10,000 in a year selling printables on Etsy. Learn how to get started by watching this free workshop.
If you’ve ever wanted to make a full-time income while working from home, you’re in the right place!
This intensive training combines thousands of hours of research, years of experience in growing a virtual assistant business, and the power of a coach who has helped thousands of students launch and grow their own business from scratch.
11. Shop Online Instead of Going to the Mall
Shopping online for your Christmas gifts can seriously ease your holiday stress, and potentially save you money.
Let’s explore why skipping the mall and clicking your way to a merry Christmas might be your best bet this year:
No dealing with holiday crowds or cranky shoppers.
Enjoy sales and deals without leaving your home.
Track prices over time to grab the best deals.
Use Rakuten to save even more money on purchases.
For smart online shopping, prepare a list of gifts before diving in. Take advantage of the “wish list” option on platforms to curate items of choice and make sure you first glance over deal sites before making purchases.
12. Have a Christmas Potluck
Host a festive potluck! Invite friends and family, asking each to bring their favorite dish.
Here are some tips for a successful event:
Get organized and ask guests to bring specific types of food. This prevents duplicate dishes and ensures a balanced meal.
Introduce a fun element. Try a cookie swap or a silly game like “Guess the Cookie.”
Keep decor simple. A large vase filled with greenery and baubles can effectively replace a pricey Christmas tree.
Remember simplicity is key in food and decor. Costly ingredients and complicated recipes aren’t prerequisites for a memorable Christmas.
Remember, the holiday is about togetherness, not extravagance!
13. Make Your Own Cookies
There’s a unique pleasure derived from making your own cookies during the holiday season instead of buying them. More so, the cookies you’ve invested your time and creativity into can double as thoughtful, homemade gifts, adding another level of sentiment.
Apart from being a cost-effective option, it brings an opportunity to bond with friends and family during cookie exchange or decorating gatherings.
Making your personally crafted cookies also gives you control over ingredients catering to specific dietary needs or preference
Indeed, making your own cookies adds value that surpasses the mere cost savings, it infuses the holiday season with warmth, joy, and a sense of shared experience.
14. Cross Off Activities from your Christmas Bucket List
Having a joyful Christmas doesn’t necessarily mean overspending. In fact, integrating cost-effective activities into your holiday routine can make the season more meaningful and fun.
This Christmas Bucket list post offers an extensive and diverse list of creative ideas for budget-friendly Christmas shopping, gifting, and celebrating.
Additionally, downloading the free printables and a Christmas Budget Template will make the process even more manageable and fun.
15. Have a No-Gift Party
A no-gift Christmas party is an affordable and fun holiday celebration where attendees do not exchange gifts. It’s a great option for those looking to save money and still enjoy the festive season.
Here are steps to make it happen:
Step 1: Decide on the party type, either a simple gathering or a potluck dinner.
Step 2: Inform guests about the no-gift policy in advance.
Step 3: Organize exciting, cost-effective activities such as a game night.
Step 4: Engage guests with games for a joyful event.
Expert Tip: Conversation and laughter are your best tools.
16. Make a Christmas Memory Book
Creating a Christmas memory book is an affordable and engaging way to celebrate the holiday season, especially when you’re on a tight budget.
To start, you can utilize items already at your disposal in your house such as old photos, greeting cards, and crafts.
Spend some time penning down heartfelt messages and your favorite holiday memories associated with each picture or craft. Embellish the pages with affordable decorating materials like glitter, stickers, or color pens.
Not only does this create a personalized touch, but it also serves as a nostalgic keepsake that can be cherished for years to come.
Tip: Digitize your memory book by creating an electronic version. This can also help preserve the original items.
17. Spend Time With Loved Ones
Celebrating Christmas on a budget doesn’t mean skipping on the fun.
It’s about cherishing time spent with loved ones, harnessing creativity, and making priceless memories that last a lifetime.
Here are some cost-effective activities you can embrace this festive season:
Share stories of memorable Christmas experiences.
Organize virtual celebrations with extended family and friends.
Create your own family-themed board game.
Bake Christmas cookies or make a popcorn Christmas tree.
Stream a Christmas church service.
If snow is around, engage in snow play.
Dance to classic Christmas music.
Put together an annual family calendar.
Participate in one of these Christmas Challenges!
Remember, it’s not about what’s under the tree that matters, but rather, who’s around it.
18. Stash Christmas presents all year
Do what I do! Begin addressing the issue of holiday budgeting by stashing Christmas presents all year round.
This is a smart and stress-reducing move!
Find deals throughout the year rather than spending lavishly in December. Hang on to items like discounted gifts in your secret gift closet!
As you build an inventory of diverse items, you will be ready for birthdays or sudden party invites – you’re always prepared!
Just be careful to stop shopping when your list is fulfilled to avoid overspending.
19. Write a Christmas Gift List
Creating a Christmas gift list can be an effective way to manage your holiday spending. This helps you understand the overall picture of your holiday expenditure.
Start by writing down the names of every person for whom you consider buying a gift.
Then, determine how much you’re willing and able to spend on each individual. This helps you understand the overall picture of your holiday expenditure.
Take time to brainstorm potential gift ideas within your decided budget for each person. This process can be even easier and more informative if you’re able to reference a gift list from previous years.
Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that your total intended spending is reasonable and manageable for your personal financial situation.
Remember, you may not need to buy gifts for everyone on your list – some individuals might appreciate homemade or free gifts just as much.
20. Choose Great holiday things to do for less
Set aside the societal notion of linking the joy of holidays to copious spending, and welcome small, inexpensive, yet heartfelt gestures.
Adopting a mindset that finds value in low-cost or even free activities, especially during the holiday season, can not only alleviate financial pressure but also create cherished memories.
Instead of focusing on extravagance and materialistic desires, turning attention to experiences and emotional bonding can revolutionize the celebration!
You can always find things to do on Christmas Day.
21. Think Outside the Box With Gifts
Finding affordable gifts doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice quality or thoughtfulness.
By utilizing a gift guide such as the 4 gift rule – something they want, need, to wear, or read – you can ensure a well-rounded and meaningful set of gifts for each child.
Alternately, consulting lists of inexpensive yet creative suggestions like those curated by Money Bliss can help you find unique presents that won’t break the bank. These affordable finds range from books, gadgets, to personal care items, and home accessories.
Regardless of budget, the key to successful gift-giving lies in understanding the recipient’s needs and interests.
22. Consider Re-Gifting
Re-gifting is a practical, budget-friendly, and environmentally-friendly way to celebrate Christmas. It allows unused or unwanted items another chance to be appreciated and might save you some cash too.
Here are some regifting tips:
Ensure the gift is in good condition, unwanted but quality, and not linked back to its original giver.
Consider the preferences of the new recipient, ensuring the gift suits them.
Completely re-wrap the gift to give it a fresh appearance.
Some may debate the etiquette of re-gifting but remember, it’s more about the thought and less about where the gift originated.
Making smart choices can ensure a successful and fun re-gifting experience this festive season.
