The main indulgence, however, was college for three kids. We paid for them to go where they got in and wanted to go and didn't insist on an in-state ROI discussions and all that. One kid got into UW honors college and wound up going to the most expensive school of her choices. That has entailed sacrifice. In one case, did it benefit the kid really? No, I don't think so. In another, it was clearly a good investment. And I think in this last one, it will prove to have been, but that story isn't entirely yet written.
I have drawn the line. The oldest came out talking about law school, and I figured she'd profile for one of the NW privates or public OOS, and I don't think her toolkit sets her up to be good lawyer. I told her that while both her sisters were in private college that there wasn't an extra $40k / yr. in the budget for her, so she'd have to borrow, and that I thought it was a risk for her at that time in her life. She needed to live a little off the family tit. She'd be ready for it now, but I think that moment has passed.
The second got into fully funded PhD programs in math and decided beyond the last minute she wanted a masters and will "think about a PhD". Masters are typically not funded. She miraculously found one that is close to fully funded, and we're helping with rent but I made her borrow a small amount for the balance. She's one who gets these opportunities people dream about and tends to take them for granted, so I thought she needed some skin in the game going forward.
The last one wants to get her PhD and be a practicing clinician. We shall see where that goes. Talking about a PhD is fun. Getting one is another matter.
On indulgences, I'd say when we go on vacation we don't like to stay in cheap hotels. That's not a creepy snooty brand thing ... we're both people with a strong sense of place and we both value a nice lobby and room to return to after a long day out fucking around somewhere away from home. So while we don't do Four Seasons very often, we don't go low to save a few $$ on accommodations. Same with food. We spend for food.
Agree, with this. I don't mind staying in a flea bag if it's just me but with the wife and kids much better to spend the money.
Own 1 vehicle for a long time and lease the other, much nicer one. Want to drive cheap ass vehicle 1 til it dies.
1 Kid helps a ton
I hate spending $$ on clothes but occasionally I will get decent stuff.
Luxury baubles... I don't do watches or toys like Jeeps/boats/motorcycles, but the country club and all my golf probably counts
No student loans and no sporting tickets. Vacations we do "efficient" but not cheap.
We’re getting killed by all the gear needed to live in a resort town. New golf clubs, SUP for the Mrs, Mt Bikes for the whole fam, new fly Rod. I think Dave Ramsey says to live in Kansas or something.
On indulgences, I'd say when we go on vacation we don't like to stay in cheap hotels. That's not a creepy snooty brand thing ... we're both people with a strong sense of place and we both value a nice lobby and room to return to after a long day out fucking around somewhere away from home. So while we don't do Four Seasons very often, we don't go low to save a few $$ on accommodations. Same with food. We spend for food.
I always say if we can't stay in the best room there is no point in leaving home
On indulgences, I'd say when we go on vacation we don't like to stay in cheap hotels. That's not a creepy snooty brand thing ... we're both people with a strong sense of place and we both value a nice lobby and room to return to after a long day out fucking around somewhere away from home. So while we don't do Four Seasons very often, we don't go low to save a few $$ on accommodations. Same with food. We spend for food.
It's not worth it for sure. If you're gonna do it, save a bit more and do it right.
Clothes are my number one on that. Buy good quality for the love of god. It's easy nowadays with men's stuff and direct order. Shoes in particular.
I always like the confused look merchants get on their face when I counter an offer for near-zero financing with an equal up-front discount. Whether it's people selling washing machines or cars, 8 out of 10 have no idea the two are connected.
I splurged on myself once for a car, and that was the 2007 BMW coupe. First year of the body change, I loved driving it and bought it. I got like 120,000 miles on it and it broke me ever inch of the way. It was a lemon and I learned first hand that mechanics don't open the hood of a German sports car for < than $1,000. Never again.
We bought a new 2004 Toyota Sequoia and drove that thing into the ground ... > 350,000 miles. I bought a Highlander to replace it.
