There's something a little bit more stomachable with Lenten resolutions vs. New Year's. A mere 40 days doesn't have the permanency that a year does. Easter is just right around the corner, and then you can indulge until next year. That's what Jesus taught us, right?
At any rate, here are three things I would like to focus on this Lent:
1) No chocolate for 40 days. Yes, it's going to be hard. But I feel like chocolate is keeping me in this mini-plateau that I've been battling for the past couple weeks. I'm losing weight still, but slooooowly. Not snacking in the candy bowl should help with that. And what better way to see me out than homemade eclairs from Brooke & Craig? Mmmm.
2) No credit card purchases, except for emergencies. Hopefully no emergencies arise. I just paid off one credit card with my tax return and am hoping to make dents in others this year. I am sticking within my budget, or bust!
3) Doing one nice thing a day. It's important to remember that Lent isn't just focusing on the negative. If you're Christian, it's about reflecting on what Christ did for us. My version of Christ is the ever-loving, tolerant one. So in that spirit, I'd like to do something nice for either friends or strangers every day during Lent. Whether it's sending a gift or leaving a Facebook comment or just a smile on the street, it never hurts to act kindly.
What are you doing for Lent this year?
Showing posts with label fundage. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fundage. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Friday, August 7, 2009
WTFWisconsin: Intermodal Insanity
The letter I just sent to Amtrak:
I need to be reimbursed for the $9 surcharge I had to pay on the Amtrak Hiawatha Line from Milwaukee to Chicago at 8 am on Friday, August 7.
Let me start out by saying that I love Amtrak. I am always in favor of the system getting additional funding and would love to see the US invest in a european style rail network. Unfortunately, my experience this morning more closely resembled the organization of train travel in India (translate ridiculous) versus an efficient system.
I arrived at the Milwaukee Intermodal Station with 20 minutes to get my ticket to Chicago. This is usually plenty of time. I walked inside to find three HUGE lines. One was expected--the line to board the train. Another was somewhat expected--the line for the staffed ticket counter. The third was mindblowingly unexplainable--the one to use the automatic ticket kiosks. Then it was explained two-fold, both reasons that were completely avoidable. Two simple solutions that could have prevented Amtrak from severely angering dozens of customers as well as inconveniencing it's own onboard staff.
I misspoke when I said kiosks, plural. For some ungodly reason there is only ONE automatic ticket kiosk for the 2nd busiest train line in the United States. This seems woefully inadequate. To make matters worse, those passengers who had the foresight to purchase tickets online in advance were required to stand in this line as well. How in any universe does this make sense?
To make matters worse, the ticketing staff did not assist in reassuring the growing, and increasingly disgruntled, crowds that everyone would get on the train. Much later, the conductor (lecturing those of us who purchased onboard) said that he held the train two extra minutes for the lines to clear. I'm certain it would have been longer of several of us had not decided to purchase on board versus risk missing the train. The fact that delaying the train was even feasible was NEVER communicated to us. In fact it was another PASSENGER who pointed out you could buy onboard.
I don't think I should be charged extra for Amtrak's faulty ticketing logistics. I have learned a lesson about arriving earlier, but moreso I hope Amtrak learns a lesson about adding kiosks and true e-ticketing.
Luckily I have plans to take Megabus back on Sunday. I only have to show them a confirmation number from their website.
I need to be reimbursed for the $9 surcharge I had to pay on the Amtrak Hiawatha Line from Milwaukee to Chicago at 8 am on Friday, August 7.
Let me start out by saying that I love Amtrak. I am always in favor of the system getting additional funding and would love to see the US invest in a european style rail network. Unfortunately, my experience this morning more closely resembled the organization of train travel in India (translate ridiculous) versus an efficient system.
I arrived at the Milwaukee Intermodal Station with 20 minutes to get my ticket to Chicago. This is usually plenty of time. I walked inside to find three HUGE lines. One was expected--the line to board the train. Another was somewhat expected--the line for the staffed ticket counter. The third was mindblowingly unexplainable--the one to use the automatic ticket kiosks. Then it was explained two-fold, both reasons that were completely avoidable. Two simple solutions that could have prevented Amtrak from severely angering dozens of customers as well as inconveniencing it's own onboard staff.
I misspoke when I said kiosks, plural. For some ungodly reason there is only ONE automatic ticket kiosk for the 2nd busiest train line in the United States. This seems woefully inadequate. To make matters worse, those passengers who had the foresight to purchase tickets online in advance were required to stand in this line as well. How in any universe does this make sense?