23. Use Gift Cards or Cash App to Stay on Budget
Purchase a prepaid gift card from your favorite store to ensure you’re limiting your spending to a specific amount and preventing the temptation of overspending.
If you’re planning to shop from a range of places, opt for a Mastercard of Visa prepaid card. While there may be an activation fee, it’s ultimately going to be less than what you’d potentially overspend.
Another great option is using the Cash App card and learn where you can load your Cash App card.
Also, you can use budget tracker apps like YNAB or Simplifi. These can help you meticulously keep track of your spending and stay within your budget.
Remember, the key is to stick to a budget and avoid falling prey to impulsive purchases. Using gift cards or these budgeting apps makes it easier to limit and monitor your expenses.
24. Use Money Gift Ideas Wisely
Money gift ideas can be an excellent alternative to traditional presents, especially when budgeting is a critical aspect.
Too many times, money gift ideas are overlooked as impersonal, but a money gift box or money cake will definitely surprise the recipient.
This will guarantee you will stay within your target budget by using money gift ideas.
For larger families, a gift exchange with a set price limit can keep costs manageable.
25. Donate to Charity Or Volunteer
Volunteering at a charity is a meaningful way to give back during the holiday season that doesn’t put a strain on your budget.
Instead of buying more items a person may not need, you’re investing time, money, and energy in causes they care about. Although this doesn’t require a financial commitment, it’s a generous gift full of sentiments.
Furthermore, donating money to a charity in someone’s name is a thoughtful and effective way to honor someone who already has everything they need. It allows the recipient to feel the joy of giving, yet remains a budget-friendly option for the giver.
If you’re keen on frugal yet meaningful ways to celebrate Christmas, how about considering charitable donations? It’s a splendid alternative to traditional gift-giving – not hard on your wallet, plus it makes a difference!
Most people know it is hard enough to buy gifts for the woman you who has everything or kids who have everything.
How to Make a Christmas Budget
A lot of joy and goodwill is associated with the holiday season; however, it also brings with it the challenge of managing finances meticulously to avoid slipping deep into credit card debt.
One of the effective ways to keep your finances under control during this festive time is by creating an efficient Christmas budget.
In the following sections, we will delve in detail into the simple process of creating a feasible Christmas budget that you can adhere to.
Step 1: Decide What You Want to Spend on Christmas
Determining how much to spend at Christmas depends on your individual budget and financial situation.
On a general basis, most people will overspend at Christmas in order they don’t look broke or not generous.
However, that thought process is backward if you are trying to reach your financial goals. You need to decide on how much you want to spend at Christmas time.
That is why these consumable gifts tend to be popular.
Expert Tip: Avoid surpassing your Christmas budget to prevent feeling the pinch of holiday debt later on. Stick to your allocations and plan things out in advance.
Step 2: Make a List of Christmas Gifts
Creating a list is essential for budget-friendly and stress-free Christmas shopping.
This prevents you from forgetting someone important by intuitively documenting all the people you intend to get gifts for. Also, allows for the clear allocation of your total Christmas budget, preventing overspending on some individuals and under-spending on others.
If you aim to economize, consider the 4-gift rule: something they want, something they need, something to wear, and something to read. This method provides thoughtful gifts for children while maintaining a manageable budget.
More importantly, a well-planned list significantly reduces the time spent shopping and aids in buying gifts early before the holiday rush begins.
Expert Tip: Don’t forget to consider items like stocking stuffers, last-minute gifts, or teacher’s gifts, and the cost of extra food for holiday gatherings.
Step 3: Prioritize Your Spending
Prioritizing where to spend money relative to your financial goals is crucial to achieving long-term financial stability and health. It ensures that your money is allocated effectively, giving priority to necessities and matters that directly support your objectives.
This practice can also prevent unnecessary expenditures and helps in averting serious overspending, especially during high-spending periods like the Christmas season.
Thus, you will need to prioritize your Christmas budget before the festive season. It helps prevent overspending and keeps you debt-free.
Step 4: Limit Your Christmas Spending
First, it is important to abandon the notion of a “perfect Christmas” and focus on enjoying the holiday within your budget.
You can even educate your family members about the concept of holiday budgeting and involve them in your planning process.
Consider proposing less expensive alternatives to traditional gift-giving within your extended family such as handmade or recycled gifts, or conducting a white elephant exchange with budget-friendly novelty items.
Don’t overlook smaller gifting costs that can accumulate, like Christmas stockings – instead fill them with practical, affordable items that your family needs.
Save money on wrapping supplies by using items readily available at home like newspaper or butcher paper and involve the kids in a fun, cost-saving activity by having them create homemade gift tags.
Remember, sticking to your budget doesn’t mean letting go of the Christmas spirit. It’s about celebrating responsibly and starting the New Year without financial stress.
Step 5: Ignore Sales and Keep it Simple
Sales, sales, sales – the deal is too good to pass up!
Here are key ways to overcome this common dilemma.
Resist impulsive purchases compelled by sales, and stick strictly to your shopping list.
Pause before purchasing an item not on your list, consider the necessity.
Keep emotions in check, they run our shopping decisions.
Conquer emotional spending, stay true to your budget.
Discourage additional spending once your list is fulfilled and the budget exhausted.
Remember that it’s better to focus on affordable presents rather than seeking the perfect, but expensive, gift.
Step 6: Shop for Christmas Gifts Early
Start early. Begin watching for sales on items from your Christmas gift list way before the season’s rush.
Begin monitoring for sales early, especially during holidays that precede Christmas, to stretch your budget further.
Make use of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. They provide excellent opportunities to snag deals on your gifts.
Expert Tip: Remember to stick to your list. If it isn’t on your list, pass it up. It’s challenging but keeps your budget in check.
Step 7: Reuse and Recycle Holiday Decorations
Start by taking stock of items in your house. Don’t limit yourself to traditional decorations—choose a color theme and scan your home for items that fit and can be repurposed.
Use the resources outdoors. Pine branches, pine cones, mistletoe, and holly can be fashioned into decorations from nature’s catalog.
Even consider trading decorations with friends or family. This can bring a new look to your home without the need for new purchases.
Get creative with items from dollar stores that can be combined to appear high-end and save costs.
How to buy gifts for Christmas on a budget?
Maintaining a budget doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy giving gifts this Christmas.
Use these gift guides to help you out:
Remember, the joy is in the giving, not in the cost of the gift.
Time to Create Your Holiday Budget and Make it Memorable
Regardless of your financial situation and the extent of your holiday plans, this guide will help you maintain financial stability while fully embracing the Christmas spirit.
By setting aside a prescribed sum for your holiday expenses, you’re able to enjoy the season without the stress of unexpected expenditures or financial shocks after the holiday haze has cleared.
Celebrating Christmas on a budget doesn’t mean skipping the fun or the warmth.
With just a dash of creativity and thoughtful planning, you can make the yuletide season enjoyable and meaningful without breaking the bank.
Use the festive tips provided and start planning your budget-friendly Christmas now. Remember, the true essence of Christmas isn’t in extravagant spending—it’s about love, joy, and spending quality time with those who really matter to you.