We have an MDX that has like 70,000 miles on it. I will not likely buy another car before I retire, and we intend to own only one. We currently have the insurance on the MDX suspended because we barely need one car as it is.
They are a necessity, and when they aren't running you feel the infringement on your freedom ... you appreciate what they do for you. But as much as I love a nice looking car, they aren't important enough to me to burn $$ on them. The BMW was the first and last time for that.
I also hate car payments.
This makes me think back to when I was 16, and my folks were buying a new car. Pops used to say "I buy a new car every 10 years whether I need it or not". Mom got the new one, Dad got the old one. They brought me along to the Chevy dealership...my dad had a paper bag with him, which I thought was strange. Mom wanted a Monte Carlo (Carolina Blue)...she drove it, I drove it, Pops said "is it the one?" Yes. We go into the sales office, and the salesman must have thought this was the easiest sale ever.
He penciled it out to about $7,400, and when it was time to sign, the Old Man picked up the bag and put it on the desk. "What's that? That's what I'm paying". It was 5K. We got the asst. SM, then the SM, and they weren't having it. They started whittling it down, little by little, and every time, he picked up the bag to walk out. The owner was summoned, and asked my dad, "Have you bought a car from me before?". Yes. "Will you tell your friends to buy from me?" Yes. He looked at the salesman, disgustedly, and said "Sell him the goddam car" and walked out.
Own 1 vehicle for a long time and lease the other, much nicer one. Want to drive cheap ass vehicle 1 til it dies.
1 Kid helps a ton
I hate spending $$ on clothes but occasionally I will get decent stuff.
Luxury baubles... I don't do watches or toys like Jeeps/boats/motorcycles, but the country club and all my golf probably counts
No student loans and no sporting tickets. Vacations we do "efficient" but not cheap.
We’re getting killed by all the gear needed to live in a resort town. New golf clubs, SUP for the Mrs, Mt Bikes for the whole fam, new fly Rod. I think Dave Ramsey says to live in Kansas or something.
I've "lived" (for a month at a time) in Kansas. Hunting, fishing/boating on man made lakes.... uhhh... rodeo? Shitty golf (other than Prarie Dunes)? "Doing stuff" costs money. Recreation or vacations or drinking or sporting events.... if you do stuff, you spend money. If you don't, you save money.
Of course there has to be some point to life, so better to do stuff than not.
Own 1 vehicle for a long time and lease the other, much nicer one. Want to drive cheap ass vehicle 1 til it dies.
1 Kid helps a ton
I hate spending $$ on clothes but occasionally I will get decent stuff.
Luxury baubles... I don't do watches or toys like Jeeps/boats/motorcycles, but the country club and all my golf probably counts
No student loans and no sporting tickets. Vacations we do "efficient" but not cheap.
We’re getting killed by all the gear needed to live in a resort town. New golf clubs, SUP for the Mrs, Mt Bikes for the whole fam, new fly Rod. I think Dave Ramsey says to live in Kansas or something.
I've "lived" (for a month at a time) in Kansas. Hunting, fishing/boating on man made lakes.... uhhh... rodeo? Shitty golf (other than Prarie Dunes)? "Doing stuff" costs money. Recreation or vacations or drinking or sporting events.... if you do stuff, you spend money. If you don't, you save money.
Of course there has to be some point to life, so better to do stuff than not.
"Doing Stuff" is our biggest area of extravagance as a family. ATBSJBS, I think the doing stuff budget can vary a lot based on where one lives. I didn't do as much fun stuff in Seattle cause I hate dealing with weekend traffic and sharing the great out of doors with all the other douche canoes.
The main indulgence, however, was college for three kids. We paid for them to go where they got in and wanted to go and didn't insist on an in-state ROI discussions and all that. One kid got into UW honors college and wound up going to the most expensive school of her choices. That has entailed sacrifice. In one case, did it benefit the kid really? No, I don't think so. In another, it was clearly a good investment. And I think in this last one, it will prove to have been, but that story isn't entirely yet written.
