Frugal Living: 25 new messages in 8 topics

misc.consumers.frugal-living
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living?hl=en

misc.consumers.frugal-living@googlegroups.com

Today's topics:

==============================================================================
TOPIC: Thanks for all the tips :-)
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/browse_thread/thread/ed95e7ab1375335f?hl=en
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== 1 of 7 ==
Date: Tues, Aug 28 2007 2:23 pm
From: DouhetSukd@gmail.com

Thanks for all the tips so far, this is quite helpful.

I think I am going to look into the finishing-nail based hooks.
Cleanup-wise, they seem a safer bet than the big plastic-anchored
stuff and I don't need that much holding power.

When I was talking about adhesives I was talking about posters only -
i.e. using two sided scotch tape or so to hang posters and papers up
on a wall. Not about adhesive-based hooks to hang up stuff up with.
I am pretty sure any glue strong enough to hold up 6 lbs will also rip
out the wall's paint when it leaves, regardless of claims by the
manufacturer.

Btw, is it just me or is there a real lack of furnishing books for
renters? Many of us will live in rented accommodations for years and
may want to tweak them a bit.

Yet, all the books I've seen assume:

a) you have tons of space to play with.
b) you own the place so you can rip it apart.
c) you have tons of money so that, in addition to a. and b. you can
afford super-duper custom furniture if you do want to save on space.

I had Sarah Susanka's Not So Big House book and its floor plans looked
more like Not So Small House to me. Still, she at least tries to be
realistic.

== 2 of 7 ==
Date: Tues, Aug 28 2007 2:34 pm
From: Norminn

DouhetSukd@gmail.com wrote:
> Thanks for all the tips so far, this is quite helpful.
>
> I think I am going to look into the finishing-nail based hooks.
> Cleanup-wise, they seem a safer bet than the big plastic-anchored
> stuff and I don't need that much holding power.
>
> When I was talking about adhesives I was talking about posters only -
> i.e. using two sided scotch tape or so to hang posters and papers up
> on a wall. Not about adhesive-based hooks to hang up stuff up with.
> I am pretty sure any glue strong enough to hold up 6 lbs will also rip
> out the wall's paint when it leaves, regardless of claims by the
> manufacturer.

Adhesive hangers are not reliable and are likely to damage the wall.
Scotch Tape is a bad idea - difficult to get the adhesive off. For
plain posters and small picture frames (up to 8x10), straight pins work
very nicely. Get them at fabric store or where they sell sewing
supplies. They sometimes bend, but if driven in at an angle will hold
nicely and leave very little defect when removed.
>
> Btw, is it just me or is there a real lack of furnishing books for
> renters? Many of us will live in rented accommodations for years and
> may want to tweak them a bit.
>
> Yet, all the books I've seen assume:
>
> a) you have tons of space to play with.
> b) you own the place so you can rip it apart.
> c) you have tons of money so that, in addition to a. and b. you can
> afford super-duper custom furniture if you do want to save on space.
>
> I had Sarah Susanka's Not So Big House book and its floor plans looked
> more like Not So Small House to me. Still, she at least tries to be
> realistic.
>

== 3 of 7 ==
Date: Tues, Aug 28 2007 2:50 pm
From: willshak

on 8/28/2007 4:39 PM Chris Friesen said the following:
> DouhetSukd@gmail.com wrote:
>> I just moved into this new high rise apartment and I'd like to hang
>> some stuff up. Mostly a few small paintings, but also a few heavier
>> (6.5 pounds/3kg) masks off the walls.
>
> I suggest either of these:
>
> http://www.leevalley.com/hardware/page.aspx?c=1&p=50402&cat=3,40914,50630&ap=1

>
> http://www.leevalley.com/hardware/page.aspx?c=1&p=52367&cat=3,40914,50630&ap=1

>
>
> The first comes in a range of sizes and uses finishing nails to
> support up to 75lb, the second is a single item that supports up to 50lb.
>
> As others have said...small puncture marks are easily hidden, but
> adhesive-based methods are hard to fix.
>
> Chris

These have been around for a long time before Hercules hooks.
http://www.dlawlesshardware.com/pihasuhowiha.html

Bill
In Hamptonburgh, NY
To email, remove the double zeroes after @

== 4 of 7 ==
Date: Tues, Aug 28 2007 2:51 pm
From: Ward Abbott

On Tue, 28 Aug 2007 11:06:16 -0700, DouhetSukd@gmail.com wrote:

>I have written down the paint color codes from Benjamin Moore for the
>building, so I think I can touch up stuff when I leave.

Buy yourself a pint/quart of the exact color. Buy some spackle and
mix the paint into the spackle for a perfect color match. Will be
worth it when you move....or decide to move a painting.