Don’t forget to access a free printable worksheet for your customized holiday budget.
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
It doesn’t matter if you’re moving across town or across the country. With kids or flying solo. Moving for work or for adventure. Moving etiquette is real. Listed below are some of the biggest faux pas you can make when dealing with your movers. Avoid those actions throughout your moving day and enjoy a seamless move and a happy crew.
1. Making movers wait
The biggest mistake you can make on moving day is making your movers wait around for you. Their time is just as valuable as yours and, while you may be taking the day off for your move, the movers are on the clock and hoping to complete the job as quickly as possible.
Much of the advice listed below plays a role in making sure your movers aren’t waiting on you for anything but it’s being mentioned here at the top anyway because it is the number one thing you can do to make your movers mad.
2. Forgetting to separate out problem items
There are a number of items that reputable movers will not move. Things like flammable or volatile substances can put your other items at risk and can even risk the safety of your movers themselves.
Regardless of training or road time, driving a large truck with thousands of pounds of cargo is difficult and dangerous. Not just because of the size of the cargo but also because of the other drivers on the road. Don’t saddle your movers up with potentially dangerous cargo and either make a plan to dispose of, leave behind or transport these items yourself.
3. Not labeling clearly
Your movers don’t know your home as well as you do. That’s true for the home you’re leaving and the home you’re settling down in. Make sure you label everything — yes, everything — as clearly as possible.
Even if you know the blue plastic bin is holding all of your remotes and family streaming passwords on moving day, you may not remember that by the time unpacking rolls around. Beyond that, without proper labeling, any important boxes are vulnerable to being cast out into a corner and forgotten about.
So, even if you think it’s over the top, label everything that’s making the move with you as clearly as you possibly can.
4. Neglecting the small details
There’s so much more to moving than boxing up your things and making the trip from A to B. In order to ensure your move goes as smoothly as possible, it’s important that you handle all of the ancillary logistics that can hold up the process if not thought about ahead of time.
These things include parking permits for the moving truck and freight elevator reservations. Basically, anything at the location you need to take care of upon your arrival, you should plan out ahead of time.
You should also do your best to get to the location before your movers to ensure that there are no unexpected issues waiting for you at your new apartment.
5. Not separating out irreplaceable items
Separate out any items you would consider irreplaceable and are able to pack into your own truck or car. Obviously, if your 12-person dining room table is irreplaceable, the movers will still have to handle an object of that size.
But, if it means a lot to you and you can move it yourself, just do that. It makes life easier for you and your movers and lessens the stress and emotional burden that comes with picking up your entire life and heading to a new place.
6. Not providing extra supplies
You hired movers so you don’t have to do the heavy lifting with your move. While your movers should come prepared with everything they need to get the job done, you should do all that you can to support your crew.
Be sure to make extra supplies, like tape, boxes, packing paper, markers for labeling, scissors and anything else that you think could be of help to them, available and easily accessible. Not only is this easy for you but it can also potentially save your movers time during the day if they always have the supplies they need at the ready.
7. Not offering refreshments
It doesn’t matter if you’re in the dog days of summer in Atlanta or the middle of winter in Minneapolis, you should offer your movers water at the very least. Moving, like all strenuous physical activity, is something that requires significant physical strength and proper hydration. Without those two, your movers risk damaging your possessions or injuring themselves.
It doesn’t take long to set out a pitcher of water or provide the crew with some water bottles and it will show your movers that you appreciate and respect the effort they are making to get you moved as efficiently as possible.
8. Hovering over your movers
Your movers are professionals. Let them do what they do, which, if you hired the right company, is get your belongings from A to B as quickly as possible. They don’t need you hovering over them making sure each box is placed perfectly in their truck the way you’d like it.
9. Forgetting to tip
Moving is hard work. It’s why you hired someone to do it for you. And, while you may have paid a pretty penny to accomplish the move, it’s still customary to tip. Will the movers pack your stuff back up and hold it on the truck until you break out a few bills? No. Is it the right thing to do, though? You betcha, especially if they did a great job.
You will make it
Is moving stressful? Yes. Is it also something that people do every day? Yes. You’ll make it through your move and into your new rental. Do your best to plan ahead, supply your movers with everything they need to succeed, stay out of their way and stay calm.
It may seem like a lot now but you’ll be settled into your new place and your new life in no time. Happy moving!
A native of the northern suburbs of Chicago, Carson made his way to the South to attend Wofford College where he received his BA in English. After working as a copywriter for a couple of boutique marketing agencies in South Carolina, he made the move to Atlanta and quickly joined the Rent. team as a content marketing coordinator. When he’s off the clock, you can find Carson reading in a park, hunting down a great cup of coffee or hanging out with his dogs.
Every time I get my hair cut, I’m faced with a dilemma — should I tip the barber or not? I usually get my hair cut in a small-town shop. I tip $2 on a $12 haircut. If I get to hear stories about Vietnam or histrionic political rants, I tip $3, even if I don’t agree with the barber’s viewpoints. (I tip because I’ve been entertained.) Sometimes, if I don’t have enough cash, I don’t leave a anything at all. Are these tips appropriate?
What about when I pick up Chinese takeout? Should I have tipped the guys who delivered our new gas range last fall? What about a hotel bellhop? A parking valet? Out of curiosity, I did some research on tipping practices in the United States. There’s actually significant disagreement about how much to tip for even common services.
For example, you know you should tip your waitress. But how much should you leave? Some people claim that 10% is adequate. Others claim that 20% is standard. But I suspect that most of us learned to tip 15%, and to give more for exceptional service. (The wikipedia entry on tipping currently contains the bizarre claim that “18% is generally accepted as a standard tip for good service”.) Which amount is correct?
The concern around tipping stems from the need to get it right — offer too little, and you run the risk of offending someone; offer too much, and you needlessly impact your budget. Plus, there’s actually significant disagreement about how much to tip for even common services.
After browsing dozens of pages, I drafted the following guide. The amounts listed are based on averages or on consensus, when possible.
“Tip: (noun) — a small present of money given directly to someone for performing a service or menial task; gratuity” — Dictionary.com
Food Service
It’s common knowledge that you should tip your waitress. But how much should you leave?
Some people claim that 10 percent is adequate; others believe that 20 percent is standard. But a majority of us learned to tip 15 percent, and to give more for exceptional service. (The Wikipedia entry on tipping contains the rather bizarre statement that “18% is generally accepted as a standard tip for good service.”) So which is it?
Service
Tip Suggestion
Comment
Barista
None
Many people suggest putting coins in the tip jar.
Bartender
15% of total bill or $1/drink
Pre-tip for better service
Delivery Person (including pizza)
10%
$2 minimum
Maitre d’
$5
(… up to $25 for special effort)
Takeout
None
None
Waiter
15% for adequate service
20% for exceptional service. For poor service, leave 10% or less.
General holiday tipping guidelines
Holiday tipping is never required. Even when it’s the social norm, you shouldn’t tip if you can’t afford it or you don’t feel the person deserves it.