To make matters worse, the ticketing staff did not assist in reassuring the growing, and increasingly disgruntled, crowds that everyone would get on the train. Much later, the conductor (lecturing those of us who purchased onboard) said that he held the train two extra minutes for the lines to clear. I'm certain it would have been longer of several of us had not decided to purchase on board versus risk missing the train. The fact that delaying the train was even feasible was NEVER communicated to us. In fact it was another PASSENGER who pointed out you could buy onboard.
I don't think I should be charged extra for Amtrak's faulty ticketing logistics. I have learned a lesson about arriving earlier, but moreso I hope Amtrak learns a lesson about adding kiosks and true e-ticketing.
Luckily I have plans to take Megabus back on Sunday. I only have to show them a confirmation number from their website.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
thankful tuesdays: film forging ahead
Awhile back I posted my frustration with Wisconsin film incentives being cut from the proposed budget. I'm happy to report that the movement is forging ahead to reinstate them, but your voice still needs to be heard.
In addition to joining the Facebook cause, writing your politicians, and signing an online petition, if you have time during the day (nothing frustrates me more than "public" meetings during business hours!!!) you can attend an info session Wednesday, March 25 to give your input.
Today the Milwaukee Business Journal reports that "The co-chair of the Wisconsin Legislature's Joint Finance Committee has told WisPolitics.com that there is enough support among committee members to keep tax credit incentives for the film industry in the state budget." Thank you State Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Madison) for the hope!
And yesterday JSOnline mentioned Wisconsin actors are stepping up to the plate on the incentive. Thank you Jane Kaczmarek, Bradley Whitford and Tony Shaloub!
More good news in the Wisconsin Film world is that Milwaukee Film has finally set dates for when it is bringing film festival back to Milwaukee. Mark your calendars for September 24-October 4, 2009.
Even cooler, you can become a member of the Founder's Club by donating a measly $100. In the words of Milwaukee Film:
In addition to joining the Facebook cause, writing your politicians, and signing an online petition, if you have time during the day (nothing frustrates me more than "public" meetings during business hours!!!) you can attend an info session Wednesday, March 25 to give your input.
Today the Milwaukee Business Journal reports that "The co-chair of the Wisconsin Legislature's Joint Finance Committee has told WisPolitics.com that there is enough support among committee members to keep tax credit incentives for the film industry in the state budget." Thank you State Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Madison) for the hope!
And yesterday JSOnline mentioned Wisconsin actors are stepping up to the plate on the incentive. Thank you Jane Kaczmarek, Bradley Whitford and Tony Shaloub!
More good news in the Wisconsin Film world is that Milwaukee Film has finally set dates for when it is bringing film festival back to Milwaukee. Mark your calendars for September 24-October 4, 2009.
Even cooler, you can become a member of the Founder's Club by donating a measly $100. In the words of Milwaukee Film:
Since our first event last October, we’ve been hearing how excited everyone is to see the return of a major international film festival to Milwaukee. People have told us how much this event means to them, and often asked, “How can I help?” The Milwaukee Film Founders’ Club is here for just that. By donating, you are doing your part to ensure that the festival you love thrives.I was lucky enough to jump on the offer and will be attending an upcoming Monday Night at the Movies. It took about two seconds to "found," so get clicking!
Please consider becoming part of the Milwaukee Film Founders' Club by donating $100 to support us at this important start-up time. Your Founders' Club membership will bring you …This is a critical phase for our organization. As a start-up during a tough economic climate for everyone, fund-raising beyond corporate and foundation support is a pressing necessity, especially since ticket sales don’t cover all of our costs. In fact, if we only relied on ticket sales, each seat at the festival would cost upwards of $25.
- A cool, limited-edition, eco-friendly Milwaukee Film T-shirt. Our designs are by artists who are known nationally but work locally.
- Drawings exclusive to Founders’ Club members -- including festival tickets and fun items from our partners -- throughout our founding year.
- Special recognition in the film festival program book, including your name on our Founders’ Club “Wall of Fame.”
- In addition, the first five people to make cash donations will each receive a pair of tickets to the “Monday Night at the Movies” film of their choice, so act now!
To support the inaugural Milwaukee Film Festival, please click here. The form you find will also give you the opportunity to volunteer, share your thoughts about our organization, or participate in other ways.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
classic meghan story: my top 3 lockouts
#1. Tuesday, November 25, 2003 - Brixton, London, England
I'd spent four glorious days and nights in London and was off for a three-day jaunt through South Wales. The evening before I'd spoken with my Welsh friend, Klem, and made arrangements to meet him in the early evening and to meet his friend, Amy, for a tour of Bath in the afternoon where I could switch trains. I was then to meet Klem and a gaggle of Welsh hippies and journey to a hippie commune and stay in a yurt. Unfortunately the night before my London host, John the Scottish Bastard, had decided to pull out all the stops on our budding affair and I became a complete brainless idiot when leaving the flat in the morning. I forgot to do a full check of my belongings (like a wallet), before walking out of the self-locking door.