== 5 of 7 ==
Date: Tues, Aug 28 2007 2:46 pm
From: difdrummer@webtv.net (Bob Young)

What I have done is to use what might be called 'dressing screens' and I
hang the majority of stuff I want to hang on those and do not fill the
walls with lots of holes.
In one case I lean the screen right against the wall and in another case
I have a screen that goes around a corner from a hallway to the living
room. I am a pack rat and so it is sort of like how the display some
items in some stores.
You can find used ones in a resale shop and cover them with any
material you want,with a staple gun: neutral to matching.

== 6 of 7 ==
Date: Tues, Aug 28 2007 3:02 pm
From: willshak

on 8/28/2007 5:34 PM Norminn said the following:
> DouhetSukd@gmail.com wrote:
>> Thanks for all the tips so far, this is quite helpful.
>>
>> I think I am going to look into the finishing-nail based hooks.
>> Cleanup-wise, they seem a safer bet than the big plastic-anchored
>> stuff and I don't need that much holding power.
>>
>> When I was talking about adhesives I was talking about posters only -
>> i.e. using two sided scotch tape or so to hang posters and papers up
>> on a wall. Not about adhesive-based hooks to hang up stuff up with.
>> I am pretty sure any glue strong enough to hold up 6 lbs will also rip
>> out the wall's paint when it leaves, regardless of claims by the
>> manufacturer.
>
> Adhesive hangers are not reliable and are likely to damage the wall.
> Scotch Tape is a bad idea - difficult to get the adhesive off. For
> plain posters and small picture frames (up to 8x10), straight pins
> work very nicely. Get them at fabric store or where they sell sewing
> supplies. They sometimes bend, but if driven in at an angle will hold
> nicely and leave very little defect when removed.

Then there's the old reliable Thumb tacks.

>>
>> Btw, is it just me or is there a real lack of furnishing books for
>> renters? Many of us will live in rented accommodations for years and
>> may want to tweak them a bit.
>>
>> Yet, all the books I've seen assume:
>>
>> a) you have tons of space to play with.
>> b) you own the place so you can rip it apart.
>> c) you have tons of money so that, in addition to a. and b. you can
>> afford super-duper custom furniture if you do want to save on space.
>>
>> I had Sarah Susanka's Not So Big House book and its floor plans looked
>> more like Not So Small House to me. Still, she at least tries to be
>> realistic.
>>

Bill
In Hamptonburgh, NY
To email, remove the double zeroes after @

== 7 of 7 ==
Date: Tues, Aug 28 2007 3:27 pm
From: Barbara R

Saw an ad for these over the weekend, and wrote it down.
Hope someone has tried them.

www.herculeshook.com

Barbara

==============================================================================
TOPIC: Buying a fleet vehicle AND dickering with a used car salesman
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/browse_thread/thread/de8938e00c36ad6d?hl=en
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== 1 of 1 ==
Date: Tues, Aug 28 2007 2:27 pm
From: "John Weiss"

"Wooly" <nobody@nunya> wrote...

>> maybe you just want the amount of the cashier's check to be your bottom
>> line.
>
> That's pretty much the case. Really I'm speaking metaphorically as I've done
> all the shopping via email and phone thus far. I expect to nail a price over
> the phone (or be told to take a hike) and sign the contract via fax before I
> get on the train.

> Distance is an issue only in that I'm inconvenienced by the local dealer's
> refusal to bring in a car for me. It'll be a day out of my life to go get
> the car and drive it home (gotta love metro traffic), but I can live with it
> to get the car I want at a price I'm willing to pay.

Who is going to do the mechanical inspection? Even though there is the mfgr's
warranty left on it, any latent problems can at LEAST become a major
nuisance...

MAKE SURE the contract has an inspection clause, so you can walk away if your
mechanic finds any undisclosed major problems. MAKE SURE that clause allows
you enough time and miles to drive it to your local mechanic (e.g., 400 miles
and 3 days, for your stated 300 mile trip).

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TOPIC: Quality Athletic Shoes
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/browse_thread/thread/7b0320f5d6562598?hl=en
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== 1 of 1 ==
Date: Tues, Aug 28 2007 3:02 pm
From: Emilygoogl@gmail.com

Hi Judy, I would recommend you this site : www.shoedeals4u.com. I hope
it would definitely meet your need for quality Athletic shoes. You can
try them as I usually get my shoes from them.

==============================================================================
TOPIC: Good to know
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/browse_thread/thread/8af3c58efc29ff0c?hl=en
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== 1 of 1 ==
Date: Tues, Aug 28 2007 3:05 pm
From: Brandon

Check it out: www.BrandonsApartment.com

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TOPIC: preparing meals ahead of time
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/browse_thread/thread/7febc7f7a48ea034?hl=en
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== 1 of 3 ==
Date: Tues, Aug 28 2007 3:18 pm
From: "OhioGuy"

> idea of using Tupperware or other plastic containers that are designed
> for exactly what you want to do.