Tipping tends to be more common (and on a larger scale) in big cities than in small towns. The best way to determine the etiquette in your area is to ask around.
In general, you should consider giving a holiday tip to the folks who take care of your home and family, especially those you see often. The more often you see someone and the longer you’ve known them, the more you should tip. (Someone who works in your home regularly — such as a housekeeper — usually expects a tip.)
For personal services like manicures, massages, pet grooming, and fitness training, tip up to the cost of one session, but only if you see the same person regularly. For example, if you get a $60 massage every six weeks, your holiday tip should be about $60.
Public servants are not allowed to accept cash tips in the U.S., but it’s acceptable to give a non-cash gift of up to $20. You might give a plate of cookies to your mail carrier, for example, or a book or a gift certificate to your child’s teacher.
When you give a tip, include a card or a hand-written note thanking the person for their service.
If you tip cash, crisp new bills make a better impression than old wrinkly ones.
Home Care Service
Here’s a list of people who often receive holiday tips and what they typically receive:
Service
Tip Suggestion
Comment
Babysitter or Nanny
One week’s pay
None
Housekeeper
One week’s pay
None
Building Superintendent
$20 – $100
It varies. Some people think this helps to keep a harmonious relationship with the super.
Doorman
Holiday gift
Bottle of wine
Furniture Deliverer
$5 – $20
It varies. Some people recommend offering cold drinks.
Garbage Collector
$15
(… up to $25 for special effort)
Gardener
One week’s pay
None
Mail Carrier
$15
(… up to $20 non-cash.)
Newspaper Delivery Person
$15 to $25
(… up to $25 for exceptional service.)
Personal Care
Service
Tip Suggestion
Comment
Babysitter
One week’s pay
It varies. Don’t pay this for one-time babysitting.
Barber or Hairstylist
10-15% or 15-20%
Some people recommend $5 to each person who shampoos or blow-dries your hair, and others recommend up to the cost of one visit for the holidays.
Coat checker
$1 per coat
It varies. Some people recommend $2 to $5 upon retrieval.
Home Health Employee, Private Nurse or Personal Caregiver
(… up to a week’s salary)
Check with the agency as some prohibit gifts.
Manicurist
15%
None
Masseuse
10%-15%
None
Nanny
One week’s pay
None
Personal Trainer or Yoga Instructor
$20-$50
Tip discreetly.
Shoe Shiner
$2 or $3
None
Spa Service
15-20%
None
Office Service
Service
Tip Suggestion
Comment
Janitor
$15-$25
None
Parking Attendant
$15-$25
None
Travel
Service
Tip Suggestion
Comment
Bus Driver (not mass transit)
$1-$2
(… if he handles luggage.)
Cab Driver
10%
($2-$5 minimum)
Chauffer
10%-15%
None.
Gas Station Attendant
None
(or $2 -$4 – there’s no agreement on tips).
Porter or Skycap
$1 per bag
(… $2 for heavy items, if the porter brings luggage to counter)
Hotel Staff
Service
Tip Suggestion
Comment
Bellman or Porter
$1-$2 per bag, $5 minimum
Or $1 per bag, $2 minimum
Concierge
$5
(… up to $20 for something exceptional; nothing for directions.)
Housekeeper
$2-$5 per night, paid daily or as a lump sum at checkout
Most suggest you tip daily.
Parking Valet
$2-$5 paid when your car is retrieved
Some say to pay when it’s parked too.
Room Service
$5 minimum
(unless the gratuity is included in check)
Most of these relate to holiday tipping, but some suggestions are appropriate any time of year. Of course, giving a tip is an individual decision. J.D. Roth used to tip the barber extra if he got to hear an entertaining story about Vietnam or histrionic political rants. What influences you to give a larger or smaller tip? Do you have any suggestions to add?
Do you ever wish you knew the secrets to attract wealth because your 9 to 5 isn’t paying the bills very well? You’re not alone! Today, we’ll talk about the 11 secret life hacks that rich people are doing to make gaining wealth easier.
We’ve compiled the best answers from Reddit, so you don’t have to do it yourself. Read this blog and shift your mindset with these lessons from the wealthy.
1. Organize Everything
If you’re familiar with Marie Kondo, she specifically emphasizes that organizing and decluttering will have a huge impact our lives. It turns out that’s one of the life hacks of truly rich people.
One person said, “Allow me to ramble passionately about a hack of small consequence. Something I noticed about all the rich people’s houses is they have storage containers everywhere. The pantry isn’t piles of groceries shoved inside, it’s all in tidy bins, often matching, sometimes labeled. Their closets have shelves and drawers, not a single pole to hang items. Under their sinks are multiple bins and containers, sometimes on a pullout shelf/drawer. Their spices are ALL on racks, not just the few that fit in a singular rack with the rest piled on top or haphazardly in an adjacent cabinet.
“Their jewelry is organized like a utensil drawer and not shoved in a single box. There are trays or giant bowls by every entry door to toss your mail and keys instead of cluttering every flat surface. Imagine how much calmer your brain would be if you didn’t have to hunt through what feels like a disorganized garage sale everywhere you turn. You don’t have to bend over to rife through objects, you can bring a bin to you.
“I’m just a povvo, but I started ramping up my organizational game and it’s made a subtle but impactful difference in my daily life. Started with matching-sized Amazon boxes in the pantry and Dollar Tree fabric collapsible boxes for toiletries under the sinks and the closet floors, and built up from there. I’ve been slowly converting all my bathroom and kitchen shelves to pull-out drawers (this one is expensive).”
2. Buying in Bulk
This life hack may not be applicable to every body because, in order to save a lot of money on purchases, particularly groceries, you must have the money to shell out first.
One user shared, “Rich people can afford to save money on purchases if they want. I guess if you are rich and don’t care about saving $ it doesn’t apply to you, but it’s definitely a big benefit if you’re a frugal rich person. If that makes sense. A small tiny example. Most would categorize me as wealthy. I buy high-end groceries but aim to do it for as cheap as possible. When our Whole Foods has a sale on our favorite frozen pizzas, normally $12.99 and on sale for $7.99, I buy 10 of them and load up my deep freezer. The fact that I was able to save $50 is only possible because 1) I have enough money to shell out $80 for the upfront cost on the pizzas, and 2) I have a deep freezer to store it in. Neither of those things would be possible without money.”
3. Semi-Permanent Cosmetics
Beauty, in whatever form, is expensive—and only the rich don’t think twice about spending such a huge amount on beautifying themselves or their surroundings.
“…I think a lot of beauty at that level is faked, just like the lawns are faked. Spray tans, teeth caps, really expensive hair extensions and plugs, professional makeup, tailoring, even surgery, etc. etc. I was shocked when I learned about caps for teeth. I didn’t even know that was a thing. Feels like a total cheat code. Can even avoid the expense and discomfort of braces. There are a lot of beauty ‘hacks’ that are not accessible unless you have $$$,” someone shared.