Here's the actual journal entry scribbled on the last train to Brigend that evening, after just passing Bristol:
#2. Wednesday, April 25, 2007 - Brewers Hill, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Frantically trying to get my laundry done so I could pack for my big trip to Coachella Music & Arts Festival the next evening, my mind was going about 15 different directions. I took a shower and just threw on my robe to go grab my last load out, well after midnight. I'd been waiting for the critical socks and underwear supply to finish so I could go to bed. My roommate, Maribeth, was over at her boyfriend's house that night, so I had the music blaring and could walk around in my robe unawkwardly. Since it was so late I decided no one else in my building would see me if I scooted across the hall in the robe either.
Well I didn't account for the fact that I failed to check the lock on our self-locking door and dropped my laundry basket in horror as the handle refused to turn. Yeah, I was pretty much naked in the hallway. Luckily I had some shorts and a tiny tank top mixed in with the sock load and changed in the laundry room, keeping the robe on as cover. I wandered to our lobby and waited for the first person to pass. Of course my phone and everything was in the apartment. Regardless, I knew no one's number by heart except that of my boyfriend at the time, Phil. I only knew the area code on Mar's number and that wasn't going to do me any good. Some poor guy getting home late lent me his cell and I called Phil, who miraculously picked up. He took a cab over (he didn't have a car either) and we went to his house. I called work and scheduled a couple hours of personal time in the morning.
I walked home the next morning in a hodgepodge of Phil's clothes and his boots. The plan was to wait for the office to open at 8:30 or hope that Maribeth stopped home before then. I got in the building when someone was leaving for work and camped out in front of our door, with my forgotten laundry, listening to my alarm clock beeping on the other side of the wall. Mar sympathetically shook her head and let me back in when she arrived around 7:30. I hastily packed and hauled ass to work to get something done before my early evening flight. I ran home at 4:30, grabbed my bags and went with my friend Keiker to the airport. Flew to Minneapolis and was boarding the flight to LA listenening to guys behind me talk about Coachella when it hit me. The thought was like the movie zoom-in, with DA DUM DA in my head. MY TICKETS!! On my bulletin board in my bedroom. Called Maribeth before take off and had her FedEx them to the condo we were staying at. Had to buy a scalper ticket for Friday because it was too late to get overnight. $80 for the scalper ticket and then $60 for the FedEx. One expensive lockout, or so I have always believed, until...
#3. Friday, February 20, 2009 - Downtown, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
I'd spent the whole evening cleaning and primping in anticipation. I was meeting friends at the MAM After Dark / Cedar Block event, and one particular friend I was particularly looking forward to seeing. So focused on not having my apartment like a craphole I lugged three bags of garbage and two boxes to recycle out the self-locking backdoor and slammed it shut. Damn I looked fabulous locked out this time. Again without a phone or cash.
My helpful neighbor tried to get the apartment manager's number for me, but it didn't work. I tried getting in my front door, but no luck. Luckily my friend Mandi was waiting for me at Buckley's and we called her friend to get a locksmith number. The turnaround time was less than half hour for someone to come out, but $180 later (and only $80 allowed to put on my credit card, they were real shady about being paid in cash -- later Googling shows that Dependable Locks is one big scam. DAMMIT) I finally got back into my apartment.
My "A" game was gone by the time I got the museum, but ended up having a fabulous weekend anyway -- and a great conversation piece to carry me through.
Lessons learned: Self-locking doors are evil, boys are distracting and give your friends a spare key.
I'd spent four glorious days and nights in London and was off for a three-day jaunt through South Wales. The evening before I'd spoken with my Welsh friend, Klem, and made arrangements to meet him in the early evening and to meet his friend, Amy, for a tour of Bath in the afternoon where I could switch trains. I was then to meet Klem and a gaggle of Welsh hippies and journey to a hippie commune and stay in a yurt. Unfortunately the night before my London host, John the Scottish Bastard, had decided to pull out all the stops on our budding affair and I became a complete brainless idiot when leaving the flat in the morning. I forgot to do a full check of my belongings (like a wallet), before walking out of the self-locking door.
Here's the actual journal entry scribbled on the last train to Brigend that evening, after just passing Bristol:
Absolute nightmare of a day, I suppose to offset the wonderfulness of last night [Editor's Note: BARF!]. Am presently en route to Brigend, was supposed to have arrived an hour and a half ago after spending the day in Bath. Due to locking wallet in flat on way to train station, spent morning walking to London as didn't have more than £4 in pocket and feared getting back. More on that later...Apparently I was also too twitterpated at the time to describe the eight miles of South London I experienced. As I recall, it was basically like walking through the World Showcase at Epcot Center, except I don't remember any Canadians.