Nope, I want to reuse something that would otherwise be thrown away after
1 use, not buy something new.

Plus, I don't microwave in plastic, ever. I am convinced that cooking in
plastic causes health problems.

== 2 of 3 ==
Date: Tues, Aug 28 2007 3:26 pm
From: "John Weiss"

"OhioGuy" <none@none.net> wrote...

> I want to reuse something that would otherwise be thrown away after 1
> use, not buy something new.

The plastic bags that overwrap produce can be reused. So can plastic
containers from butter, cottage cheese, etc.

Use the bags to cover plates, bowls, etc for the freezer. Suck as much air out
as you can with your mouth, then tie a knot to seal it. Use the containers
with their own covers.

> Plus, I don't microwave in plastic, ever. I am convinced that cooking in
> plastic causes health problems.

What information leads you to that conclusion? What plastics are involved?

In any case, you can transfer frozen foods to a plate or bowl for reheating in
the microwave, after [partially] thawing on the counter or in water in the
sink. Cover with a napkin or waxed paper as desired.

== 3 of 3 ==
Date: Tues, Aug 28 2007 4:08 pm
From: Dennis

On Mon, 27 Aug 2007 13:04:39 -0400, "OhioGuy" <none@none.net> wrote:

> Last night, I prepared twenty something meals ahead of time. One of my
>friends gets these meals and after eating them, they clean the paper things
>the meal came in out. I have meant to reuse them for some time, so I had a
>pile of them. They are just compressed paper with 3 compartments for
>different foods.
>
> I fixed a huge batch of mashed potatoes, and also had fish sticks, rice
>with meatballs, turkey nuggets, and several miscellaneous vegetables which I
>put in the packs.
>
> The only problem I have is sealing them. One of my friends suggested
>using plain old white glue, smearing it around the top, then laying reynolds
>wrap on it. That didn't work so great - the glue didn't set up or
>something - evidently I was worried about the food spoiling, and put it in
>the freezer before the glue could set up. I allowed it an hour and a half,
>but evidently that wasn't enough.
>
> My wife thinks we should just wrap the reynold's wrap around several
>times, but I think there must be a better way. Besides, I'd prefer to
>minimize how much of the plastic wrap we have to use.
>
> Has anyone done this sort of thing before? I'd like some suggestions.
>Thanks!
>

There is a type of plastic wrap available (maybe "Press-n-Seal" or
something similar) that has a sticky coating on one side. If the
containers are clean, it would probably stick well enough to do what
you want.

Dennis (evil)
--
The honest man is the one who realizes that he cannot
consume more, in his lifetime, than he produces.

==============================================================================
TOPIC: Nike Shoes
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/browse_thread/thread/326ac36eeca57650?hl=en
==============================================================================

== 1 of 1 ==
Date: Tues, Aug 28 2007 3:45 pm
From: Emilygoogl@gmail.com

Check out this site for best Nike shoes : http://www.shoedeals4u.com/1-nike.htm.
They deliver the products with good quality at best prices

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TOPIC: Freecycle skank?
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/browse_thread/thread/0fdea79cc1fba129?hl=en
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== 1 of 1 ==
Date: Tues, Aug 28 2007 4:11 pm
From: freebieuser@gmail.com

Does anyone use freecycle or any service like it and get harassed by
these looooooosers who determine whats really worth recycling and
whats not?

==============================================================================
TOPIC: need advice on choosing a major
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/browse_thread/thread/b0e5b7a504fc5e80?hl=en
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== 1 of 10 ==
Date: Tues, Aug 28 2007 4:24 pm
From: s

Thanks again for your reply.
> > I was not asking about assurances or certainity.
> > I have met actual folks who have done that
>
> It isnt that common at all.
Agreed, it is rare, but not that rare also.

> > Straight after college does not mean with a
> > undergrad degree as you seem to have interpreted.
>
> No, I meant after the formal education, in the first real full time job after that.

Then, why did you state "The only way to do that with any certainty is
prostitution, literally."

> > (perhaps, I should have stated grad school to clarify, but still
> > I explained how others did that, getting a Ph.D, medicine degree,
> > so cannot understand why you jumped to that conclusion)
>
> I didnt jump to any conclusion and was discussing what you were discussing.

Again, then why did you mention "The only way to do that with any
certainty is prostitution, literally."

>
> >>> or atleast 95K at 24 if I manage to get a tenure
> >>> track position by publishing sufficiently in Ph.D.
> >> You wont get tenure straight out of college.
> > Typically, no one gets tenure after college. After a Ph.D, you
> > can start as a tenure track faculty which I what I stated. Tenure is
> > Associate Professor or Professor, Assistant Professor means tenure
> > track. I have met actual people who are like that after their Ph.D.
>
> It isnt that common at all anymore.