I have drawn the line. The oldest came out talking about law school, and I figured she'd profile for one of the NW privates or public OOS, and I don't think her toolkit sets her up to be good lawyer. I told her that while both her sisters were in private college that there wasn't an extra $40k / yr. in the budget for her, so she'd have to borrow, and that I thought it was a risk for her at that time in her life. She needed to live a little off the family tit. She'd be ready for it now, but I think that moment has passed.
The second got into fully funded PhD programs in math and decided beyond the last minute she wanted a masters and will "think about a PhD". Masters are typically not funded. She miraculously found one that is close to fully funded, and we're helping with rent but I made her borrow a small amount for the balance. She's one who gets these opportunities people dream about and tends to take them for granted, so I thought she needed some skin in the game going forward.
The last one wants to get her PhD and be a practicing clinician. We shall see where that goes. Talking about a PhD is fun. Getting one is another matter.
That was our big indulgence as well. They all went out-of-state. Spendy, but it gave them a taste of living on their own and having to figure at least some stuff out for themselves. They were all good students in high school and got some merit money. They were never going to get any need based aid.
Soon to be liquidating to see how poor I really am. The mrs. is set on a luxury travel abode that will serve as a home for a bit. I would go it cheaper...
The main indulgence, however, was college for three kids. We paid for them to go where they got in and wanted to go and didn't insist on an in-state ROI discussions and all that. One kid got into UW honors college and wound up going to the most expensive school of her choices. That has entailed sacrifice. In one case, did it benefit the kid really? No, I don't think so. In another, it was clearly a good investment. And I think in this last one, it will prove to have been, but that story isn't entirely yet written.
I have drawn the line. The oldest came out talking about law school, and I figured she'd profile for one of the NW privates or public OOS, and I don't think her toolkit sets her up to be good lawyer. I told her that while both her sisters were in private college that there wasn't an extra $40k / yr. in the budget for her, so she'd have to borrow, and that I thought it was a risk for her at that time in her life. She needed to live a little off the family tit. She'd be ready for it now, but I think that moment has passed.
The second got into fully funded PhD programs in math and decided beyond the last minute she wanted a masters and will "think about a PhD". Masters are typically not funded. She miraculously found one that is close to fully funded, and we're helping with rent but I made her borrow a small amount for the balance. She's one who gets these opportunities people dream about and tends to take them for granted, so I thought she needed some skin in the game going forward.
The last one wants to get her PhD and be a practicing clinician. We shall see where that goes. Talking about a PhD is fun. Getting one is another matter.
That was our big indulgence as well. They all went out-of-state. Spendy, but it gave them a taste of living on their own and having to figure at least some stuff out for themselves. They were all good students in high school and got some merit money. They were never going to get any need based aid.
This is kinda key. For us, it helped them grow up a little. One wanted to stay for summer school (I think a boy was involved in this sudden desire to do a summer term), but waited until the last minute and there was no time to arrange housing. She wound up sleeping on a friend's couch for 1.5 months. The ones who were back east have had to deal with travel shit. Wait until the last minute, and it's going to be a problem. Or planning for where you're going to park.
Even now, the one in Grad School is still learning these lessons. Commuting from Providence to Boston is fairly straight-forward. But, of course, she was convinced she'd fly out of Providence and just park her car there for free. Mind you, the break is like over a month. Turns out (1) the airlines we normally fly had stopped flying out of Providence and the options were super expensive, and (2) the Providence airport parking situation was almost as shitty and expensive as Boston.
