Things People Don't Take Advantage Of

[steve dave]

I think I've made the case for putting every cent you spend on a credit card whenever possible about a million times but there are other things that people are really dumb about. I have people in my office their 30s that don't contribute to their 401k. I'm not even talking about maxing it out or even just to get the 6% match. Just don't do it. And these aren't trust fund people who don't need to worry about retirement. Also health savings accounts. I max that thing out every year. Our company also gives you $1k every year in it if you participate in our free high deductible plan and we can invest it in a handful of different funds. The same people won't even take the time to sign up for it. Anyway, these are some obvious examples and all smart people know these. But, I'm sure there are things I don't take advantage of that I could that may not be so obvious. Please post these in this thread so that I'm aware and motivated to do these things. TIA.

[michigancat]

Your company has ridiculous benefits

[steve dave]

Your company has ridiculous benefits

Euros!

[_33]

Buy refurbished electronics.  Basically every electronics purchase I've ever made has been a refurb at a huge discount and everything has worked just fine. 

[michigancat]

Contact free cell phone plans.

Much cheaper, more flexible, and equal service in most cases.

[AppleJack]

Buy refurbished electronics.  Basically every electronics purchase I've ever made has been a refurb at a huge discount and everything has worked just fine.

this is a really good one. i mean i would never do it but its a good idea.

[EuroCat]

I don't contribute to our flexible spending account because it's non refundable and i don't really spend much on medical.

[chum1]

Online pirating

[wetwillie]

public domain knowledge

[chum1]

Open source

[chum1]

Public library

[Bloodfart]

exterior lighting


I will be investing in some if this crap keeps up. 

GET OFF MY LAWN! 

[Kat Kid]

dogs will clean up spills.

[Saulbadguy]

I'm obsessive about collecting stupid "codes" for worthless crap. I can't throw away an empty lean cuisine box because after I eat 15 more of them I get a free lunch bag.

[ChiComCat]

Buy refurbished electronics.  Basically every electronics purchase I've ever made has been a refurb at a huge discount and everything has worked just fine.

this is a really good one. i mean i would never do it but its a good idea.

I've had pretty good luck on this.  Find a company that seems to stand behind their refurbs.  Got a refurb 32 inch flatscreen hdtv about 7 years ago when they were alot more expensive and it still goes strong

[TheHamburglar]

Along the "refurb" line, I'll buy opened/returned electronics.  With these you can almost always get the seller to give you their extended warranty for free if you ask.  I got my PS3 and the 32" TV in my office for 1/2 price with the extended warranty for free this way. 

[Cartierfor3]

Those are good Steve Dave, I'm currently on team 401k/flex spending health plan/credit cards.

Public library

Good one.  Also, city parks.

Big one for me and Mrs. CF3 is garage sales and thrift stores. We buy underwear and socks new for our kids, but all the rest of their clothes come from garage sales and thrift stores.  I'll buy a bag of like 15 items of kids clothes at a garage sale and just offer the seller $6 for the bag. Most of the time the clothes have been worn only like one time.

[Kat Kid]

Those are good Steve Dave, I'm currently on team 401k/flex spending health plan/credit cards.

Public library

Good one.  Also, city parks.

Big one for me and Mrs. CF3 is garage sales and thrift stores. We buy underwear and socks new for our kids, but all the rest of their clothes come from garage sales and thrift stores.  I'll buy a bag of like 15 items of kids clothes at a garage sale and just offer the seller $6 for the bag. Most of the time the clothes have been worn only like one time.

Anyone that buys clothes for their child under 2 is either:
1) a shut-in orphan
2) terrible with money

[Cartierfor3]

Those are good Steve Dave, I'm currently on team 401k/flex spending health plan/credit cards.

Public library

Good one.  Also, city parks.

Big one for me and Mrs. CF3 is garage sales and thrift stores. We buy underwear and socks new for our kids, but all the rest of their clothes come from garage sales and thrift stores.  I'll buy a bag of like 15 items of kids clothes at a garage sale and just offer the seller $6 for the bag. Most of the time the clothes have been worn only like one time.

Anyone that buys clothes for their child under 2 is either:
1) a shut-in orphan
2) terrible with money

Exceptions: KSU Cats gear.

[Pete]

Clothes for ANY kid under 2nd Grade or so, can be EASILY procured for next to nothing at LOADS of places.

Many people will get gifted the entire wardrobe for the little fuckers for the entire time, from older cousins, etc.

Then, after you pilfer your friends "garage sales" who aren't giving them away for free, you are still working on pennies on the dollar.

Finally, hit any freaking Kohls on the planet at the end of a season and buy the crap out of the next couple age groups up.

[Cire]

farmers markets

[michigancat]

People who take cabs when efficient public transit is available

[star seed 7]

People who take cabs when efficient public transit is available

oh boy, my aunt just went to SF and i told her before she went exactly how to get to fisherman's wharf, etc on the trolley (not the cablecars).  she gets scared as soon as she gets off bart and takes a cab.

 

part of the fun of going to a real city is riding public transit!

[wes mantooth]

Those are good Steve Dave, I'm currently on team 401k/flex spending health plan/credit cards.

Public library

Good one.  Also, city parks.

Big one for me and Mrs. CF3 is garage sales and thrift stores. We buy underwear and socks new for our kids, but all the rest of their clothes come from garage sales and thrift stores.  I'll buy a bag of like 15 items of kids clothes at a garage sale and just offer the seller $6 for the bag. Most of the time the clothes have been worn only like one time.

Anyone that buys clothes for their child under 2 is either:
1) a shut-in orphan
2) terrible with money

Bought my 3 month old a couple pairs of shoes, both $40 each (uggs and Jordan's) and shell only wear them a few times.  Why?  Because I can.

[sys]

the hsa one seems stupid unless you are really sickly.  i dunno, i just can't imagine spending more than a couple of bucks on health at my age.  maybe i don't understand well what happens to the money if you don't use it though.  i should probably check.