Well quite a bit of of folks who finish Ph.D start as a tenure track
faculty assuming they choose to go academia and if they have done
proper work during their doctoral program.

> > Again, you misunderstood me or perhaps what is
> > difference between tenure track and tenured faculty.
>
> Nope, again, you have got my position completely wrong.

You mentioned "You wont get tenure straight out of college. "

There are two opinions. One you thought I was stating I would start as
a Associate Professor(or above) as getting
tenure means only that, IMHO, though I mentioned Assistant Professor
which is a tenure track not tenured faculty.

Or you got the definition of tenure improperly. You are indeed
knowledgeable and willing to aid others in many groups
which is noble of you, but we all being can make errors. Anyway, that
is irrelevant to the questions and your answers are
appreciated.

> > You seem quite knowledgeable from your
> > other posts, though, in this and other groups.
> >>> The advantages are job security as I plan to go for State universities,
> >>> high salary of 95-100K at 24-25 in a area where cost of living is
> >>> reasonable. The same method can be adopted if I go for a B.S.
> >>> in Management, then Ph.D in the same field. Or, just a B.S. in
> >>> Management, working for three years for a reputed company,
> >>> then a Management degree from the top 10 campuses can
> >>> make me eligible for the 100K range at 25.
> >>> Getting a general B.S. degree, then a law degree from a
> >>> good college can lead me to 100K mark after finishing college.
> >> Unlikely.
> > I have met actual folks who have done that.
>
> I said UNLIKELY, not impossible.

If I have met actual folks who have done that, it does not seem that
unlikely and neither did I mention impossible.

> >http://www.mymoneyblog.com/archives/2007/02/do-you-make-a-six-figure-...
> > This link also provides some folks like that,
>
> Trouble is that its impossible to actually check the claim made there.

Not quite. The people in that link are lawyers, doctors, certified
nurse anesthetists,small business owners etc. Even if
you don't believe them salary.com indicates those folks might be in
that range.

> > though you have to read it fully. Someone there states he
> > was earning 120K after his Ph.D in a management field.
>
> Easy to claim, lot harder to actually substantiate the claim.

> And I doubt that was immediately after completing the PhD.

I know someone from college with a Ph.D starting at 100K in
Binghamton, NY after his Ph.D. The person who claimed
120K might be in NYC, CA, Washington D.C. etc. There are some folks
who state after a Ph.D in hard sciences they were hired for 100K by
some tech company. Possible, considering computational biology and
other research scientist
openings required for tech labs, in an area like NYC.

> >>>http://www.mymoneyblog.com/archives/2007/02/do-you-make-a-six-figure-...
> >>> seems to suggest lot of folks achieve the six figure mark and some
> >>> don't have a college degree, work as a truck driver, store manager
> >>> for a store like Walmart, Home Depot etc. Others are certified
> >>> nurses anesthetists, cops, etc. working for State/Fedetal/local
> >>> govt. clearing six figures at twenties or in the early thirties.
> >> Doesnt mean that many/most manage that tho.

Well, some people don't like to mention, some don't, but if 1/3 people
in our country with a degree mention it,
it doesn't seem that rare also, even if we are excluding tv/radio/
sports stars... etc

> >>> I hope I am not considered a mercenary.
> >> That is precisely what you are.
> Nope, havent erred once.

> > Without knowing the reasons for my desire you are
> > hastily concluding me to be a avaricious person.
>
> I didnt even mention avaricious, I clearly said mercenary.
>
> The two words have different meanings.

Well, http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/mercenary lists mercenary
as a synonym for avaricious. The meanings are not that different.
Avaricious means someone who is greedy(can be funds, materials, food
etc.) and mercenary means
someone whose main motivation is funds. They are fairly close, though,
you were using them in the same meaning while
referring to me.

>
> > Thanks for your advice and time. I wish you did not misunderstand me.
>
> I didnt misunderstand anything you said.
How about the differences I stated above?

Thanks again for your advice and time. Few give time and advice as
liberally as you do which is deeply appreciated.

== 2 of 10 ==
Date: Tues, Aug 28 2007 4:34 pm
From: s

Thanks again for your reply.
> > Thanks for considering my high school a proper one.
>
> Its more likely not the school so much as the individual.

Thanks.

> And it isnt just the income that matters either. I had a real standard
> of living quite a bit higher than the boss of the place I was working for,
> who was earning quite a bit more than your 6 figure income, because
> I was both working in a well paid professional job, and was physically
> building my house at the same time in a country where the value of
> the house was tax free income.
>
> I was also making a lot of money on the stockmarket at the same time
> and in fact chose to not use any of my money for the house, because
> I was earning more on the stock market than I was paying in interest.
>
> And that was straight out of college in your sense,
> the first full time job after completing the higher degree.
>
> I was also involved in small business as well.

