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[+] New to NY --if you give, how much do you give to your preschool in terms of donations... 1 reply
- We have only given a few hundred dollars each year. Legacies and HHI of 500K depending on bonus....
Talk : : November 21, 2009
[+] Was in a store near ps 186 (I think) and those DCs were more obnoxious and entitled t... 44 replies
- No, that's true. I'm just scrolling the posts. Besides Hair,hose,HHI,HYP,FC Letters, this place is all manufactured by some typist, right? Please....
Talk : : November 20, 2009
Was in a store near ps 186 (I think) and those DCs were more obnoxious and entitled than any of the girls I knew at SS tt.
44 replies [ Reply | Watch | Options ]11.20.09, 11:43 AM [ Flag ]they are dreadful itttta
[ Reply | Options ]11.20.09, 11:52 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]what and where is this school?
[ Reply | Options ]11.20.09, 11:53 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]UES, 70s
[ Reply | Options ]11.20.09, 12:00 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]why is this school never talked about like 6/290/183/151?
[ Reply | Options ]11.20.09, 12:02 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]She may mean PS 6. I think PS 186 is farther uptown.
[ Reply | Options ]11.20.09, 12:03 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]PS 158
[ Reply | Options ]11.20.09, 12:30 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
I think she means the one on York. Is that PS 6? Or PS 186?
[ Reply | Options ]11.20.09, 12:02 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
Right, a couple of obnoxious girls pretty much represent the entire public school student body. How do you know they were from public school, anyway?
[ Reply | Options ]11.20.09, 11:58 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]No uniforms, upper east side about 5th grade flowing into cell phone store in Tory Burch shoes flipping their hair and speaking through their noses. And there were about three different groups of them. And you think that people on here who bash ss TT girls know EVERY girl in the entire class?
[ Reply | Options ]11.20.09, 11:59 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]When you make a decision about a private school being filled with entitled celebs and money what are you going on for evidence?
[ Reply | Options ]11.20.09, 12:05 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]um, the many celebs who have kids there? i think it's far less accurate to judge a public school based on a few students. privates are much smaller and much more homogeneous, socioeconomically and racially.
[ Reply | Options ]11.20.09, 12:09 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]um, the few that do in each grade do not make up the whole school not even the whole grade and who is to say celeb kids are all awful?
[ Reply | Options ]11.20.09, 12:12 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]i don't think celeb kids are awful. i would worry about my dc getting involved with kids who have a lot of money and not a lot of supervision. celeb/super wealthy kids seem more likely to fall into that category.
[ Reply | Options ]11.20.09, 12:17 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]I don't think you understand there are plenty of wealthy dcs at public school in wealthy areas. You aren't required to have money to get to a great private in NYC you need to have intelligence, I know a lot of dumb wealthy people.
[ Reply | Options ]11.20.09, 12:21 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]look, face facts. the chances a Dalton or Horace Mann kindergartener being from a wealthy familiy is pretty great. the odds aren't anywhere near that in any random public, even one like PS 6, in a wealthy area.
[ Reply | Options ]11.20.09, 12:24 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]So then the three groups of hideously obnoxious girls in outfits far too expensive for them that were streaming out of this public means nothing to you because....you want to stick your head in the sand? Nice.
[ Reply | Options ]11.20.09, 12:29 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]oh, honey, believe what you want to believe. you're exhausting me.
[ Reply | Options ]11.20.09, 12:31 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]"sweetie" its not believing what I want to believe it is seeing with my own eyes. And yes, I would like another piece of pecan pie please and a refill on my coffee.
[ Reply | Options ]11.20.09, 12:34 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]if i were your waitress and you were this annoying IRL, rest assured i would "accidentally" give you regular instead of decaf and sneeze on your pie.
[ Reply | Options ]11.20.09, 12:38 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Nice manners they teach there at the diner. Shame.
[ Reply | Options ]11.20.09, 12:41 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]lol, i guess i should look to you for behavioral cues because you're so charming. go back to your TT private school. they know how to raise those girls right!
[ Reply | Options ]11.20.09, 12:44 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]My reference was to the use of the word "honey". God you people are so uptight and on a crusade to prove your backgrounds have value. Please send your DCs to private if they get in or else they may grow up with mommy's insecurity complex.