Ok, round 2. "I'm just going to drive to Boston Dad. It's fine. I'm busy. Let's talk about this later." Oh, fuck. It's fucking Boston. Love the place, but nothing is easy or straight-forward or affordable there. Finally, I just do the fucking research to avoid the "night before" shit-show we've all been through and put my foot down. Hey kid, the absolute cheapest park-and-ride in Boston is $15 / day, it's out in the open in some parking lot near some shitty hotel and you're going to get on a packed bus that is hopefully running on time to get to Logan. Reserve a fucking car! So, for $180, cheaper than parking the car, she's in a full SUV that takes her door to door. We have a dozen or more of those little lessons they've learned, most of them to the same conclusion: don't wait until the night before the flight to figure your shit out, and don't wait until you're about through with finals to let me know when to buy the ticket because it's gonna cost me more, which makes me a grumpy ass.
Soon to be liquidating to see how poor I really am. The mrs. is set on a luxury travel abode that will serve as a home for a bit. I would go it cheaper...
What are your travel plans Lebam? Site seeing around the country? We'd like to do that. We are also planning to just check out and spend a year in Europe. It's actually a lot more doable than one would think if you manage your lodging the right way. Last time we were there, we stayed at a little villa in one of the less famous hill towns in Tuscany for like $700 / week. I spent about that much for two nights in Rome. We were central to everything, including Sienna, and Florence. In Paris, same thing. Rented an apartment. It wasn't cheap ... nothing in Paris is ... but it was a helluva lot cheaper than a hotel, and it allowed us to cook a lot, which really saves on $$.
Soon to be liquidating to see how poor I really am. The mrs. is set on a luxury travel abode that will serve as a home for a bit. I would go it cheaper...
What are your travel plans Lebam? Site seeing around the country? We'd like to do that. We are also planning to just check out and spend a year in Europe. It's actually a lot more doable than one would think if you manage your lodging the right way. Last time we were there, we stayed at a little villa in one of the less famous hill towns in Tuscany for like $700 / week. I spent about that much for two nights in Rome. We were central to everything, including Sienna, and Florence. In Paris, same thing. Rented an apartment. It wasn't cheap ... nothing in Paris is ... but it was a helluva lot cheaper than a hotel, and it allowed us to cook a lot, which really saves on $$.
My daughter's name is Siena. One of our favorite spots on our honeymoon trip (my only trip over the ocean). If you haven't been, though, do yourself a favor and check out Lucca. By FAR my favorite stop on that whole trip, and that came very unexpectedly. B&B with four poster bed, separate tub and shower, amazing breakfast, and nice central location for like $100 per night. Food was great, wasn't so touristy, town is really amazing.
The main indulgence, however, was college for three kids. We paid for them to go where they got in and wanted to go and didn't insist on an in-state ROI discussions and all that. One kid got into UW honors college and wound up going to the most expensive school of her choices. That has entailed sacrifice. In one case, did it benefit the kid really? No, I don't think so. In another, it was clearly a good investment. And I think in this last one, it will prove to have been, but that story isn't entirely yet written.
I have drawn the line. The oldest came out talking about law school, and I figured she'd profile for one of the NW privates or public OOS, and I don't think her toolkit sets her up to be good lawyer. I told her that while both her sisters were in private college that there wasn't an extra $40k / yr. in the budget for her, so she'd have to borrow, and that I thought it was a risk for her at that time in her life. She needed to live a little off the family tit. She'd be ready for it now, but I think that moment has passed.
The second got into fully funded PhD programs in math and decided beyond the last minute she wanted a masters and will "think about a PhD". Masters are typically not funded. She miraculously found one that is close to fully funded, and we're helping with rent but I made her borrow a small amount for the balance. She's one who gets these opportunities people dream about and tends to take them for granted, so I thought she needed some skin in the game going forward.
The last one wants to get her PhD and be a practicing clinician. We shall see where that goes. Talking about a PhD is fun. Getting one is another matter.
That was our big indulgence as well. They all went out-of-state. Spendy, but it gave them a taste of living on their own and having to figure at least some stuff out for themselves. They were all good students in high school and got some merit money. They were never going to get any need based aid.