That is possible, in your case you might be earning funds through
three means(job, stock market, business) and their sum might be more
than 100K(with all due respect just for the sake of an example). I
intend to earn through one position, in my choice of fields, as it is
unlikely I may have time, in fields which need 80-90hrs work per week,
to start a business or invest in stock market. Some folks in my class
want to have the first job after college as a 40hr one for 40K, then
earn the 60K through stocks and small business using the remaining
free time they have.

> >> I would play the online stock market games multiple ways until I lost the
> >> gambling urge or realized I needed someone else to make my investments.
> > This seems risky like playing poker online.
>
> Nope.

Then what did he intend?

> > Without understanding ROI (Return of Investment)
> > it seems improper for me to indulge in that
>
> That's not what its about.

Then what is it about?

> > For that you need to have chosen a field, after college, presumably.
>
> Nope, he's suggesting that you try that with the fields that interest you.
>
> > And, I am not the only one in race. Lots of IT majors want to intern
> > in Microsoft, but they have to be the brightest to get there. An IT
> > major cannot intern there, even if he wants to volunteer.
>
> Thats just one operation.

Most fields are like that, IMHO. If you are not the best in a field,
unlikely that best folks in your field will want to
work with you, IMHO.

. > >> I would absolutely minimize expenses and begin a savings/
investment program.
> >> I wouldn't give, donate, or tithe until I had reached a first financial goal.
> > Thanks again. But, minimize expenses can save you only certain extent.
>
> You get to save that stuff in his list.

Indeed.

> > The people who become financially independent
> > are folks who have some amount to invest.
>
> Nope, they just use other people's money.
But, that means you are financially knowledgeable enough else may end
up filing bankruptcy.

Thanks a lot again for your advice and time.- Hide quoted text -

== 3 of 10 ==
Date: Tues, Aug 28 2007 4:35 pm
From: s

On Aug 27, 8:07 pm, Shawn Hirn <s...@comcast.net> wrote:
> In article <1188186510.932556.301...@57g2000hsv.googlegroups.com>,
>
> s <s...@mailinator.com> wrote:
> > I will be completing high school in May 08 and I will be 17 then.
>
> > My interests lie in computing, management, law and biology. I realize
> > the aim in life should be to do something about one which is truly
> > passionate and where monetary compensation is fairly high.
>
> > Can someone please advise how can I reach the 6 figure salary right
> > after college in areas like Binghamton, NY where the cost of living is
> > moderate?
>
> The likelihood is, you can't. Speak to a guidance counselor at school
> and ask about setting realistic goals in your life.

Thanks for your reply. I already did that.

== 4 of 10 ==
Date: Tues, Aug 28 2007 4:37 pm
From: s

Thanks for your reply.

On Aug 27, 8:37 pm, "Lou" <lpogodajr292...@comcast.net> wrote:
> At 16, or even 17, I'd be surprised if you knew enough about the world to
> make a lifetime choice. If you have a "calling" for some field, that's one
> thing, but your interests seem fairly broad at the moment, so that doesn't
> seem to be the case.
>
> I haven't been to your neck of the woods in 20 years or more, but back then
> there was a wonderful restaurant called Pierce's. It was in Elmira, which
> as I recall is 50-60 miles from Binghamtom. I'd be surprised if the head
> chef at that establishment made only $100k annually - the head chef at a
> restaurant in my town of 30,000 makes $130,000/year and he's not yet 30.
> Educational requirements are fairly minimal - a year and a half or so at a
> good cooking school - followed by aptitude and experience.
>
> OK, you're not interested in cooking. I merely point this out as an
> example - there may be many more ways of achieving your financial goals than
> you're presently aware of. Choosing a major based on future compensation is
> basically a bet. Everyone who goes on to post-secondary education has to
> make it, but there are no guarantees, and if there's a rational way to make
> that bet, I've never heard of it.
>
> Whatever major you choose, try to get an education (not just training) while
> you're at school. And whatever you end up working at, try to leave the
> world a little better off than you found it.

Amen. I will always remember that. This post has generated useful
suggestions most folks
can use(teenagers, people out of college)

Thanks a lot for your advice and time.