4. Hacking Expensive Purchases
One person commented, “I’ve worked for a rich family and learned a couple hacks. Everyone else is correct. They just hire things out. If you’re genuinely curious, then I’ll share two things I learned in my job that are specific to the wealthy lifestyle. First, moths love real cashmere so you have to keep cedar in your closets to keep them away from eating your sweaters. Second, if you are flying private and only medium-wealthy not truly a fan of throwing money down the drain unnecessarily, it is actually more affordable to ship your luggage via UPS than pay for the additional fuel it will take to carry it in the plane with you.”
Another one shared, “I knew a lady who was, let’s just say she was in a different tax bracket. She and her late husband never took a road trip. They flew everywhere. He was a pilot, and they owned their own plane. They would fly somewhere, and if she ran out of clean clothes, she would just buy more. She’d ship her dirty clothes back home, and the maid would have everything dry-cleaned by the time the lady got back. I can’t imagine how many clothes this lady had. Or maybe she donated them on a regular basis?”
5. Networking
We’re familiar with networking, but it really is one of the life hacks that truly rich people are doing. They leverage the people they know who are also rich and powerful, and that’s what makes them too.
One person shared, “Networking. Powerful people have a large network of connections to get what they want. If you aren’t going out of your way to build ties with people who have things you want like wealth or power, the alternative is working very hard and hoping you get noticed—which doesn’t work most of the time because, unfortunately, the meritocracy is a lie. Learn to meet people and maintain professional connections, not just friendships. And no modesty, that’s a killer.”
The second person replied, “The best network—Politicians, Thieves, Police, Money Laundering—Mafia. Exist all around.”
6. Know What’s Worth Your Time
“When you are good at what you do to make money, you hire pros to do things that you need and get them properly done. That’s classic economics of the division of labor. You focus on what you do well and make more money. That’s the opposite of downward spiral. The concrete example is that I unblock my toilets and fix leaks. I also change my engine oil. Because it’s cheaper for me to do it. If my pay rate is higher than the pros, if course I’ll hire someone. That saves me money,” one person said.
“Sure… but I kind of hate how many people try to apply this to a typical salary worker. No one is gonna pay me to work overtime on a Saturday at my hourly rate (and I don’t want to), and it’s easier to work on a house project for a few hours than find a 2nd job. Many people point to your example, but they either don’t have time for projects cause they work 60 hours a week or prefer to use their disposable income and do something else with their free time. They are not financial wizards, they just make other choices based on circumstances, and that is fine,” argued another commenter.
Another user added, “Yeah, not every minute of my day is monetize-able. Someone once said Bill Gates is so rich that he loses money if he stops to pick up a penny in the street. No, he doesn’t. He didn’t cease to earn money for doing it. Rich people hire others to change their oil because it gives them back time for leisure.”
7. Buy Quality the First Time
One person said, “I was taught to always buy the best of anything I can the first time so I don’t waste my time, money, or efforts on junk. That bled over into everything. Relationships. Experiences. It becomes a mindset and lifestyle. I think that’s what you’re seeing when you look at that neighborhood.”
Another one replied, “This right here. If you want to buy a new piece of furniture, TV, car, etc… Buy nice things and buy quality. It’ll last for years and years. Also, pay cash. Don’t bother financing it. That’s just more wasted money.”
Another user quipped, “Buy once, cry once.”
8. Weigh your Options
“Not really a hack but spending dollars so they count. If there’s a gym that’s $50 a month but is 20 mins away and they’ll only go once a week, and there’s one 2 mins away that’s $200 but they’ll go every day, spend the extra money. The $50 option is a waste. This can be applied in many circumstances,” one person shared.
9. Elegant Appearance
One person shared their experience while working with truly rich people, “A few things I’ve noticed when working for wealthy people. They look rich even in casual clothes because they get everything tailored, even simple white shirts and jeans so they look expensive even when they aren’t.
“A lot of accessories like shoes, bags and jewelry are custom made which can be a better option if you’re going to spend a lot on designer brands anyway, and they will be unique. They don’t just go to the gym, they have a personal trainer who focuses on that toned without being too muscular look, so they look naturally hot without trying.
“Getting blow dry right before an event makes you look polished. I worked for a woman who never washed her own hair, and she always looked amazing. I saw people spend a lot of money on wardrobe staples like jackets and classics, but they would only buy high street seasonal pieces to keep them in style.
“They sell designer pieces to concession stores after wearing them a few times and basically get 50-80% of the cost back depending on the designer. Having lunch at a Michelin-star restaraunt can be slightly more affordable than dinner but you still get the experience. Having drinks at the restaurant bar so you can be ‘seen’ and mingle but don’t have to buy dinner. Going to clubs and events on weekdays means you are more likely to get in, get a table/ticket and it can be less expensive.”
10. Excellent “Talkers”
One person shared, “When I was doing my first startup I saw ‘new money’ people. In school I saw ‘old money’ people. There are all types of rich people and these types have their own ways. They do live in the same areas though. They recognize each other by their watch, type of clothes and behavior. And you can see if they are new rich, old rich, dem or rep by these things too. Their kids go to an endless amount of extracurricular activities. Here it is hockey and tennis, sometimes baseball. The parents do it so their kids build their network (I mean 5year olds).
“Rich people have some skills, but the main skill is talking. They are great at talking. It used to put me off. So and so became the director of yadayada. Why? The only thing he can do is talk. And that is precisely the point. They don’t get so stressed. They just talk for a living. Everything comes from their network. People like listening to their stories. But they cannot do anything of value other than talking. They hire people for that. Duh. Don’t be apologetic. Don’t do stuff worth 10$ an hour if you can make more. Do lots of self-care. And be a professional talker. Listen to people, look at their behavior and clothing, and copy that in your own way.”
Someone added, “I agree with this comment but will extend it further. You call it ‘just talking’ to anyone that will listen, but what they really are doing is ‘selling.’ They are selling their latest ideas, pitches, schemes, problems, solutions, whatever, etc. And their audience (other rich people) love to talk too, so the audience then adds on to those ideas, sometimes with money or introductions to other people with money. And it snowballs because of the network effect.”
11. Etiquette and Mannerisms
“You have a lot of time for personal maintenance and improvement if you don’t have to worry about cooking dinner or doing laundry. Some things, like good etiquette, are made very important from a very young age (hence the napkin folding, knowing what course to use which fork, how to properly address folks in a formal setting, etc) it’s a social code that helps identify who is and who isn’t,” one person stated.
Another one added in agreement, “Exactly. It’s very subtle and says a great deal.”
Source: Reddit.
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When it comes time to move, hiring movers is a convenient option that allows for a quick, stress-free experience. Not only can they move your items from one house to another, but they often provide additional services like boxing up your items and even unpacking them in your new place so you don’t have to lift a finger.
As a general rule, you shouldn’t skip tipping movers. They work in the service industry and should receive a tip based on overall service, similar to restaurant workers. Building a tipping budget into your moving expenses can help you show appreciation for the service provided. Here’s everything you need to know about tipping movers.