This is kinda key. For us, it helped them grow up a little. One wanted to stay for summer school (I think a boy was involved in this sudden desire to do a summer term), but waited until the last minute and there was no time to arrange housing. She wound up sleeping on a friend's couch for 1.5 months. The ones who were back east have had to deal with travel shit. Wait until the last minute, and it's going to be a problem. Or planning for where you're going to park.
Even now, the one in Grad School is still learning these lessons. Commuting from Providence to Boston is fairly straight-forward. But, of course, she was convinced she'd fly out of Providence and just park her car there for free. Mind you, the break is like over a month. Turns out (1) the airlines we normally fly had stopped flying out of Providence and the options were super expensive, and (2) the Providence airport parking situation was almost as shitty and expensive as Boston.
Ok, round 2. "I'm just going to drive to Boston Dad. It's fine. I'm busy. Let's talk about this later." Oh, fuck. It's fucking Boston. Love the place, but nothing is easy or straight-forward or affordable there. Finally, I just do the fucking research to avoid the "night before" shit-show we've all been through and put my foot down. Hey kid, the absolute cheapest park-and-ride in Boston is $15 / day, it's out in the open in some parking lot near some shitty hotel and you're going to get on a packed bus that is hopefully running on time to get to Logan. Reserve a fucking car! So, for $180, cheaper than parking the car, she's in a full SUV that takes her door to door. We have a dozen or more of those little lessons they've learned, most of them to the same conclusion: don't wait until the night before the flight to figure your shit out, and don't wait until you're about through with finals to let me know when to buy the ticket because it's gonna cost me more, which makes me a grumpy ass.
Corvallis looks to be a nice college town for my kids.
The main indulgence, however, was college for three kids. We paid for them to go where they got in and wanted to go and didn't insist on an in-state ROI discussions and all that. One kid got into UW honors college and wound up going to the most expensive school of her choices. That has entailed sacrifice. In one case, did it benefit the kid really? No, I don't think so. In another, it was clearly a good investment. And I think in this last one, it will prove to have been, but that story isn't entirely yet written.
I have drawn the line. The oldest came out talking about law school, and I figured she'd profile for one of the NW privates or public OOS, and I don't think her toolkit sets her up to be good lawyer. I told her that while both her sisters were in private college that there wasn't an extra $40k / yr. in the budget for her, so she'd have to borrow, and that I thought it was a risk for her at that time in her life. She needed to live a little off the family tit. She'd be ready for it now, but I think that moment has passed.
The second got into fully funded PhD programs in math and decided beyond the last minute she wanted a masters and will "think about a PhD". Masters are typically not funded. She miraculously found one that is close to fully funded, and we're helping with rent but I made her borrow a small amount for the balance. She's one who gets these opportunities people dream about and tends to take them for granted, so I thought she needed some skin in the game going forward.
The last one wants to get her PhD and be a practicing clinician. We shall see where that goes. Talking about a PhD is fun. Getting one is another matter.
That was our big indulgence as well. They all went out-of-state. Spendy, but it gave them a taste of living on their own and having to figure at least some stuff out for themselves. They were all good students in high school and got some merit money. They were never going to get any need based aid.
This is kinda key. For us, it helped them grow up a little. One wanted to stay for summer school (I think a boy was involved in this sudden desire to do a summer term), but waited until the last minute and there was no time to arrange housing. She wound up sleeping on a friend's couch for 1.5 months. The ones who were back east have had to deal with travel shit. Wait until the last minute, and it's going to be a problem. Or planning for where you're going to park.
Even now, the one in Grad School is still learning these lessons. Commuting from Providence to Boston is fairly straight-forward. But, of course, she was convinced she'd fly out of Providence and just park her car there for free. Mind you, the break is like over a month. Turns out (1) the airlines we normally fly had stopped flying out of Providence and the options were super expensive, and (2) the Providence airport parking situation was almost as shitty and expensive as Boston.