> No new material below - included for reference only
>
> "s" <s...@mailinator.com> wrote in message
>
> news:1188186510.932556.301160@57g2000hsv.googlegroups.com...
>
>
>
> > I will be completing high school in May 08 and I will be 17 then.
>
> > My interests lie in computing, management, law and biology. I realize
> > the aim in life should be to do something about one which is truly
> > passionate and where monetary compensation is fairly high.
>
> > Can someone please advise how can I reach the 6 figure salary right
> > after college in areas like Binghamton, NY where the cost of living is
> > moderate?
>
> > I realize I can finish a B.S. in Computer Science in three years at
> > 20, go for a Ph.D which can be done in another 4 years, then start
> > with a six figure salary as an Assistant Professor earning 100K or
> > atleast 95K at 24 if I manage to get a tenure track position by
> > publishing sufficiently in Ph.D. The advantages are job security as I
> > plan to go for State universities, high salary of 95-100K at 24-25 in
> > a area where cost of living is reasonable. The same method can be
> > adopted if I go for a B.S. in Management, then Ph.D in the same field.
> > Or, just a B.S. in Management, working for three years for a reputed
> > company, then a Management degree from the top 10 campuses can make me
> > eligible for the 100K range at 25.
>
> > Getting a general B.S. degree, then a law degree from a good college
> > can lead me to 100K mark after finishing college.
>
> > Some have advised me, I could take the pre-req classes for medicine,
> > take the MCAT, go to medical college for a surgeon degree at about 19
> > which hopefully can be done by the time I am 26. Then, I could start
> > at 100-125K in areas like Binghamton working for a hospital.
>
> > Going for a Nursing degree(B.S.+M.S), then become a certified nursing
> > anesthetistic could enable me to start with 125K or so in an area like
> > Binghamton at the age of 25, if we consider I finish B.S.+ M.S at same
> > campus by 22, work for two years and then obtain the certificate. The
> > advantage is in this field stress seems to be less(40-50hrs/week) as
> > compared to other fields(70-80hrs/week) which start with a six figure
> > salary.
>
> > Clearly, starting one's own business, entering politics, starting a
> > real estate business etc. are far more lucrative and can enable one to
> > reach a 7 figure income before he turns 30 assuming he knows proper
> > people and works correctly, but I want to reach the 6 figure mark in
> > middle twenties in a relatively stable way and starting one's business
> > looks dicy.
>
> http://www.mymoneyblog.com/archives/2007/02/do-you-make-a-six-figure-...
>
>
>
> > seems to suggest lot of folks achieve the six figure mark and some
> > don't have a college degree, work as a truck driver, store manager for
> > a store like Walmart, Home Depot etc. Others are certified nurses
> > anesthetists, cops, etc. working for State/Fedetal/local govt.
> > clearing six figures at twenties or in the early thirties. Some are
> > valet managers and folks seem to suggest 150K is too less at
> > 31(though, it is debatable and depends on person's location etc.) Some
> > reached the six figure mark with a High School diploma and some
> > experience at 26.
>
> > I am aware that only 10% of folks reach the six figure mark in U.S.
> > according to general reports, but considering that only 30% of the
> > population have a B.S. or above, it seems 1/3rd of the folks in our
> > country who have a degree earn in six figures and average household
> > income seems about 200K in an area like Binghamton for a family in
> > twenties having both members of family working, excluding other part
> > time jobs people do(blogging, selling items on ebay, creating sites
> > etc.)
> > but looking at the thread it seems people without a degree can also
> > make it. Obviously, people having their own businesses have 7 figure
> > revenues if it pans out well, which are not considered in calculating
> > the average salary, as it is a business revenue, rather than
> > salary(sort of fixed income).
>
> > As this group has lot of folks who are experienced about many aspects
> > of life, how to be frugal in life I would sincerely appreciate any
> > advice.
>
> > I have talked to my high school advisor and was advised most folks in
> > today's age with a proper
> > degree(medicine,law,nursing,sciences,IT,pharmacy etc.) reach the six
> > figure mark before they turn 30 and I should aim for that if I am
> > indeed interested in those fields.
>
> > I hope I am not considered a mercenary. I was just trying to weigh my
> > options, to ensure I don't get into debt at a low salary.
>
> > Thanks a lot.- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

== 5 of 10 ==
Date: Tues, Aug 28 2007 4:41 pm
From: s

Thanks for your reply.
> Tell us who's going to pay for all this schooling.

Hoping on scholarships/grants for tuition and for living expenses part
time jobs/summer internships(if I manage to get)
or some loans. Atleast that is the plan for undergrad. Grad college
most people state similarly, you can get grants/scholarships etc.

>Do you plan to
> start your work life debt free? Why the need to start at the six
> figure level?

Hope to start it debt free(though I realize it is wishful thinking at
present). Need is severe financial hardships faced till now.

> I can't predict, in your case, but I can tell you that many pick a
> major and, as they mature, realize it was totally the wrong field for
> them. Unfortunately, some of them stay in the field, hating it but
> being sucked in by the rising income, plus the fear of making a change
> sets in to boot. Resolve not to do that and you'll be a happier
> person.- Hide quoted text -

Thanks for your advice and time.