[ Reply | Options ]11.20.09, 12:46 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]i am rotflmao at this point. you win, seriously. i'm going to stop responding to you now. have a great afternoon. switch to decaf. i'll bring some to you at your table if you're polite.
[ Reply | Options ]11.20.09, 12:49 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Ok deal!
[ Reply | Options ]11.20.09, 12:53 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
me too, at private schools.
[ Reply | Options ]11.20.09, 12:37 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Idiot. Move along the bitter line is to the left.
[ Reply | Options ]11.20.09, 12:38 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]nothing to be bitter about. just calling it as i see it. not an idiot, 2 Ivy degrees, BTW. from PUBLIC school.
[ Reply | Options ]11.20.09, 12:43 PM [ Flag | link to this post ](poster above). i know, right? OP is nutty.
[ Reply | Options ]11.20.09, 12:44 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]LOLOLOLOL. HAHAHAHAAHAHAHA. Isn't is AMAZING how many multiple ivy grads from Podunk HS there are on UB at 3:30 on an workday!
[ Reply | Options ]11.20.09, 12:47 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]makes perfect sense, bc most people from Ivy are from Podunk HSs!
[ Reply | Options ]11.20.09, 12:49 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]np: ita
[ Reply | Options ]11.20.09, 01:03 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]^^about most people at ivies being from podunk schools. totally true.
[ Reply | Options ]11.20.09, 01:04 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
How about doing your homework b/f smearing a school?
[ Reply | Options ]11.20.09, 12:26 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]OK! Its PS 158. Happy now?
[ Reply | Options ]11.20.09, 12:30 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
Oh...What kind of post is that? Are you 'like...12-or 15?
[ Reply | Options ]11.20.09, 12:44 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]No worse than any of the posts about horrible entitled Private dcs. NP btw.
[ Reply | Options ]11.20.09, 12:48 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]No, that's true. I'm just scrolling the posts. Besides Hair,hose,HHI,HYP,FC Letters, this place is all manufactured by some typist, right? Please.
[ Reply | Options ]11.20.09, 12:51 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Huh?
[ Reply | Options ]11.20.09, 01:01 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Either you're hilarious or exactly what I meant.
[ Reply | Options ]11.20.09, 01:13 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
Ummm, you'll have to give an example if you want people to agree with you. Also, you're probably talking about 10 year olds at the most who are not allowed out to lunch (school policy) so what the HECK are you talking about??? A little insecure at your SS tt???
[ Reply | Options ]11.20.09, 02:36 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]I think OP was being a bit of a jerk but - she said nothing about lunch hour. I think she saw these kids after school. A weird thing is that it also sounds like the OP is comparing these current kids to the girls SHE went to school with - not the current 5th graders at SS schools (who I'm sure are the same as these 158ers). At any rate, these kids are growing up on the UES, for feck's sake. They ARE entitled children, whether they go to public or private school. A difference would be that 158 has 20% of their kids eligible for a free lunch, which is vastly different from being "poor" enough to get FA at a private school. But the richie riches at both kinds of school? The same.
[ Reply | Options ]11.20.09, 02:48 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]is that a current statistic? i have trouble believing that anyone who can afford to live in the area zoned for 158 is eligible for free lunch. there are not even any housing projects. otoh, up until 5 years ago, 158 still had a lot of kids there from out of zone with a variance.
[ Reply | Options ]11.20.09, 06:35 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]2007-2008 DOE stats
[ Reply | Options ]11.20.09, 10:00 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
158 also houses East Side Middle. Those were probably middle school girls. Middle school is middle school. Not the most charming age - cut them a break.
[ Reply | Options ]11.20.09, 05:51 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
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99x3
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 02:42 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]500K, public elementary , private preK, no FA
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 02:42 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]500K, public
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 02:48 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]$50K, private, no FA
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 03:00 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Preschool? Those were the two hardest years of my life, financially.
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 03:33 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Yes, it's a pretty bleak existence right now. I can't wait to get through this!
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 06:19 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
sorry, but this seems really insane.
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 06:20 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]It's short term.
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 06:24 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
Kids don't really need preschool you know.