Ok, round 2. "I'm just going to drive to Boston Dad. It's fine. I'm busy. Let's talk about this later." Oh, fuck. It's fucking Boston. Love the place, but nothing is easy or straight-forward or affordable there. Finally, I just do the fucking research to avoid the "night before" shit-show we've all been through and put my foot down. Hey kid, the absolute cheapest park-and-ride in Boston is $15 / day, it's out in the open in some parking lot near some shitty hotel and you're going to get on a packed bus that is hopefully running on time to get to Logan. Reserve a fucking car! So, for $180, cheaper than parking the car, she's in a full SUV that takes her door to door. We have a dozen or more of those little lessons they've learned, most of them to the same conclusion: don't wait until the night before the flight to figure your shit out, and don't wait until you're about through with finals to let me know when to buy the ticket because it's gonna cost me more, which makes me a grumpy ass.
I remember this. The girls stayed on the West Coast, so it wasn't that expensive to visit or come home. But I don't think we ever flew my son home but for Christmas and at the end of the year. ("Enjoy your Spring Break in Montreal. I know it hasn't thawed out yet, but flying you home for a week is ridiculously expensive.")
Soon to be liquidating to see how poor I really am. The mrs. is set on a luxury travel abode that will serve as a home for a bit. I would go it cheaper...
What are your travel plans Lebam? Site seeing around the country? We'd like to do that. We are also planning to just check out and spend a year in Europe. It's actually a lot more doable than one would think if you manage your lodging the right way. Last time we were there, we stayed at a little villa in one of the less famous hill towns in Tuscany for like $700 / week. I spent about that much for two nights in Rome. We were central to everything, including Sienna, and Florence. In Paris, same thing. Rented an apartment. It wasn't cheap ... nothing in Paris is ... but it was a helluva lot cheaper than a hotel, and it allowed us to cook a lot, which really saves on $$.
My daughter's name is Siena. One of our favorite spots on our honeymoon trip (my only trip over the ocean). If you haven't been, though, do yourself a favor and check out Lucca. By FAR my favorite stop on that whole trip, and that came very unexpectedly. B&B with four poster bed, separate tub and shower, amazing breakfast, and nice central location for like $100 per night. Food was great, wasn't so touristy, town is really amazing.
Loved Siena. We had a great dinner there and showed up during one of the post-Palio parade celebrations by the winning neighborhood. The owner of the property we rented lived in an apartment in Siena - they were the Dolphin people. Anyway, she hooked us up all over Tuscany with you name it. She's great and we still exchange Christmas cards. I don't want that relationship to wither because I will be calling on her again.
Which leads to something that later on, when things open up, could be a really good and useful thread: knowing the property owner. Like many property owners of more than one property, ours was an aristocrat-like woman whose family owned a bunch of shit. She's originally from Rome. The property we stayed at is listed on all those middle-men sites under different names. I got it because a work colleague had stayed and had her e-mail address. The cheapest it goes for on any site I found was more than double what I paid, such is the commission for booking it. So at some point, those of us who like traveling there should exchange property owner names of places we've stayed that we liked because the property owner does not give a shit and if there is a personal connection you are in. Or pay double. Same with the apartment in Paris. I got that one through that Seattle agency, where the woman who is a Parisian just knows her shit and runs a booking business and knows all the people who own these many and varied properties in the city. I recommend her. Forget the name but will post it. But now, I know the old couple who owns the one we stayed at in the Marais and we agreed I'd go straight to them next time, which I will do because the apartment was a home fucking run.
It's not gonna work everywhere. At some point, you'll pay retail. But fuck, if you can nail down some 100% no disappointment properties for significant discounts and deal with the owner directly, why wouldn't you?
I have heard that about Lucca and it is def. on the next itinerary.
