https://milehighsavings.savingadvice.com Earning, Saving and Investing in the Mile High City. info@savingadvice.com Mile High Gal en-us https://milehighsavings.savingadvice.com/2009/12/15/amazon-tips-and-tricks_55857/ <div align="center"><a href="https://www.savingadvice.com/blogs/image.php?blog=3434&id=7354&original=1"><img hspace="5" src="https://www.savingadvice.com/blogs/image.php?blog=3434&id=7354&&" alt="" align="" border="2" /></a></div><br /> <br /> Being 8.5 months pregnant, I'm doing most of my Xmas shopping online this year. I'm too tired to scour the sales and and paranoid of sick people. <br /> <br /> I'm usually thrifstoring gifts, but this year I also wanted some new things and had great luck with Amazon daily deals. <br /> <br /> I... Tue, 15 Dec 2009 23:40:02 PST Mile High Gal https://milehighsavings.savingadvice.com/2009/12/10/craiglist-sales-update_55755/ I've been nesting and cleaning out things out of the basement and the guest room which we're turning into a nursery. <br /> <br /> I've got a huge pile of stuff to give my parents, a big pile of stuff for Goodwill and a large bag of clothes for consignment which I need to drop off next week.... Thu, 10 Dec 2009 23:35:31 PST Mile High Gal https://milehighsavings.savingadvice.com/2009/12/01/back-from-a-long-hybernation_55507/ <div align="center"><a href="https://www.savingadvice.com/blogs/image.php?blog=3434&id=7306&original=1"><img hspace="5" src="https://www.savingadvice.com/blogs/image.php?blog=3434&id=7306&&" alt="" align="" border="2" /></a></div><br /> <br /> Well I'm back to perusing the PF blogs after a long hiatus. We've been so busy with home remodeling, getting new jobs and getting ready for a baby that I've just left all the finances on autopilot. <br /> <br /> Well after some long and hard consideration, and realizing that daycare in... Tue, 01 Dec 2009 18:59:17 PST Mile High Gal https://milehighsavings.savingadvice.com/2009/07/20/do-you-get-a-deal-at-dollar-stores_52440/ <div align="center"><a href="https://www.savingadvice.com/blogs/image.php?blog=3434&id=6630&original=1"><img hspace="5" src="https://www.savingadvice.com/blogs/image.php?blog=3434&id=6630&&" alt="" align="" border="2" /></a></div><br /> <br /> <div style="display:none;">Text is Do you get a Deal at the Dollar Store? and Link is http://blog.moneymanagement.org/do-you-get-a-deal-at-the-dollar-stores/</div><a href="http://blog.moneymanagement.org/do-you-get-a-deal-at-the-dollar-stores/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> Do you get a Deal at the Dollar Store?</a> - Blogging For Change<br /> <br /> Reading this article made me think if the trips I make there are worth it? Not so much. <br /> <br /> Food/toiletries/plastic products are not safe, electronics are of poor quality, and we use only natural cleaning products (vinegar/baking soda/elbow grease).<br /> <br /> Some things I have/do pick up there:<br /> > A quick gift(candle, etc) and a gift bag<br /> > microfiber cleaning cloths<br /> > dishwashing gloves<br /> > glass dishware (bowls, etc)<br /> > dish sponges<br /> <br /> <div style="display:none;">Text is Do you get a Deal at the Dollar Store? and Link is http://blog.moneymanagement.org/do-you-get-a-deal-at-the-dollar-stores/</div><a href="http://blog.moneymanagement.org/do-you-get-a-deal-at-the-dollar-stores/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> Do you get a Deal at the Dollar Store?