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 06:28 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Yes, but I need it.
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 06:36 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
$300K, public K, private preschool, no.
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 03:04 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]$200K, private, no FA
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 03:21 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]in NYC? can't be.
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 08:47 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Why not? Makes sense to me.
[ Reply | Options ]11.20.09, 06:46 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]For one dc, it's possible. They might have enough if they're economizing on housing.
[ Reply | Options ]11.20.09, 06:51 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]Or, they live within their means. Shocking I know.
[ Reply | Options ]11.20.09, 06:52 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
OR: we live very modestly in the apartment that we bought in 1999. when housing costs are minimal and you don't keep a car in Manhattan, it's amazing how much cash is freed up.
[ Reply | Options ]11.20.09, 06:54 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]Good for you!
[ Reply | Options ]11.20.09, 06:57 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
140K, private, FA
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 03:24 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]$450k, public
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 03:24 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]I see that most folks on this board go public even when they could "afford" private.
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 03:35 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]some might not have a choice. some might be in G&T programs, etc.
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 05:35 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Or some went to public school themselves and don't want to go crazy over preschool.
[ Reply | Options ]11.20.09, 06:49 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
I know many people who earn over 500K a year and never applied to private. Just went to their zoned public.Not interested in the craziness
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 06:42 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]odds are they live in a zone where the public school is a good option, so they don't need to go through the craziness. if they lived elsewhere they might have made a different decision.
[ Reply | Options ]11.20.09, 07:13 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]And if you make a good income, you probably live in a good zone.
[ Reply | Options ]11.20.09, 07:15 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]This is NYC, neighborhoods still run block to block in some places - parts of CPW, Riverside and WEA are not zoned for "great" public schools, yet this is generally very high income housing. Most families living in the El Dorado and The Ardsley (CPW, low 90s) do not send their DCs to PS84 - they are in G&T or private.
[ Reply | Options ]11.20.09, 07:21 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
yes correct- I know many at 6 and 290
[ Reply | Options ]11.20.09, 07:48 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
$250K, 1 in private, 1 in public.
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 05:01 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]interesting. why did you select different schools for them?
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 05:10 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]same. citywide and private.
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 06:34 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
$170k FA private
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 05:04 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]225k, private, yes
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 05:49 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]$240K, public
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 05:59 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]250k public k
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 06:01 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]what's fa?
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 06:03 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]financial assistance
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 06:19 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]OK so you definitely don't get FA
[ Reply | Options ]11.20.09, 07:27 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
$3.5m, public
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 06:12 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]which public?
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 06:20 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]hunter
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 06:21 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
What do you do for living, damn.
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 06:24 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]parnter in law firm, dh is at pe fund
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 06:32 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]congrats.
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 06:34 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
190K, public
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 06:19 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]$650k, private(x2), no FA, not easy
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 07:09 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]$250K, private, no FA. It will be tough though.
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 07:13 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]500k, public
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 09:20 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]70K. worrying. Was 24K last year - worrying if school wil drastically reduce FA award this year. Aaagh. The income has not nade much of a difference
[ Reply | Options ]11.20.09, 06:04 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]This is tru;y funny. You're joking, right?
[ Reply | Options ]11.20.09, 07:27 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
$900k, public
[ Reply | Options ]11.20.09, 06:23 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]200K, Private, no FA.
[ Reply | Options ]11.20.09, 06:31 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]350k, public, no FA
[ Reply | Options ]11.20.09, 06:45 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]did you expect FA from the DOE? lol.
[ Reply | Options ]11.20.09, 06:49 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]LOL, I know, I just looked at the question and answered each one, even though the last one wasn't applicable.
[ Reply | Options ]11.20.09, 06:54 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
$400K, private (1), no FA
[ Reply | Options ]11.20.09, 06:54 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]$2.6mm, private (2X), would do public though if not for my dh, no fa
[ Reply | Options ]11.20.09, 06:55 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
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Poll: HHI and outstanding mortgage.
43 replies [ Reply | Watch | Options ]11.19.09, 02:23 PM [ Flag ]$400K - no mtg today, but $650 in a few weeks
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 02:27 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]good luck
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 02:36 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]190K, 425K mortgage -- yuk
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 05:53 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Where are you buying?