The main indulgence, however, was college for three kids. We paid for them to go where they got in and wanted to go and didn't insist on an in-state ROI discussions and all that. One kid got into UW honors college and wound up going to the most expensive school of her choices. That has entailed sacrifice. In one case, did it benefit the kid really? No, I don't think so. In another, it was clearly a good investment. And I think in this last one, it will prove to have been, but that story isn't entirely yet written.
I have drawn the line. The oldest came out talking about law school, and I figured she'd profile for one of the NW privates or public OOS, and I don't think her toolkit sets her up to be good lawyer. I told her that while both her sisters were in private college that there wasn't an extra $40k / yr. in the budget for her, so she'd have to borrow, and that I thought it was a risk for her at that time in her life. She needed to live a little off the family tit. She'd be ready for it now, but I think that moment has passed.
The second got into fully funded PhD programs in math and decided beyond the last minute she wanted a masters and will "think about a PhD". Masters are typically not funded. She miraculously found one that is close to fully funded, and we're helping with rent but I made her borrow a small amount for the balance. She's one who gets these opportunities people dream about and tends to take them for granted, so I thought she needed some skin in the game going forward.
The last one wants to get her PhD and be a practicing clinician. We shall see where that goes. Talking about a PhD is fun. Getting one is another matter.
That was our big indulgence as well. They all went out-of-state. Spendy, but it gave them a taste of living on their own and having to figure at least some stuff out for themselves. They were all good students in high school and got some merit money. They were never going to get any need based aid.
This is kinda key. For us, it helped them grow up a little. One wanted to stay for summer school (I think a boy was involved in this sudden desire to do a summer term), but waited until the last minute and there was no time to arrange housing. She wound up sleeping on a friend's couch for 1.5 months. The ones who were back east have had to deal with travel shit. Wait until the last minute, and it's going to be a problem. Or planning for where you're going to park.
Even now, the one in Grad School is still learning these lessons. Commuting from Providence to Boston is fairly straight-forward. But, of course, she was convinced she'd fly out of Providence and just park her car there for free. Mind you, the break is like over a month. Turns out (1) the airlines we normally fly had stopped flying out of Providence and the options were super expensive, and (2) the Providence airport parking situation was almost as shitty and expensive as Boston.
Ok, round 2. "I'm just going to drive to Boston Dad. It's fine. I'm busy. Let's talk about this later." Oh, fuck. It's fucking Boston. Love the place, but nothing is easy or straight-forward or affordable there. Finally, I just do the fucking research to avoid the "night before" shit-show we've all been through and put my foot down. Hey kid, the absolute cheapest park-and-ride in Boston is $15 / day, it's out in the open in some parking lot near some shitty hotel and you're going to get on a packed bus that is hopefully running on time to get to Logan. Reserve a fucking car! So, for $180, cheaper than parking the car, she's in a full SUV that takes her door to door. We have a dozen or more of those little lessons they've learned, most of them to the same conclusion: don't wait until the night before the flight to figure your shit out, and don't wait until you're about through with finals to let me know when to buy the ticket because it's gonna cost me more, which makes me a grumpy ass.
I remember this. The girls stayed on the West Coast, so it wasn't that expensive to visit or come home. But I don't think we ever flew my son home but for Christmas and at the end of the year. ("Enjoy your Spring Break in Montreal. I know it hasn't thawed out yet, but flying you home for a week is ridiculously expensive.")
My wife's separation issues with the girls was such that they flew home for Thanksgiving once or twice. I basically said fuck it that's enough. It's ridiculous for a 4 day vacation right before they're coming home for Christmas for a month +.
Comments
I have drawn the line. The oldest came out talking about law school, and I figured she'd profile for one of the NW privates or public OOS, and I don't think her toolkit sets her up to be good lawyer. I told her that while both her sisters were in private college that there wasn't an extra $40k / yr. in the budget for her, so she'd have to borrow, and that I thought it was a risk for her at that time in her life. She needed to live a little off the family tit. She'd be ready for it now, but I think that moment has passed.