[Editor's Note: No one ever needs to read the sappy romance novel description of my evening in London that is described in between these passages]
...Guess my head was too in the clouds this morning because I locked my wallet, as mentioned earlier. Walked nearly 8 miles, but was not sure if wallet was in flat or fell out of pocket. [Editor's Note: it was in the flat. I walked to retrieve the keys from John at work. He was in a meeting when I'd spent some of my spare change on a phone call.] Then had to return keys back to Tower Place before heading to Paddington to get first train out. Hope much that Klem got voicemails. If not, hope mood is not pissed off when I arrive 2 1/2 hours late. Also -- hope someone is there.
...Arrived in Brigend on a dark, rainy night Tuesday night. Slowly the few travelers from my train found their rides and I stood hopeful and anxious looking for any signs of my companions. After about 1/2 an hour of being asked if I needed a taxi, I called Klem, who thought that was the original plan. He instructed me to take a cab to a pub called The Pelican in Ogmore-by-Sea. The driver told me "My missus was born there" and pointed out some local features that were enveloped in darkness as we pased. The "village" or wherever I was dropped off was this pub and a couple odd cottages scattered about. Save for the electric lighting and cars in the carpark, I wouldn't have thought I was still in this century. Walked inside weighted down by my large red backpack. No sign of Klem. Decided to grab a pint while I waited. Asked if they had a phone. Of course not. The elfin bartender offered me the use of his mobile, but I passed for the meantime and opted for a Guinness. Klem arrived as the head on my beer settled. He got a pint and we grabbed a table and caught up for a bit. I felt terrible because he had gone to the station at 4 and I was discovering to get to town was no easy feat...I ended up staying with Klem's family instead of at the commune, which worked out just fine. True I'll never be able to stay that I slept in a yurt in the Welsh countryside, but not many people can stay they slept in a 400-year-old farmhouse with warming stones placed in their antique sofa bed.
#2. Wednesday, April 25, 2007 - Brewers Hill, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Frantically trying to get my laundry done so I could pack for my big trip to Coachella Music & Arts Festival the next evening, my mind was going about 15 different directions. I took a shower and just threw on my robe to go grab my last load out, well after midnight. I'd been waiting for the critical socks and underwear supply to finish so I could go to bed. My roommate, Maribeth, was over at her boyfriend's house that night, so I had the music blaring and could walk around in my robe unawkwardly. Since it was so late I decided no one else in my building would see me if I scooted across the hall in the robe either.
Well I didn't account for the fact that I failed to check the lock on our self-locking door and dropped my laundry basket in horror as the handle refused to turn. Yeah, I was pretty much naked in the hallway. Luckily I had some shorts and a tiny tank top mixed in with the sock load and changed in the laundry room, keeping the robe on as cover. I wandered to our lobby and waited for the first person to pass. Of course my phone and everything was in the apartment. Regardless, I knew no one's number by heart except that of my boyfriend at the time, Phil. I only knew the area code on Mar's number and that wasn't going to do me any good. Some poor guy getting home late lent me his cell and I called Phil, who miraculously picked up. He took a cab over (he didn't have a car either) and we went to his house. I called work and scheduled a couple hours of personal time in the morning.
I walked home the next morning in a hodgepodge of Phil's clothes and his boots. The plan was to wait for the office to open at 8:30 or hope that Maribeth stopped home before then. I got in the building when someone was leaving for work and camped out in front of our door, with my forgotten laundry, listening to my alarm clock beeping on the other side of the wall. Mar sympathetically shook her head and let me back in when she arrived around 7:30. I hastily packed and hauled ass to work to get something done before my early evening flight. I ran home at 4:30, grabbed my bags and went with my friend Keiker to the airport. Flew to Minneapolis and was boarding the flight to LA listenening to guys behind me talk about Coachella when it hit me. The thought was like the movie zoom-in, with DA DUM DA in my head. MY TICKETS!! On my bulletin board in my bedroom. Called Maribeth before take off and had her FedEx them to the condo we were staying at. Had to buy a scalper ticket for Friday because it was too late to get overnight. $80 for the scalper ticket and then $60 for the FedEx. One expensive lockout, or so I have always believed, until...
#3. Friday, February 20, 2009 - Downtown, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
I'd spent the whole evening cleaning and primping in anticipation. I was meeting friends at the MAM After Dark / Cedar Block event, and one particular friend I was particularly looking forward to seeing. So focused on not having my apartment like a craphole I lugged three bags of garbage and two boxes to recycle out the self-locking backdoor and slammed it shut. Damn I looked fabulous locked out this time. Again without a phone or cash.