How much to tip movers
We’re used to tipping between 15 and 25 percent at restaurants, but tipping your waiter is different than tipping movers. Moving companies don’t operate the same way as restaurants and workers don’t rely mostly on their tips to make money. Movers are usually paid by the hour already, making tipping a nice gesture, though not required. However, they’re also working in the service industry like restaurant workers, and it’s generally acknowledged that you should tip service industry workers.
A good rule to keep in mind for general reference is $5 per mover per hour. Or, if you want to use the total moving cost, you can tip between 5 to 10 percent of the total bill for the entire team of movers to split.
Things to consider when tipping movers
Various factors will affect how much to tip movers. Not every move is equal and, therefore, tipping will vary. A half-day move is a lot less work than a two- or three-day ordeal. Here are a few factors that can help you decide how much to tip movers.
How many professional movers are working with you
If there are only a couple of movers that come to help you move an entire house, that means they’ll each be doing a lot of heavy lifting. On the other hand, if you’ve got a big professional moving team with lots of movers to help out, it’s likely their individual workload will be a little lighter and less strenuous.
If you’re looking at it from an individual view, it would be more appropriate to tip the smaller group of movers each a little more than if there’s a large group. You may even want to decide upfront that you’ll tip a certain percentage for the entire move, then divide that amount by the number of movers.
If the movers pack boxes for you
You might hire a professional moving company to do everything for you from beginning to end, including packing all of your things into boxes. This is a time-consuming and strategic process since it requires good organization and additional time to wrap fragile items, place them into boxes in a way that won’t break them and get boxes labeled so they’re easy to unpack.
If movers are packing boxes for you, it’s best to tip them for the extra work! Keep in mind that if you’re moving far away, there are possibly separate crews for packing your belongings into boxes and loading and unloading the truck. You’ll want to check with the moving company to make sure you’re tipping each crew accordingly.
Large or heavy objects
Movers that take care of really big or heavy items have a risky job — they’re careful and strong to make sure they don’t do any damage to the items or to the home as they move things in and out.
When you’re tipping a crew that moves large, heavy furniture, remember that they have a stressful and important task. If they do it well, it will save you from paying for a new item or repairing your home. After all, if piano movers drop a grand piano on the floor, it’s going to do some damage all around. But, a good mover will ensure that doesn’t happen and you can show your gratitude for a job well-done with a tip amount that reflects your gratitude.
Size and number of boxes
No matter how many or how few boxes and belongings you’re planning on moving, it’s going to take at least a few trips in and out of the house to get it all. However, the size and number of boxes can make a difference. Lots of big boxes might seem like it will be quicker and you can take fewer trips in and out to get them loaded. But, if they’re too bulky or heavy, it will take longer to move them as they might require moving slowly or more than one person to lift them.
Opposite that scenario, you might have a lot of little boxes to avoid things being too heavy, and lots of boxes mean lots of trips, even if they’re small and you take a few at a time. You need to find the sweet spot between the size of boxes and the weight of the objects they hold to ensure the movers are efficient.
Distance of the move
A quick local move is very different from a cross-country move. Usually, local moves will take much less time than a long-distance move. And, you’ll likely have the same crew helping you load your stuff from your old place and unload at your new home.
But, if you’re moving across the country, there’s a good chance you’ll work with multiple crews. One crew might pack your items into boxes, another will load your stuff into the truck. A separate crew may transport your items, with a different crew unloading the truck when you reach your destination. That’s a lot of long-distance movers and a lot of time spent helping you. Make sure you factor that in when deciding how much to tip movers.
Length of the move
You can typically expect long-distance moves to take more time. But, there are cases when shorter distances actually take more time. This is dependent on the number of items or boxes you’re moving or if you end up waiting around for one reason or another.
Being unorganized as a customer and not planning anything out can end up taking longer, especially if you have a partner or roommate that you’re moving with. If you constantly have to ask your partner or roommate where something is going and then relaying that information to the movers, it’s going to take a long time to get things settled.
And, if you do end up waiting around at any point, don’t assume you shouldn’t tip your movers for that time — although they may do much, they’re still spending their time there and it keeps them from working on other potential moving jobs that they could make money from. Be considerate of not just the effort, but the total time movers spend helping with your move. They don’t want to stand around for a half day just as much as you don’t.
The overall difficulty of the move
There are other elements to think about when considering how much to tip movers. Keep in mind the difficulty involved for your entire move when you tip movers. The number of rooms, size of the house, flights of stairs and even the weather conditions.
Going up and down multiple flights of stairs in hot weather is not ideal. Even the most hardworking movers will have difficulty with it. Movers expect to deal with some hard scenarios on moving day. But, getting a good tip for extra hard work and great service is greatly appreciated.
How to tip movers
The method of tipping will depend on what you have on hand and the movers. Tipping etiquette is very casual and flexible. Whether you carry cash or keep it electronic, there’s a way for you to tip movers.
Cash tip
Cash tips are almost always the easiest way to make sure the people actually helping with your move get the exact amount you want. When you’re handing the money directly to each crew member, you’re guaranteed that they’re getting the appropriate amount.
Credit card tip
Many companies will allow you to add a tip when you pay for your move with a credit card. Most moving companies will pass the tip along to each moving crew member in some way. But, it also might mean that the company takes a shared percentage.
Cash apps
As we continually move away from cash in our society, cash apps work just as well! You’ll need to see if the movers have accounts on the cash apps you use so you can tip directly. But, most people use the same cash apps, so it’s probably not too big of a barrier.
Contact the moving company
If your move went well, but you pre-paid or forgot to tip your movers, you can contact the moving company. They’ll give you the best option for tipping. And, they should have a record of which crew members moved you so you can ensure the right people are getting a tip from you.
Food
It’s not quite the same as giving money, but most movers appreciate any food you provide! You can provide food as an extra “thank you,” though you should give it in addition to a monetary tip. You can offer smaller snacks and sports drinks. Or, if you’re ready to really good the extra mile, hold a crew lunch and give a meal like pizza or another takeout.
When to tip movers
The best time to tip movers can depend on a few factors. There’s not one “most appropriate” time to tip movers. You’ll have to decide when is the best time for you to tip your movers.
Before you move
If you want to make sure your moving crew does a great job, you can give a tip upfront to motivate the moving team. However, they might provide poor service and you may feel like you gave a larger tip than necessary. Or, they might have done better than you expected and you feel you haven’t tipped enough.
During the move
Especially if your move is long and far and you know you’ll be working with multiple teams, you can opt to tip long-distance movers throughout the process. You’re showing appreciation for the work that’s already been done. And, you’re giving a little extra motivation for the movers to keep doing good work.
You’re also making sure that you tip the right people for the time they work. Some might only work for a few hours, while others are there the entire day. You don’t want to miss the chance to tip if someone leaves earlier than anticipated.
After the move
Tipping after the move is a safe bet because you’ve seen the work from beginning to end. You can gauge how well every part of the process went and tip accordingly.