The second got into fully funded PhD programs in math and decided beyond the last minute she wanted a masters and will "think about a PhD". Masters are typically not funded. She miraculously found one that is close to fully funded, and we're helping with rent but I made her borrow a small amount for the balance. She's one who gets these opportunities people dream about and tends to take them for granted, so I thought she needed some skin in the game going forward.
The last one wants to get her PhD and be a practicing clinician. We shall see where that goes. Talking about a PhD is fun. Getting one is another matter.
Clothes are my number one on that. Buy good quality for the love of god. It's easy nowadays with men's stuff and direct order. Shoes in particular.
I like having fewer things but all good stuff.
He penciled it out to about $7,400, and when it was time to sign, the Old Man picked up the bag and put it on the desk. "What's that? That's what I'm paying". It was 5K. We got the asst. SM, then the SM, and they weren't having it. They started whittling it down, little by little, and every time, he picked up the bag to walk out. The owner was summoned, and asked my dad, "Have you bought a car from me before?". Yes. "Will you tell your friends to buy from me?" Yes. He looked at the salesman, disgustedly, and said "Sell him the goddam car" and walked out.
"Doing stuff" costs money. Recreation or vacations or drinking or sporting events.... if you do stuff, you spend money. If you don't, you save money.
Of course there has to be some point to life, so better to do stuff than not.
Soon to be liquidating to see how poor I really am. The mrs. is set on a luxury travel abode that will serve as a home for a bit. I would go it cheaper...
Even now, the one in Grad School is still learning these lessons. Commuting from Providence to Boston is fairly straight-forward. But, of course, she was convinced she'd fly out of Providence and just park her car there for free. Mind you, the break is like over a month. Turns out (1) the airlines we normally fly had stopped flying out of Providence and the options were super expensive, and (2) the Providence airport parking situation was almost as shitty and expensive as Boston.
Ok, round 2. "I'm just going to drive to Boston Dad. It's fine. I'm busy. Let's talk about this later." Oh, fuck. It's fucking Boston. Love the place, but nothing is easy or straight-forward or affordable there. Finally, I just do the fucking research to avoid the "night before" shit-show we've all been through and put my foot down. Hey kid, the absolute cheapest park-and-ride in Boston is $15 / day, it's out in the open in some parking lot near some shitty hotel and you're going to get on a packed bus that is hopefully running on time to get to Logan. Reserve a fucking car! So, for $180, cheaper than parking the car, she's in a full SUV that takes her door to door. We have a dozen or more of those little lessons they've learned, most of them to the same conclusion: don't wait until the night before the flight to figure your shit out, and don't wait until you're about through with finals to let me know when to buy the ticket because it's gonna cost me more, which makes me a grumpy ass.
Which leads to something that later on, when things open up, could be a really good and useful thread: knowing the property owner. Like many property owners of more than one property, ours was an aristocrat-like woman whose family owned a bunch of shit. She's originally from Rome. The property we stayed at is listed on all those middle-men sites under different names. I got it because a work colleague had stayed and had her e-mail address. The cheapest it goes for on any site I found was more than double what I paid, such is the commission for booking it. So at some point, those of us who like traveling there should exchange property owner names of places we've stayed that we liked because the property owner does not give a shit and if there is a personal connection you are in. Or pay double. Same with the apartment in Paris. I got that one through that Seattle agency, where the woman who is a Parisian just knows her shit and runs a booking business and knows all the people who own these many and varied properties in the city. I recommend her. Forget the name but will post it. But now, I know the old couple who owns the one we stayed at in the Marais and we agreed I'd go straight to them next time, which I will do because the apartment was a home fucking run.
It's not gonna work everywhere. At some point, you'll pay retail. But fuck, if you can nail down some 100% no disappointment properties for significant discounts and deal with the owner directly, why wouldn't you?
I have heard that about Lucca and it is def. on the next itinerary.