</a> Mon, 20 Jul 2009 19:15:28 PST Mile High Gal https://milehighsavings.savingadvice.com/2009/07/16/got-my-consignment-check_52380/ <div align="center"><a href="https://www.savingadvice.com/blogs/image.php?blog=3434&id=6607&original=1"><img hspace="5" src="https://www.savingadvice.com/blogs/image.php?blog=3434&id=6607&&" alt="" align="" border="2" /></a></div><br /> <br /> Well it's not much, only $33 bucks (4 things), but it's something. These are items that are not worth the hassle of listing on ebay and are still too nice for the Goodwill. <br /> <br /> I've got another bag of summer things I am going to take in next month, and two more full of fall... Thu, 16 Jul 2009 22:33:36 PST Mile High Gal https://milehighsavings.savingadvice.com/2009/07/14/where-does-the-money-go_52339/ <div style="display:none;">Text is <a href="https://www.savingadvice.com/blogs/image.php?blog=3434&id=6604&original=1"><img hspace="5" src="https://www.savingadvice.com/blogs/image.php?blog=3434&id=6604&&" alt="" align="" border="2" /></a> and Link is http://www.visualeconomics.com/how-the-average-us-consumer-spends-their-paycheck</div><a href="http://www.visualeconomics.com/how-the-average-us-consumer-spends-their-paycheck" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><a href="https://www.savingadvice.com/blogs/image.php?blog=3434&id=6604&original=1"><img hspace="5" src="https://www.savingadvice.com/blogs/image.php?blog=3434&id=6604&&" alt="" align="" border="2" /></a></a><br /> <br /> I'm a sucker for infographics, and this one from April 2009, is pretty good:<br /> <br /> <div style="display:none;">Text is How The Average U.S. Consumer Spends Their Paycheck and Link is http://www.visualeconomics.com/how-the-average-us-consumer-spends-their-paycheck</div><a href="http://www.visualeconomics.com/how-the-average-us-consumer-spends-their-paycheck" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">How The Average U.S.... Tue, 14 Jul 2009 19:53:55 PST Mile High Gal https://milehighsavings.savingadvice.com/2009/07/13/unexpected-car-repair_52314/ <div align="center"><a href="https://www.savingadvice.com/blogs/image.php?blog=3434&id=6603&original=1"><img hspace="5" src="https://www.savingadvice.com/blogs/image.php?blog=3434&id=6603&&" alt="" align="" border="2" /></a></div><br /> <br /> There we were, all packed and ready to drive to the airport for our Portland vacation. We loaded up the car, grabbed all the snacks and water, locked up the house and..... DH's car wouldn't start. It made a weird clicking sound, and nothing. He tried it a few more times, and... Mon, 13 Jul 2009 16:27:36 PST Mile High Gal https://milehighsavings.savingadvice.com/2009/07/10/back-from-vactaion-and-under-budget_52250/ <a href="https://www.savingadvice.com/blogs/image.php?blog=3434&id=6589&original=1"><img hspace="5" src="https://www.savingadvice.com/blogs/image.php?blog=3434&id=6589&&" alt="" align="" border="2" /></a><br /> <br /> DH and I had a wonderful 5 days in Portland!<br /> We had an amazing time. We stayed in a beautiful Victorian guesthouse in the heart of Nob hill, ate and explored to our content, and took several roadtrips to the Willamette valley and to the coast stopping at small towns along the... Fri, 10 Jul 2009 17:34:03 PST Mile High Gal https://milehighsavings.savingadvice.com/2009/07/01/portland-or-bust_52108/ <div align="center"><a href="https://www.savingadvice.com/blogs/image.php?blog=3434&id=6530&original=1"><img hspace="5" src="https://www.savingadvice.com/blogs/image.php?blog=3434&id=6530&&" alt="" align="" border="2" /></a></div><br /> <br /> Today is the end of a three day week for me, and tomorrow my DH and I leave for Portland for a mini 5 day vacation. I am actually getting 5 days off with only having to take of 1 from work, thanks to the holiday! <br /> <br /> I am absolutely enamored with the Pacific NorthWest, and... Wed, 01 Jul 2009 19:06:12 PST Mile High Gal https://milehighsavings.savingadvice.com/2009/06/30/at-a-crossroads-with-our-house_52079/ <div align="center"><a href="https://www.savingadvice.com/blogs/image.php?blog=3434&id=6525&original=1"><img hspace="5" src="https://www.savingadvice.com/blogs/image.php?blog=3434&id=6525&&" alt="" align="" border="2" /></a></div><br /> <br /> I've been a bit antsy over