Tipping is appreciated for a job well done
Tipping isn’t mandatory in the moving industry. But it’s a nice gesture to acknowledge that the moving company did an exceptional job and that you’re grateful for their work. After all, moving is strenuous. And, moving crews a nervous as they handle belongings that aren’t theirs and do a lot of heavy lifting. It’s nice to give them some extra appreciation for helping you through the moving process.
While running errands this afternoon, I stopped by the bank to deposit a check. All of the tellers were occupied with difficult clients. (I’m old-fashioned and go inside to make deposits for my business finances.) While I waited, I eavesdropped on the nearest conversation. A woman was frustrated because she’d just opened a checking account a few weeks ago, and now it was overdrawn. She couldn’t understand. “I don’t see how that’s possible,” she said.
The teller was very patient and very polite. She tried to help the woman figure out where the problem was. Together they went through the woman’s checkbook register and compared it to the bank’s computer. Finally they discovered the culprit: a $50 check the woman had written on June 21st.
“They deposited that?” the woman said.
“Yes,” said the teller.
“Wow,” the woman said. “It had been so long that I thought they must have lost it. I’ve already used that money for something else.”
The teller didn’t say anything.
“Can they really take that long to deposit a check?” the woman asked.
“Yes, ma’am,” said the teller.
What are the Laws?
In my younger days, I had similar experiences (though never with checks that were just a few weeks old). I’d write a check, and it would remain un-deposited for several months. What a dilemma! Should I use the money to buy comic books? Or should I keep it in my account in case the check actually goes through? Because I toed the line so close to zero, the answer was important.
In my case, every check was eventually deposited and funds withdrawn from my account. This hurt me twice because I, too, had added the money back into my checkbook. Dumb but true.
When I got home today, I looked up the actual law on stale checks. It turns out that a bank can pay or return an old check as it sees fit. According to the United States Uniform Commerical Code, a bank is not obliged to pay a check more than six months old. Here’s the full text of the guideline:
A bank is under no obligation to a customer having a checking account to pay a check, other than a certified check, which is presented more than six months after its date, but it may charge its customer’s account for a payment made thereafter in good faith.
In other words: the bank isn’t required to pay a check more than six months old. But it can if it wants. The bottom line? If you have a stale check outstanding, contact your bank to determine their policy. Don’t just assume the funds are free to be spent.
I’m not sure what happened with the woman at my bank today. When I became impatient and left, the manager was helping her. It sounded as if they were going to waive the overdraft fee, but there was nothing they could do about the fact that the woman was still thirty or forty dollars short in her account.
Asia, the world’s largest continent, boasts a rich history that dates back to ancient times. It is home to over forty-eight countries, each with its own unique culture and traditions. Many of these countries were once empires that spanned multiple cities, regions, and even other continents. These empires left an indelible mark on Asia and the world, shaping the cultural, economic, and social landscape of the region. Regardless of their origins, the legacy of these great empires continues to be felt today.
1. The Mongol Empire
The Mongol Empire was founded by Genghis Khan in the 13th century and lasted until the mid-14th century. The empire was one of the largest in history, stretching across Asia and parts of Europe. The Mongol armies were successful due to their military strength, tactics, and willingness to incorporate the cultures of conquered peoples. After Genghis Khan’s death, the empire was divided among his successors, including Kublai Khan, who founded the Yuan Dynasty in China. The Mongol Empire also had a significant impact on world history, including the spread of the Black Death. Today, the legacy of the empire can still be seen in the languages, cultures, and traditions of its former territories.
2. The Qing Dynasty
The Manchu Dynasty, also known as the Qing Dynasty, held the last imperial rule over China from 1644 to 1912. It was renowned for its robust centralization, efficient bureaucracy, and formidable military, which enabled significant territorial expansion in the 18th century. While the dynasty fostered considerable economic and cultural development, it also grappled with internal rebellions, foreign assaults, and economic challenges. Despite its efforts to modernize and reform, the Qing Dynasty was ultimately toppled by the Xinhai Revolution, unable to adapt to the evolving global environment.
3. The Joseon Dynasty
The Joseon Dynasty was a Korean kingdom that lasted for over 500 years, from 1392 to 1910, founded by King Taejo Yi Seong-Gye. It saw significant cultural, scientific, and artistic achievements, such as the development of the Korean alphabet, the publication of the first Korean encyclopedia, and the creation of the distinctive Korean pottery known as Joseon Baekja. The dynasty also experienced numerous political and social changes, including introducing a rigid class system known as the Yangban and adopting Neo-Confucianism as the state ideology due to the growing influence of foreign powers like China and Japan. The dynasty was ruled by a series of monarchs, like King Sejong the Great. However during the later years of the dynasty, it became politically unstable with economic decline and foreign intervention, which caused the annexation of Korea by Japan in 1910. The Joseon dynasty left an indelible mark in Korea as it is the bedrock of modern Korean culture, etiquette, norms, and societal attitudes.
4. Maurya Empire
The Maurya Empire, founded by Chandragupta Maurya, was a dominant ancient Indian empire that existed between 322 BCE and 185 BCE. Its territory was extensive, spanning the majority of the Indian subcontinent, Afghanistan, and Iran. Emperor Ashoka’s reign marked the empire’s pinnacle, acclaimed for its progressive political, economic, and administrative systems, in addition to Ashoka’s role in propagating Buddhism. Following Ashoka’s demise, weak rulers and foreign invasions led to the empire’s fall and disintegration into smaller kingdoms. The Maurya Empire’s impact on Indian culture, including art, architecture, and philosophy, endures even to this day and is symbolized by the Ashoka Chakra emblem, still prevalent in modern-day India.
5. Mughal Empire
From 1526 to 1857, the Indian subcontinent was ruled by the Mughal Empire, a dominant power founded by Babur after his victory over the Sultan of Delhi. The reign of Emperor Akbar marked the empire’s zenith, characterized by effective governance, acceptance of diverse religions, and generous patronage of art, music, literature, and architecture. The Taj Mahal and Red Fort are among the famous architectural wonders of the Mughal era. However, the empire declined in the 18th century due to inadequate leadership, economic stagnation, and the emergence of local powers. Ultimately, the Indian Rebellion of 1857 resulted in the dissolution of the Mughal Empire.
6. The Yuan Dynasty
The Yuan dynasty was established by Kublai Khan, a grandson of Genghis Khan, who conquered China and made Dadu (now Beijing) its capital. During this period, China was ruled by the Mongol Empire, and the Han Chinese population was marginalized. Despite this, the dynasty saw significant economic growth and cultural exchange, with Kublai Khan investing in infrastructure projects and welcoming foreign merchants. The dynasty came to an end due to economic problems, political instability, and popular uprisings, with the Han Chinese rebel leader Zhu Yuanzhang founding the Ming dynasty in 1368.