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 07:04 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
$150K, no mtg
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 02:28 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]$360k, $520k mtg
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 02:28 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]350K, we rent
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 02:30 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]250K 170k mtg
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 02:31 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]185k, 295k
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 02:33 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]ugh. $250k, $500k.
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 02:34 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]do you think it is worth it. Do you ever want to go to the burbs and just pay cash or something close to it. Do you plan to pay it off before you both retire? How old are you? We are similar, so I ask,
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 02:35 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]too old to have a mortgage this huge, frankly. but we bought when we were both employed and it seemed like a good idea at the time. fwiw, we could have never payed cash (or close to it) in the burbs.
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 02:37 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]poster below w/ 300/708...you can spend less in the 'burbs but you probably won't want to spend a ton less b/c you'll want a nice house in a good school system & possibly as close to the city as you can afford...it's more a space & lifestyle trade-off than a huge cost reduction
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 02:38 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]ITA. Unless you are factoring in private school tuitions for 3+ DCs, space/lifestyle are the reasons to go to the 'burbs. Nice houses with reasonable (under 60 minutes, door to door) commutes in good school systems are no less expensive on a per month basis than nice apartments in Manhattan - in the 'burbs you have substantially higher property tax bills, need for at least one and typically two cars, and have somewhat higher home maintenance costs.
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 03:26 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
$4.5 m $0
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 02:35 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]$300K, $708K
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 02:36 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]what are monthly payments like on a $708K mtg?
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 02:38 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]what are you thinking...really, curious.
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 02:51 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]i'll answer both of you at the same time: $3,900/month...i took the largest amount on the new higher amount conforming mortgage (i can't remember what it's called) & got a very good rate...i'm thinking that $3,900/month plus a deduction on the interest isn't too much for our income...and i'm very happy with our home
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 02:58 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]It's not too much for your income. You're well within normal limits.
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 02:59 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
Whoa!!
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 05:39 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]why is everyone so shocked by this??
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 05:47 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]np. i don't get it, either. a mortgage that is 2.5 times income is actually very conservative. this poster actually has a mortgage less than that. i have a feeling these WHOA!! posters have never actually applied for a mortgage.
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 05:57 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Whoa poster here. Or, it could be that I make the same income (slightly more) and my mortgage is half that.
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 06:56 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]good for you but that has no bearing on other people, not does it make my situation untenable
[ Reply | Options ]11.20.09, 09:42 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]np. ita
[ Reply | Options ]11.20.09, 09:45 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
600K, no mtg
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 02:37 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]950k, 1mm (between two properties).
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 02:53 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]350k, 400k remaining.
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 05:37 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]225, we rent.
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 05:45 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]250k, $600k in brooklyn (we rent out part of it) and $100k summer house
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 05:47 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Why would you want to be that much in debt?
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 07:00 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]i dont really want to be but we pay $2800 for our part of brooklyn mortgage. i couldn't rent an apt half this size for less than that. the way i look at it, people who are renting for more than 2500/month are just paying someone else's mortgage. at least when i sell i can recoup most of the money i've been paying monthly. the summer house we've had for 8 years already and only pay $680 a month for. 3500/month out of 20k/mos income isnt bad.
[ Reply | Options ]11.20.09, 06:54 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
$140K. $0. (bought at bottom of the market in the early '90's. Had a very small mortgage and after about 12 years of monthly payments, just decided to pay off the rest in one lump sum.)
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 06:00 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Good for you!
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 07:02 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
3mm last year, looking at 4mm this year - mortgage 2mm
[ Reply | Options ]11.20.09, 07:26 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]70K - no mortgage today, but 400K in few weeks + 10K per annum taxes. I'm going to die, aren't I?
[ Reply | Options ]11.20.09, 07:35 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]Um...
[ Reply | Options ]11.20.09, 07:42 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]I can't believe you got approved for that mortgage. I thought those days were behind us. This is not a good situation.