making a decision about what we're going to do with the house over the next few years and what our 5 year plan is. As I've mentioned before on here, I bought this house in 2003, before I met my husband and when I worked about 5 minutes away, it made... Tue, 30 Jun 2009 17:11:36 PST Mile High Gal https://milehighsavings.savingadvice.com/2009/06/29/starting-up-the-roth-again_52055/ <div align="center"><a href="https://www.savingadvice.com/blogs/image.php?blog=3434&id=6520&original=1"><img hspace="5" src="https://www.savingadvice.com/blogs/image.php?blog=3434&id=6520&&" alt="" align="" border="2" /></a></div><br /> <br /> When I got laid off last October, the economy was bombing and I stopped my ROTH contributions. I've been gainfully employed for 5 months now and I'm a little embarrassed to say I haven't picked them up. My thinking was that with the market the way it was it made more sense to... Mon, 29 Jun 2009 19:43:46 PST Mile High Gal https://milehighsavings.savingadvice.com/2009/06/26/cancelled-tv-today_51988/ <div align="center"><a href="https://www.savingadvice.com/blogs/image.php?blog=3434&id=6495&original=1"><img hspace="5" src="https://www.savingadvice.com/blogs/image.php?blog=3434&id=6495&&" alt="" align="" border="2" /></a></div><br /> <br /> And I feel so much better already! I've had an exhausting couple of months, and have gotten into the rotten habit of plopping onto the couch when I got home and numbing out in front of the tube for the evening, consequently feeling pretty worthless. I'll even admit to eating... Fri, 26 Jun 2009 17:43:47 PST Mile High Gal https://milehighsavings.savingadvice.com/2009/06/25/iphone-mania-and-a-free-lunch_51962/ <div align="center"><a href="https://www.savingadvice.com/blogs/image.php?blog=3434&id=6492&original=1"><img hspace="5" src="https://www.savingadvice.com/blogs/image.php?blog=3434&id=6492&&" alt="" align="" border="2" /></a></div><br /> <br /> I would not be overestimating when I say that about 80% of the people on my floor purchased or upgraded to the new iPhones last week. I've put up with weeks of nerd talk about all their great features and how they will change everyone's lives. <br /> <br /> Now everyone is busy playing... Thu, 25 Jun 2009 17:01:24 PST Mile High Gal https://milehighsavings.savingadvice.com/2009/06/24/1109-spent-on-gas-commuting-to-work_51948/ <div align="center"><a href="https://www.savingadvice.com/blogs/image.php?blog=3434&id=6490&original=1"><img hspace="5" src="https://www.savingadvice.com/blogs/image.php?blog=3434&id=6490&&" alt="" align="" border="2" /></a></div><br /> <br /> This math is very depressing, so is my commute: 32mi each way. At least it's to a job I like..<br /> <br /> 2.50($/gal) * 1/30 (gal/mi) * 64 (mi) = $5.33<br /> <br /> 4 (days a week ) * 52 (weeks/ year) = $1109<br /> <br /> pros:<br /> the boss is cool and lets me work from home one day a week<br /> my favorite job... Wed, 24 Jun 2009 22:13:15 PST Mile High Gal https://milehighsavings.savingadvice.com/2009/06/23/trying-not-to-pay-attention-to-appraisal_51922/ <div align="center"><a href="https://www.savingadvice.com/blogs/image.php?blog=3434&id=6489&original=1"><img hspace="5" src="https://www.savingadvice.com/blogs/image.php?blog=3434&id=6489&&" alt="" align="" border="2" /></a></div><br /> <br /> I logged in to <div style="display:none;">Text is mint and Link is http://www.mint.com</div><a href="http://www.mint.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">mint</a> today to update all my transactions and low and behold our house value dropped to 211K. I almost had a panic attack until I remembered a house 2 doors down and smaller than ours sold for 250K a week ago.