7. Tang Dynasty
The Tang dynasty reigned over China from 618 to 907 CE, known as the “golden age” of Chinese civilization. It was a period of cultural, economic, and social development, and China became the world’s most populous country and a major center of trade and culture. Literature, art, philosophy, and technology experienced significant advancements, with famous poets and novelists emerging, and Tang art was known for its vibrant colors and intricate designs. The dynasty was marked by religious tolerance, with Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism all flourishing, and it had a strong centralized government supported by a powerful military and efficient bureaucracy. Despite its many achievements, the Tang dynasty eventually declined due to economic problems, military conflicts, and political instability, ending in 907 CE.
8. Pala Empire
The Pala Empire, which existed from the 8th to the 12th century CE, was a significant and powerful empire in South Asia, spanning parts of present-day Bangladesh, India, and Nepal. The dynasty was founded by Gopala in Bengal and reached its peak under Dharmapala, who expanded the empire’s borders and promoted Buddhism and culture. The Palas were known for supporting the arts, literature, and scholarship, including the famous Nalanda University. However, the empire declined in the 12th century due to internal conflicts and invasions from outside forces, ultimately being conquered by the Sena dynasty. Despite its decline, the Pala Empire had a lasting impact on South Asian history and culture.
9. Safavid Empire
The Safavid Empire, which ruled Iran from 1501 to 1736, was established by Shah Ismail I, who made Twelver Shi’a Islam the state religion and Persian the official language. The empire was renowned for its military strength, art, architecture, and contributions to Persian literature. During the reign of Shah Abbas I, the Safavids experienced their greatest expansion and implemented reforms to strengthen their economy, military, and administration. The empire faced challenges from the Ottoman Empire and the Uzbek Khanate in Central Asia, and ultimately succumbed to military defeats, political instability, and economic crises, leading to its downfall in 1736. Nevertheless, the Safavid Empire left a lasting impact on Iranian culture, particularly in the areas of art, architecture, and literature. Today, Iran continues to be predominantly Shi’a Muslim and Persian remains the official language, reflecting the Safavids’ enduring legacy.
The great Asian empires have played a significant role in shaping the region’s history and the world. From the Mongol Empire’s military prowess to the Tang Dynasty’s “golden age”, each empire left a lasting legacy. While some empires faced challenges and eventual decline, their legacies continue to influence the identities and aspirations of people across Asia and beyond. The impact of these empires can be seen in the languages, cultures, and traditions of their former territories, making them an essential part of Asia’s rich and diverse history.
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Every week, I receive a couple of books in the mail from authors and publishers. (This week there were six!) They’re hoping that I’ll find time to review their work at Get Rich Slowly. I do my best, but it’s impossible to read everything.
When John Smith offered to send me his book, Confessions of a Butcher, I wasn’t expecting much. I’ve read a few niche books like this, and they’re usually uninspiring. As a full-fledged carnivore, I’m please to report this one is different. Smith spent more than 30 years in the meat industry, and he’s used his experience to produce a short book packed with information.
Confessions of a Butcher contains:
60 pages describing different cuts of meat and offering suggestions for cheaper alternatives.
A glossary of meat-related terms.
An appendix containing 30 pages of short articles, such as “What to do with leftover turkey”.
The book has sections on beef (steaks, quality steaks, roasts, ribs, ground beef), pork (chops and steaks, roasts, ribs), lamb, veal, and chicken. Smith lists about 100 cuts of meat (most of which are beef). He briefly describes each cut, and then suggests cheaper (or higher-quality) alternatives.
Smith granted me permission to reprint some examples from the book. Here are his entries for stew meat, ground beef, and lamb.
Stew meat is made from the trim that is left over from the day’s cuttings. Even when stew meat is on sale, it may not be as cheap as many other cuts. Boneless chuck roasts and round steaks on sale will be cheaper, sometimes a lot cheaper. Find the cheapest and leanest cut of meat and cut into cubes for stew or ask the butcher for his assistance.
Now having said all that, the best meat for stew, in my humble opinion, comes from the brisket, flatiron, or the chuck flat strip. These three cuts should cost you less than the stew meat in the counter but may not be the best deal you can find. They will however be the best stew meat you can find.
Regular ground beef is 27 to 30 percent fat and usually priced to sell. However, you should be able to find boneless chuck roasts on sale for about the same price. Have the butcher grind some up for you. You may not save much, if any, money, but you will get a lot better product. Just about any cut of beef in the counter, when ground, will definitely make leaner and nicer ground beef than regular hamburger.
Lamb Money-saving alternative: see below.
The best thing you can do to save money on lamb purchases is either watch the ads or shop for lamb in a store that is part of a major supermarket chain but located in a blue-collar neighborhood. Most major supermarkets have a meat counter schematic that is the same throughout the chain. In a blue-collar meat and potatoes kind of neighborhood, lamb is not a regular part of the diet, but the local supermarket still has to carry a lamb lineup. In these types of stores, you may find legs of lamb and the like reduced to sell.
I have worked in several stores just like this and have been eating lamb (and saving lots of money) ever since. Ask the butcher if the store ever reduces lamb and when to look for it. Another alternative is to buy lamb from the farmer and have it processed at a local custom meat plant. Be ware that you will lose more than 50 percent from the processing.
I think this is great information. Kris and I have always been puzzled why our friend AJ produces better stews than we do. It’s likely that she’s just a better cook, but maybe she uses a different cut of meat. Also, I had my first ground sirloin burger last month. I’m not sure I can go back to regular ground beef after that. (Yes, I realize ground sirloin is more expensive.)
Note: Did you notice something about each of these three tips? They all involve speaking with your butcher. This is true of many of the book’s suggestions, and in a way it’s disconcerting. Kris and I discussed this, and we realized that we don’t “have a butcher”. We go to the supermarket to pick up meat. Sometimes we ask the person behind the counter for a particular steak. That’s it. We’ve never thought about asking to have meat ground. What about you? Do you have a butcher?
Although I found the book interesting, Kris was less enthused. “If you had a recipe and were looking to save money, this would be handy book,” she told me. “But it assumes too much on the part of the reader. It uses a lot of meat-related terms, many of which aren’t in the glossary. Plus, I would have liked more detail on what recipes each bargain cut would be good for.”
“Would you pay $11.95 for this book?” I asked.
“No,” she said. “But I might if it were beefier — with charts and hints and recipes.” (Note: Kris didn’t really say “beefier”. That’s just me being funny.)
I, however, would pay $11.95 for Confessions of a Butcher. We buy a lot of meat, and if the book saved us even a few bucks, it would have paid for itself. I do agree, however, that it’s a bit jargony and could benefit from some diagrams and recipes. (Rumor has it there’s a sequel in the works that will address some of these concerns. I’d rather see a revised edition that lumped everything together.)
I’ll leave you with my favorite piece of advice from John Smith. In the chapter about butcher etiquette, he writes:
To really butter up your butcher, always leave a nice comment on his helpfulness and professionalism as you go through the checkstand…Some homemade cookies once in a while won’t hurt either.
Come to think of it, bloggers like homemade cookies too!
For more on this subject, check out these articles from the archives: Making the most of cheap cuts of beef and How to buy a side of beef. Addendum: I finally found it again! Check out the All About Meat website for free online information about meat from the author of this book.