My helpful neighbor tried to get the apartment manager's number for me, but it didn't work. I tried getting in my front door, but no luck. Luckily my friend Mandi was waiting for me at Buckley's and we called her friend to get a locksmith number. The turnaround time was less than half hour for someone to come out, but $180 later (and only $80 allowed to put on my credit card, they were real shady about being paid in cash -- later Googling shows that Dependable Locks is one big scam. DAMMIT) I finally got back into my apartment.
My "A" game was gone by the time I got the museum, but ended up having a fabulous weekend anyway -- and a great conversation piece to carry me through.
Lessons learned: Self-locking doors are evil, boys are distracting and give your friends a spare key.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
tax time
I did my taxes today and was pretty pleased with the outcome.
I can pay off two of my smaller credit cards with my return. You may recall my Meghanomics theory devised toward the end of '08. My goal is to decrease my overall debt by 40% in 2009. We'll see how close I come. If I end up skimping anywhere it's going to be on the student loan. I always hit my minimum there, but it's not too bad of interest if I don't pay off more.
I can pay off two of my smaller credit cards with my return. You may recall my Meghanomics theory devised toward the end of '08. My goal is to decrease my overall debt by 40% in 2009. We'll see how close I come. If I end up skimping anywhere it's going to be on the student loan. I always hit my minimum there, but it's not too bad of interest if I don't pay off more.
Friday, December 12, 2008
don't forget! give to wmse today!
Have you given to WMSE yet? I just donated again to help them reach their goal of $12,000 for the day. Imagine if 1,000 listeners gave just $12?
This morning's pledge-a-thon started at 6 AM and will last until 6 PM (central). You can call - (414) 799-1917 or just donate online (super easy) at wmse.org.
As I said last week, if the Obama win taught us anything it's that small amounts DO matter and they DO add up.
Please donate and help keep great radio on the airwaves in Milwaukee.
This morning's pledge-a-thon started at 6 AM and will last until 6 PM (central). You can call - (414) 799-1917 or just donate online (super easy) at wmse.org.
As I said last week, if the Obama win taught us anything it's that small amounts DO matter and they DO add up.
Please donate and help keep great radio on the airwaves in Milwaukee.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
meghanomics
Like most twentysomethings, I'm in a hell of a pickle. I graduated from college in a crappy economy and took five and a half years to find an appropriately compensating job. Having to pay student loans six months out of school (and only two months after starting a full time job, not for lack of trying), I was seduced by credit cards as a supplement to my income and got deeper and deeper into the game. Honestly, if Congress wants an easy fix to easing the credit crisis, they should give new grads a year instead of six months to start paying back.
Today I had some positive financial news and decided to rededicate myself to beginning the serious commitment to getting out of debt. I tried to figure this out a few months back using the debt snowball calculator, which is by all means handy, but showing all that accrued interest is psychologically cloying. Playing around with the numbers to make the journey a little more palatable (and to allow myself some money to live with while I'm working on this goal), I came up with a "Meghanomics" approach.
This will take four years to do, but with only one real "crunch year." By year two the money I used to throw on my credit card will come directly from my bank account and by year three I can start saving. By year four I'll have half a downpayment saved, which I'll be able to round out in the "debt-free" year five.
The method that I am using it to start with paying off 40% of my existing debt in Year 1. Instead of using the "one credit card at at time" approach, I'm paying off 40% across the board. Yes I realize I'll be more screwed on interest this way, but psychologically it looks like I'm making a bigger dent.
In Year 2 I pay off 50% and Year 3 60%. By year 4 I can pay off the balance in one fell swoop.
Granted there are factors I'm not adding in at this point, like the possibility of going back to school (likely) or co-habitating/getting hitched (highly unlikely).
I will need the help of my friends to make this happen, in particular Year 1, but I'm confident it will. This is the best hare-brained scheme I've come up with yet. As with the other challenges I've self-issued for next year, I will use this blog as a forum to explore my achievements and failures.
Here are a couple of ways I've thought of to get through the arduous Year 1. Please leave your suggestions in the comments.
Today I had some positive financial news and decided to rededicate myself to beginning the serious commitment to getting out of debt. I tried to figure this out a few months back using the debt snowball calculator, which is by all means handy, but showing all that accrued interest is psychologically cloying. Playing around with the numbers to make the journey a little more palatable (and to allow myself some money to live with while I'm working on this goal), I came up with a "Meghanomics" approach.
This will take four years to do, but with only one real "crunch year." By year two the money I used to throw on my credit card will come directly from my bank account and by year three I can start saving. By year four I'll have half a downpayment saved, which I'll be able to round out in the "debt-free" year five.