<br /> Whew! Tue, 23 Jun 2009 21:38:22 PST Mile High Gal https://milehighsavings.savingadvice.com/2009/01/22/i-gave-my-two-weeks-notice_47660/ <div align="center"><a href="https://www.savingadvice.com/blogs/image.php?blog=3434&id=5243&original=1"><img hspace="5" src="https://www.savingadvice.com/blogs/image.php?blog=3434&id=5243&&" alt="" align="" border="2" /></a></div><br /> <br /> Yes, I know, I must be crazy. But is it ever a good time to realize you're doing something that makes you miserable and no amount of accolades or money is ever going to be worth it in the end?<br /> <br /> October 2008 <br /> Get laid off from cushy, dream job.<br /> Get hired back as an independent... Thu, 22 Jan 2009 17:11:48 PST Mile High Gal https://milehighsavings.savingadvice.com/2009/01/21/prepaid-cell-phones-do-you-use-them_47630/ <div style="display:none;">Text is Pre-paid cellphones aren't just for loosers anymore and Link is http://consumerist.com/5125412/pre+paid-cellphones-arent-just-for-losers-anymore</div><a href="http://consumerist.com/5125412/pre+paid-cellphones-arent-just-for-losers-anymore" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Pre-paid cellphones aren't just for loosers anymore </a><br /> <br /> <br /> Hmmm, 80minutes for $10 a month? If I wasn't on a family plan I might consider it, especially if I could keep my number. There are also plans that only kick in on the days you actually use your phone. <br /> <br /> Does anyone use this? And if so is it working? The comments on the article seem to say that many people do. <br /> <br /> <br /> Wed, 21 Jan 2009 23:39:27 PST Mile High Gal https://milehighsavings.savingadvice.com/2009/01/16/photos-of-the-last-depression_47441/ <div align="center"><a href="https://www.savingadvice.com/blogs/image.php?blog=3434&id=5207&original=1"><img hspace="5" src="https://www.savingadvice.com/blogs/image.php?blog=3434&id=5207&&" alt="" align="" border="2" /></a></div><br /> <br /> I thought these photos from the Smithsonian collection were very moving. <br /> <br /> <div style="display:none;">Text is Photographs of the Great Depression and Link is http://history1900s.about.com/library/photos/blyindexdepression.htm</div><a href="http://history1900s.about.com/library/photos/blyindexdepression.htm" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Photographs of the Great Depression</a><br /> <br /> Seeing kids without shoes, families living in shanties, and driving across country with all of their possessions piled on top of a car is humbling. After listening to the talking heads on TV going bananas over our current state of the economy images like these really put things into perspective. Fri, 16 Jan 2009 17:44:35 PST Mile High Gal https://milehighsavings.savingadvice.com/2008/11/26/inexpensive-dinner-party_45502/ <div align="center"><a href="https://www.savingadvice.com/blogs/image.php?blog=3434&id=4887&original=1"><img hspace="5" src="https://www.savingadvice.com/blogs/image.php?blog=3434&id=4887&&" alt="" align="" border="2" /></a></div><br /> <br /> I decided to have a small, impromptu pre-Thanksgiving dinner party last night for a few of my close friends and it was a great success. I'm a battling perfectionist and it's hard for me to have people over since I believe my house is never clean, organized, decorated well enough.... Wed, 26 Nov 2008 15:58:33 PST Mile High Gal https://milehighsavings.savingadvice.com/2008/11/21/cutting-back-on-home-insurance_45358/ <div align="center"><a href="https://www.savingadvice.com/blogs/image.php?blog=3434&id=4871&original=1"><img hspace="5" src="https://www.savingadvice.com/blogs/image.php?blog=3434&id=4871&&" alt="" align="" border="2" /></a></div><br /> <br /> I received my home owners insurance bill today. $818 Ugh. As always American Family bumps up all my values by $5000, just because they can even though the amount of my mortgage goes down. Every year I have to call and have them bump the numbers back down and even still I've... Fri, 21 Nov 2008 21:46:52 PST Mile High Gal