== 6 of 10 ==
Date: Tues, Aug 28 2007 4:46 pm
From: s

Thanks for your reply.
> >I regret you misunderstood me.
>
> I apologise.

That is fine. We all make errors.

>I believe someone else had already advised that a "hot"
> degree now may no longer be hot by the time you graduate. So chose an
> area you have an interest in that will earn you a decent income on
> graduation. I think the current range for entry level salaries is 40k
> to 60k. For an undergraduate degree do a professional degree where
> you can always hang up a shingle and work for yourself. This gives a
> very high comfort level for whatever academic or professional pursuit
> you may wish to pursue thereafter. Its a fallback position in case
> your enthusiasm for intense academic work falters and you have only a
> bachelor's degree. A three of four year non professional degree goes
> nowhere if you don't go the PhD route.

I will keep this in mind.

> For a graduate degree chose something entirely different from your
> undergrad degree. This widens your attractiveness to a employer.
> Same for a post grad degree. Make a good choice for your undergrad
> degree first. Once in the university you will come across many highly
> qualified and highly experienced people who can give you much better
> advice than any newsgroup can. A newsgroup is perhaps useful for
> finding out if there are any real world downsides once you have made a
> choice for action. But we are not good at advising you on specifics
> to get on the road to success.
Not quite, folks in newsgroups like you have mentioned me lot more
than I have learnt from people at high school,
colleges, trusted adults. IMHO, the more people you communicate with
the more your knowledge expands. This group
has mentioned combinations I did not know(computational biology),
actual downsides of any market, how bureacracy
is present etc. In other words, people in newsgroups are not limited
in what they can state, so most of them
give unbiased advice. College officials, high schools are(as someone
pointed out). Remeber, not only have I learnt a lot
but anyone searching the web for choice of major at any point will
benefit by this thread and your valuable advice.
Thanks again for your advice and time.

== 7 of 10 ==
Date: Tues, Aug 28 2007 4:48 pm
From: s

Thanks for your reply.

On Aug 27, 11:46 pm, Logan Shaw <lshaw-use...@austin.rr.com> wrote:
> s wrote:
> >>> My interests lie in computing, management, law and biology.
> >> You're in luck. Those are all good fields. And you can combine
> >> several of them. For example, computational biology is a great
> >> field. And of course you can do patent law relating to biology
> >> or computers.
> > Thanks, I did not know about such combinations from any of the folks I
> > talked to.
>
> I only know about them because it just so happens that I got my degree
> in computer science and my sister got her degrees (plural -- if I may
> brag a moment, she just finished a Ph.D.!) in biology.
Yes, but it aided me and lots of others who will be viewing this
thread at some time.

> I don't know a ton about it, but one area is bioinformatics, which
> involves putting DNA sequences or something related into the computer
> and then some sort oing processing on them, like looking for repeated
> patterns in one sequence, comparing sequences to each other to see
> how different organisms relate, and so on. There are also a lot of
> other sub-areas of computational biology, like modeling proteins.
> Basically, biology, particularly genetics, is so complex that there
> is a ton of information involved and it just makes more sense to do
> certain things on the computer, and some things aren't practical for
> a human to do at all and pretty much have to be done on a computer.
>
> Regarding law and biology (or really, law and science in general),
> obviously you can pursue a law degree, become attorney, and practice
> patent law. But I believe you can pursue a scientific education
> (usually a Ph.D., I would think) and then become a registered patent
> agent, so that you are focused more on the technical end of the patent
> process than the legal end. Presumably you work with a patent attorney.
> You can presumably do the same thing with many scientific or even
> some engineering degrees, and that would include computer science
> (although I think software patents are mostly a bad thing, but that's
> another subject).
>
> By the way, as far as I can tell, getting a Ph.D. in computer science
> is probably a lot easier than getting one in biology. Not because
> computer science is a super-easy field, but because biology is super
> competitive with multiple people vying for every position at every
> stage of the game. On the other hand, biology usually requires less
> math and you meet more women. ;-)

Thanks again for your useful suggestions. They are indeed valuable.