[ Reply | Options ]11.20.09, 07:46 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
$370K and 175K mortgage
[ Reply | Options ]11.20.09, 10:07 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]$240k, mortgage is $300k
[ Reply | Options ]11.20.09, 11:09 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]122k / 171K
[ Reply | Options ]11.20.09, 11:12 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]$260K, $640K mtg on our apt, plus $50k on investment apt where the rent we get pays for that apt plus half of our apt's monthly mtg payment
[ Reply | Options ]11.20.09, 07:15 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
[+] Poll: HHI and outstanding mortgage.
Talk : : November 19, 2009
[+] Poll: HHI and outstanding mortgage.
Talk : : November 19, 2009
[+] Any Dallas Moms on? Please tell me I can live in and like Plano, TX. DH is getting ... 19 replies
- just a Q: if you can pay $450K cash for a home and your HHI is $300K, how can you not afford a house for more than $650K?...
Talk : : November 19, 2009
Any Dallas Moms on? Please tell me I can live in and like Plano, TX. DH is getting a relo and we would really like to use the opp to save some money. We considered the Highland Park area for the good schools but don't think we could afford it/fit in. We are HHI 300k but can only swing about $650k on a house. I think the lowest priced house is about 650k. Lakewood area too far east. North Dallas seems just as pricey. Thinking of buying $450k house in Plano cash or thereabout and sending DCs to private school. Advice.
19 replies [ Reply | Watch | Options ]11.19.09, 11:07 AM [ Flag ]OP: Would Richardson be any better? TIA.
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 11:12 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]Richardson school district is not that great, the homes are hit or miss and there are not alot of young families in Richardson. I lived in Highland/University Park by SMU until we moved two years ago. Homes are $$$$...they are tearing down the charming old homes to build crazy mini mansions on very little land. Where will you and DH be working?
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 11:47 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]Just DH. Right at 635 and 289 -- the mall area? Any other suggestions given our income levels, etc.
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 11:48 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]I think you are right on target with the areas you have chosen. Why do you feel you would not fit in at Highland Park?
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 11:55 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]Looking at the home and home prices, I thik we would be on the real low end of the area. Would want to feel more comfortable. We could probably do it, but it would probably feel like squeaking by.
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 12:36 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
OP: Anyone from Dallas???
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 11:38 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]I'm from Dallas. Plano east or west? Frisco is also really nice...great schools and a wonderful community.
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 11:43 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]It would be West....
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 11:44 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]OP: Just looked at the map. Frisco too far north. DH right at junciton of 635 and 289.
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 11:46 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]I don't think you'll be pleased with Farmers Branch......Plano is nice and established, I just feel like there are a lot of cookie cutter type homes with huge price tags. It really depends on your family and lifestyle.
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 11:49 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]OP: Give me a stereotype of a Plano mom. DH and I are not cookie cutter people for the most part. HP seems too $$, Preston Hollow the same, so that leaves Plano. Am I reading that right?
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 11:52 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]Yes. Plano mom. Ready? Blonde 110lbs after 3dcs, fake nails, huge boobs, heavy southern accent (read fake), and total scoccer/football moms. To be fair that clearly is not all the mothers but it is a huge majority of them.
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 12:00 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
OP: One more. What is your opinion of living in the Park Cities on the low end.
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 11:47 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]LOl....okay. Park cities is great. Low end not so much! Cute cottage homes but some of them are hit or miss because some of them have turned into rental properties and the tenets have not taken care if the homes. Overall it's a nice area, don't know about the property taxes though. You ARE paying for living in Park Cities.
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 11:53 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]On the flip-side I could use the schools. Not sure I want to feel the pauper in Park City. Would Preston Hollow be better or just go to Plano?
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 11:54 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]IMO Plano. Preston Hollow had great homes, very mature and established, but from the way it sounds I think at the end of the day you would feel better in Plano. Stick with park cities and Highland Park for shopping at Northpark mall. Oh, and Laura and George Bush live somewhere in Highland Park. Laura is always shopping at NorthPark mall I hear.
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 12:05 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
just a Q: if you can pay $450K cash for a home and your HHI is $300K, how can you not afford a house for more than $650K?
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 12:07 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]OP: Technically we could, but we would like to save aggressively for the next few years. Just a personal option.
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 12:35 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
OP: Can you give me a Preston Hollow mom stereotype? From the description of Plano mom, I am a bit scared.