The method that I am using it to start with paying off 40% of my existing debt in Year 1. Instead of using the "one credit card at at time" approach, I'm paying off 40% across the board. Yes I realize I'll be more screwed on interest this way, but psychologically it looks like I'm making a bigger dent.
In Year 2 I pay off 50% and Year 3 60%. By year 4 I can pay off the balance in one fell swoop.
Granted there are factors I'm not adding in at this point, like the possibility of going back to school (likely) or co-habitating/getting hitched (highly unlikely).
I will need the help of my friends to make this happen, in particular Year 1, but I'm confident it will. This is the best hare-brained scheme I've come up with yet. As with the other challenges I've self-issued for next year, I will use this blog as a forum to explore my achievements and failures.
Here are a couple of ways I've thought of to get through the arduous Year 1. Please leave your suggestions in the comments.
- Give myself a "per diem." After expenses, divide each paycheck by 14. That's how much I get to spend each day. I can "carry over," but at the end of the cycle the money goes into a "fun" money savings pot.
- Limit travel. For crying out loud, I'm going to India to start off the year, I think that will hold me over. The only other trips I HAVE to take are to Portland for Christmas '09 and to the Bay Area for an undermined wedding (thanks to Homeland Security). I would like to get to Phoenix, New York and D.C. to visit friends, and if airfares do drop to Europe it will be hard to wait, but I can hold out. I am happy to become a tourist in my own city and state. Lots more blog posts about Wisconsin's wonders!
- Eat healthier, work out more. For some folks this gets expensive, but for me, I've already paid for half my CSA for 2009, which will certainly feed me for the summer and beyond. By combining smart dietary habits with a consistent workout routine, I'll be able to fit into my old wardrobe, which will prevent me from shopping!
- Be social, but be conscious. I am not going to give up my active life because I don't want to waste money. I need to learn to have one cocktail and switch to water. Skip out on food, or just order soup or salad.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
penny pinching: getting my proper refund from fedex kinkos
Tonight I stopped by FedEx Kinkos Office Whatever It's Called as I had to FedEx some documents (including my visa app for India!) and make a quick copy of them first.
I used the copy machine nearest to the "office center" or whatever. I hit "black & white" and made two copies. As you know, you have to insert your credit card (or get one of their cards, but their machine was Out of Order). I was shocked that it cost me $1.04 to make the two copies. I hadn't been to a Kinkos to make plain old copies in a very long time, so I assumed that the inflation monster had gotten the best of them. Keep in mind there was no price listing on the machine itself.
When I went to go ship my packet, I mentioned to the guy "wow, the price of copies has really skyrocketed." He asked which machine I used and I pointed. "Well that's our docucolor copier." I explained that I only made B&W copies and had hit that specifically. He sort of shrugged. I asked "Is there any way that you can refund my money to what the correct amount should be? Seeing as there's not a sign on there saying that it costs more." He shrugged again.
That's when the Consumerist starting floating around in my head, I really need a "What Would the Consumerist Do?" bracelet. I was like "That really sucks, I'm probably going to call and register a complaint unless your manager maybe can do something?" A couple seconds later his tune changed. "Did you pay by credit card?" he asked. I nodded and handed it over. He disappeared and came back shortly with a receipt showing a refund and then the correct amount of 18 cents. I thanked him kindly, but apparently he must've been afraid of me at this point because another CSR helped me ship my packages.
Anyway, lesson learned to be very careful what machines you use at Kinkos and if you're not sure, ask the price before hitting the green button.
Score
Meghan: 82 cents!
I used the copy machine nearest to the "office center" or whatever. I hit "black & white" and made two copies. As you know, you have to insert your credit card (or get one of their cards, but their machine was Out of Order). I was shocked that it cost me $1.04 to make the two copies. I hadn't been to a Kinkos to make plain old copies in a very long time, so I assumed that the inflation monster had gotten the best of them. Keep in mind there was no price listing on the machine itself.
When I went to go ship my packet, I mentioned to the guy "wow, the price of copies has really skyrocketed." He asked which machine I used and I pointed. "Well that's our docucolor copier." I explained that I only made B&W copies and had hit that specifically. He sort of shrugged. I asked "Is there any way that you can refund my money to what the correct amount should be? Seeing as there's not a sign on there saying that it costs more." He shrugged again.
That's when the Consumerist starting floating around in my head, I really need a "What Would the Consumerist Do?" bracelet. I was like "That really sucks, I'm probably going to call and register a complaint unless your manager maybe can do something?" A couple seconds later his tune changed. "Did you pay by credit card?" he asked. I nodded and handed it over. He disappeared and came back shortly with a receipt showing a refund and then the correct amount of 18 cents. I thanked him kindly, but apparently he must've been afraid of me at this point because another CSR helped me ship my packages.