== 8 of 10 ==
Date: Tues, Aug 28 2007 4:49 pm
From: s

Thanks for the reply.
>
> >>> I will be completing high school in May 08 and I will be 17 then.
> >> Go to a college and get all your basics behind you. You are JUST a
> >> child
>
> > Perhaps, I am not an adult yet, but a child at 16 seems odd to me?
>
> It's all a matter of perspective. When I was 16, I was always
> seriously annoyed when people referred to me as a child. I just
> hit 36 a few months ago, and now to me 16 seems really young. I
> think people think this way mainly because they think back on when
> *they* were 16, and it seems like a really long time ago, and then
> they think of all the stupid things they did back then, and that
> makes it seem really young. :-)
>
> > As I stated I spoke with folks in my area, high school advisors, but
> > thought few more opinions would only help. Trusted adults(I don't have
> > many) want me to mind their lawn business, work at their grocery
> > store, errand boy for them so that they don't have to hire someone.
>
> It's tricky to know whose advice to trust. A lot of people have
> preconceived notions about how things should work and about who is
> going to end up doing what. My mom's guidance counselor in high
> school set her up on the academic track that was required to be a
> homemaker because that's what was expected back then. I at one point
> in college (after I had screwed around a *lot* and racked up quite
> an array of bad grades) had an advisor tell me college is not for
> everyone and I should quit trying. Then I've also gotten some good
> advice from a number of people as well.
>
> So, it's important to take in a lot of information, but no matter
> what, you ultimately have to weigh it for yourself, and using the
> best judgment you possibly can apply, make the decision for yourself
> and not let anyone tell you what to do.

Truly, that is the reason I posted, to get unbiased opinions from
folks who have experienced life lot more than me.

Thanks again.

== 9 of 10 ==
Date: Tues, Aug 28 2007 4:52 pm
From: s

On Aug 28, 12:59 am, Logan Shaw <lshaw-use...@austin.rr.com> wrote:
> s wrote:
> >> Or if you have more modest abilities, compensate by working 80 hour weeks.
>
> > This will not work when I turn 40. Doing two jobs one person earning
> > 50K in each job can reach the 100K, but it typically seems difficult.
>
> I think he means working 80 hours/week at a job that is nominally 40
> hours/week. Even if you have nothing else to offer to a company, the
> ability to work hard is usually appreciated and sets you apart from
> your co-workers, thus leading to a promotion (provided other things
> fall into place as well) and thus more money.

I understand your point fully.

But, at 40-50 physically it is difficult to work 80hrs/week at the
same job, IMHO. That is what I wanted to state.
Thanks for clarifying.

== 10 of 10 ==
Date: Tues, Aug 28 2007 5:07 pm
From: s

Thanks for the reply.

On Aug 28, 1:48 pm, "cat" <catsandcanar...@nospammeowmeow.com> wrote:
> "s" <s...@mailinator.com> wrote in message
> > Going for a Nursing degree(B.S.+M.S), then become a certified nursing
> > anesthetistic could enable me to start with 125K or so in an area like
> > Binghamton at the age of 25, if we consider I finish B.S.+ M.S at same
> > campus by 22, work for two years and then obtain the certificate. The
> > advantage is in this field stress seems to be less(40-50hrs/week) as
> > compared to other fields(70-80hrs/week) which start with a six figure
> > salary.
>
>
> You can't come out of high school and get a BS/MS in nursing in three years.

If someone turns 17 in May 08, starts college in Aug 08, at 22 he will
have spent 5 years in college, NOT three. I never stated I could get
B.S.+M.S in three, but FIVE. And yes, I have seen dozens of average
folks do that and several college
advisors told me their college allows that.

> Most generic students who go for the BSN alone are lucky to finish in four,
> what with all the prerequisites.

Really? I know folks who after their B.S. in a field like psychology,
get a B.S. in Nursing in one year(fast track program which involves
taking summer/winter classes which are truly hectic, but possible).

>The BS/MS option is for nurses who have
> already completed diplomas or associate's degrees in nursing and have
> several years of nursing experience, or for generic students who already
> have baccalaureate degrees.
Not all colleges. If you are getting a B.S in Nursing in some
campus(just from high school), you probably can get a M.S also in same
field in the same campus after you complete B.S.

>You also can't come out of nursing school and
> go right into anesthesia school. CRNA programs are master's-level, BTW, not
> certificates, and they all require experience in emergency room or intensive
> care nursing prior to application.

I mentioned 2 years of work is required and that is what I intended by
work(though I did not clarify it)

> Admissions are highly competitive, and
> students are strongly discouraged from working while they go to school due
> to the intensity of the programs, so even with the stipend that some
> programs offer, financial stability is crucial.

World is competitive and these fields are no different. Most M.S
students seem to work during their M.S. as a Teaching Assistant/
Reaearch Assistant though their field is also competitive.

> And anyone who thinks nursing is a low-stress job is truly either a troll or
> a complete moron.

No job is stress free. Low stress is relative. I was referring their
job is 60-70 not 80-90 as investment bankers/surgeons, though it
depends on your employer a lot. Your advice might be useful for
someone who might have no idea about nursing.
http://www.mymoneyblog.com/archives/2007/02/do-you-make-a-six-figure-salary-share-your-story.html
mentions someone
who who mentions that degree is useful in terms of cost/benefit. That
is what I was partly referring to. I regret you misunderstood me. But,
anyway thanks for your time.

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