Anyway, lesson learned to be very careful what machines you use at Kinkos and if you're not sure, ask the price before hitting the green button.
Score
Meghan: 82 cents!
Saturday, November 15, 2008
daily inspiration: paying it forward
Yesterday I got the best email, completely out of the blue.
Let's rewind the clock shall we? Well over a year ago (September 7, 2007 to be exact, always good to have an event to recall the date...in this case it was the Cedar Block Weird Science event.), my friend's sister was in town from San Francisco with her girlfriend. As I remember, they'd both just graduated from college and were in that career search mode.
That was still when I was miserable at my former job and at the time considering my options for a westward move to the Bay Area. After seeing plenty of jobs come across the Young Non-Profit Professionals Network-Milwaukee Chapter listserv, I joined the San Francisco YNPN list as well. Even after I found my wonderful current job, I remained on the list, because I find it interesting to see what's going on in the sector in other cities (yeah, I'm a nerd).
Anyway, some months after the science fair I saw a job come across the SF listserv that sounded perfect for my friend's sister's girlfriend (FSGF) (who did not see Ferris pass out at 31 flavors last night), based on the brief conversation we'd had that evening. I forwarded to my friend to pass along. I think a few months later he'd mentioned that she had been interviewing, but that was the last I'd heard of it, until yesterday.
Yesterday I got the best email, completely out of the blue.
It was from FSGF thanking me for pointing her in the direction of that job. Some highlights...
You can't create change by remaining in your own little world.
So, to FSGF, you're welcome. It was my pleasure to send it along. And if it took two minutes for me to read an email, forward it and write a quick note as to why I was doing so, in order for you to have an "amazing step in your career." Those two minutes were totally worth it. Plus, it sounds like you're working for an incredible organization. Best of luck!
Let's rewind the clock shall we? Well over a year ago (September 7, 2007 to be exact, always good to have an event to recall the date...in this case it was the Cedar Block Weird Science event.), my friend's sister was in town from San Francisco with her girlfriend. As I remember, they'd both just graduated from college and were in that career search mode.
That was still when I was miserable at my former job and at the time considering my options for a westward move to the Bay Area. After seeing plenty of jobs come across the Young Non-Profit Professionals Network-Milwaukee Chapter listserv, I joined the San Francisco YNPN list as well. Even after I found my wonderful current job, I remained on the list, because I find it interesting to see what's going on in the sector in other cities (yeah, I'm a nerd).
Anyway, some months after the science fair I saw a job come across the SF listserv that sounded perfect for my friend's sister's girlfriend (FSGF) (who did not see Ferris pass out at 31 flavors last night), based on the brief conversation we'd had that evening. I forwarded to my friend to pass along. I think a few months later he'd mentioned that she had been interviewing, but that was the last I'd heard of it, until yesterday.
Yesterday I got the best email, completely out of the blue.
It was from FSGF thanking me for pointing her in the direction of that job. Some highlights...
...I wanted to let you know that when you passed along that job description i decided to apply for it and after 2 months of interviews i finally got it. i've been working there ever since july of this year and it's been the most amazing step in my career...The email seriously made my month. Being the type of person who is always trying to make connections, I was totally happy to have passed that job along through the grapevine. If someone talks to me about something they are passionate about and I run into something that fits that passion down the line, even if I only met them briefly, I want to make that connection. Why? Because I'd want someone to do that for me....the funny thing is, before you had sent that job posting i had already heard of [the organization] and i had just finished up going to one of their coach trainings. after the training ended, the two trainers asked me if i was interested in possibly working with them to do trainings. that was an entirely different job opportunity but once you passed along the other job description i was so intrigued and it ended up being the dream job for me.i had to write you and thank you for being so thoughtful to pass that along. i can't imagine not having found this job!!!!
You can't create change by remaining in your own little world.
So, to FSGF, you're welcome. It was my pleasure to send it along. And if it took two minutes for me to read an email, forward it and write a quick note as to why I was doing so, in order for you to have an "amazing step in your career." Those two minutes were totally worth it. Plus, it sounds like you're working for an incredible organization. Best of luck!
****
Today, I got another great email as well. I need to not check my inbox without a ball of tissues.
This one was from my mom who learned how to read blogs this year (and use gmail and I think reader -- good job Mom!). She's been reading mine this week and all of my consternation about finding money to cover my shots.
Well, let's just say my HMOm is covering what my HMO isn't -- 80% of the cost.
I could not be more grateful. Or humbled.
She said it was because I never ask for money, I always try to find a way to make it work. This is true and this is why I'm in credit card debt, while I know a few other people my age who just go to the Bank of Mom & Dad.
Apparently the money came from the "Grampy" fund. So thanks to my crotchety late grandfather, who I think may have gone to India during WWII. He went to China, but maybe India too? Regardless, I'm sure the army paid for his immunizations.
At any rate, HMOm insured her way into a good nursing home one day. Or at least insured that her daughter will not bring some tropical disease to the dinner table when she visits in 2009.
This one was from my mom who learned how to read blogs this year (and use gmail and I think reader -- good job Mom!). She's been reading mine this week and all of my consternation about finding money to cover my shots.
Well, let's just say my HMOm is covering what my HMO isn't -- 80% of the cost.
I could not be more grateful. Or humbled.
She said it was because I never ask for money, I always try to find a way to make it work. This is true and this is why I'm in credit card debt, while I know a few other people my age who just go to the Bank of Mom & Dad.
Apparently the money came from the "Grampy" fund. So thanks to my crotchety late grandfather, who I think may have gone to India during WWII. He went to China, but maybe India too? Regardless, I'm sure the army paid for his immunizations.
At any rate, HMOm insured her way into a good nursing home one day. Or at least insured that her daughter will not bring some tropical disease to the dinner table when she visits in 2009.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
humana really is run by satan
I know it was a villain in Sicko, but wow, they really are terrible.
I found out my travel companion's insurance covers 80% of his vaccinations.
Grrr.
I found out my travel companion's insurance covers 80% of his vaccinations.
Grrr.
$583
That's how much it's going to cost me to get one polio shot and three Hep A/B combo shots before January 1 for my trip to India.
Why so much? Because my health insurance, Humana (aka Satan), won't cover a dime if the REASON for immunizations is for foreign travels.
Seriously, what is the point of having health insurance?
Oh and of course they won't cover anything that would happen to me over there.
Luckily I found travel insurance for $77. And then I get to spend $93 on a Visa.
I just have to remind myself that this will be the trip of a lifetime, even though it's seemingly putting me in more and more debt. Gah.
Why so much? Because my health insurance, Humana (aka Satan), won't cover a dime if the REASON for immunizations is for foreign travels.
Seriously, what is the point of having health insurance?
Oh and of course they won't cover anything that would happen to me over there.
Luckily I found travel insurance for $77. And then I get to spend $93 on a Visa.
I just have to remind myself that this will be the trip of a lifetime, even though it's seemingly putting me in more and more debt. Gah.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
financial plan of the week
Trying a new spending strategy this pay period. Tested it last one and it's coming together. Here's the scoop:
I budget out what I owe each paycheck to my standing bills, then any payments to friends or organizations that I need to get during that pay period, then I figure out the number that I have left for me for the next two weeks (i.e. $150). I then divide that number in four: week 1, weekend 1, week 2, weekend 2. I allow myself the quartered amount for that time period.
This time around in the experiment I am trying to then take the extra money not spent and store it away to start a Savings Account.
The only thing new going on my credit card is expenses that are out of the budget realm: wedding and milestone birthday gifts and necessary travel-related expenses.
I budget out what I owe each paycheck to my standing bills, then any payments to friends or organizations that I need to get during that pay period, then I figure out the number that I have left for me for the next two weeks (i.e. $150). I then divide that number in four: week 1, weekend 1, week 2, weekend 2. I allow myself the quartered amount for that time period.
This time around in the experiment I am trying to then take the extra money not spent and store it away to start a Savings Account.
The only thing new going on my credit card is expenses that are out of the budget realm: wedding and milestone birthday gifts and necessary travel-related expenses.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
where is my discipline?
Once upon a time I was an extremely disciplined person. I ate a spartan lunch of a Tina burrito and a yogurt. Not the healthiest option, but it helped me lose 60 lbs and save on my weekly expenses. I also was much more motivated to save money during that time. I set goals like "save $500 for your trip to England" and would put money in an envelope every week until I had saved far beyond the initial amount and didn't even spend it all in the UK.
The past three years have been challenging, though the last year I've been back on the upswing. Still I can't get my discipline back. I've transferred some of that energy to biking and the gym (although the latter has been waning as of late), but I need to reapply it to food and finances.
I just watched this video detailing the "envelope system" of saving and I hope to replicate starting with my next paycheck. It's good advice, if you can get past the yokel accent.
Does anyone else out there have any tips? Especially for getting back on track?
The past three years have been challenging, though the last year I've been back on the upswing. Still I can't get my discipline back. I've transferred some of that energy to biking and the gym (although the latter has been waning as of late), but I need to reapply it to food and finances.
I just watched this video detailing the "envelope system" of saving and I hope to replicate starting with my next paycheck. It's good advice, if you can get past the yokel accent.
Does anyone else out there have any tips? Especially for getting back on track?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)