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 12:29 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
[+] Our financial situation has changed drastically since dc started private school last ... 17 replies
- If by "drastically" you mean that your hhi is 350 instead 1mm, no, you won't get FA. Wouldn't count on it if you have multiple homes, either....
Talk : : November 19, 2009
Our financial situation has changed drastically since dc started private school last year. I want to look into FA, but don't know if we qualify. What do they look at? Feels weird now that we're already in the school, but I'm sure it's happening a lot now.
17 replies [ Reply | Watch | Options ]11.19.09, 09:52 AM [ Flag ]You are not alone in this given the state of the economy. If you want FA at your current school, you should get the financial aid packet now, for the deadline to submit the FA form is 12.31.
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 10:06 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]thank you. What do they look at?
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 10:09 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]the standard form that must be submitted by 12.31 looks at all your financials...salary, home ownership, expenses, savings, debt, etc.
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 10:11 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]^^ some schools only rely on this form, others have additional documentation. depends on school, so call your school now and inquire.
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 10:12 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
Deadlines vary among schools.
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 11:18 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]NAIS form due by 12.31, which I thought was a universal deadline.
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 12:37 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]NAIS has no deadline. Each school sets their own.
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 02:53 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
If by "drastically" you mean that your hhi is 350 instead 1mm, no, you won't get FA. Wouldn't count on it if you have multiple homes, either.
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 11:21 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]If you're some IB wife who's sad because her DH isn't getting his $15M bonus this year, just please do us all a favor and don't send your kid to public.
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 12:41 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]^^^oops, this was for the OP
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 12:41 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]NP: The OP was commenting on a change in her circumstances and clearly stated she feels strange about it. Your snark and bitterness are so out of place.
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 12:48 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]it is out of place, unless OP is an IB wife who's sad about her hubby not getting his taxpayer-funded bonus. in which case bitterness and snark are in order.
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 12:50 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Not sure why it's necessary to even bring that scenario into the discussion. It's so pointless to just make a random assumption.
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 12:56 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]i know. i'm just angry about it and that's the first thought that popped into my angry little head.
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 12:57 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
np FYI: Not all banks received TARP funds. My dh is with a European bank; it didn't get a penny.
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 02:58 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
i have some Qs about FA. if we are applying to K next year when is it the best time to express a need for FA, after we have been admitted or before? and is FA loans or an actual break on tuition? TIA
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 12:45 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]you have to apply for FA at the time you apply for admission. FA at ongoing schools is essentially a break on tuition, not loans.
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 12:59 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
[+] Will applying for financial aid to competitive preschools greatly reduce DC's chances... 8 replies
- Consider that tuition will go up 7%/yr. In a few years, tuition will go from $35k now to $50k. What's your HHI? Assuming you have 1 dc, no family help with money, and both parents working (which means you need childcare), if your HHI is below $250k, apply for FA. Unless you have housing that's all paid for....
Talk : : November 18, 2009
Will applying for financial aid to competitive preschools greatly reduce DC's chances to get in? We could probably swing it for one year but would benefit from assistance.
8 replies [ Reply | Watch | Options ]11.18.09, 06:16 PM [ Flag ]Anyone?
[ Reply | Options ]11.18.09, 07:33 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]I don't know the answer to this, but I do know it's hard to request aid after applying and not asking for it. Most schools have a policy that unless you can show there was a catastrophic change, you can not apply after a year. If you need it, ask for it would be my advise.
[ Reply | Options ]11.18.09, 07:59 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Consider that tuition will go up 7%/yr. In a few years, tuition will go from $35k now to $50k. What's your HHI? Assuming you have 1 dc, no family help with money, and both parents working (which means you need childcare), if your HHI is below $250k, apply for FA. Unless you have housing that's all paid for.
[ Reply | Options ]11.18.09, 08:05 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]She's talking about preschool. And I'll bet she doesn't have a low income. So many people trying to sponge.
[ Reply | Options ]11.18.09, 08:08 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
Not many preschools give much aid; preschool is a luxury.
[ Reply | Options ]11.18.09, 08:07 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]OP here. Income is low-- below 100K. I know! Gasp! BUT we could do it for a year. No catastrophic change in finances (hopefully
[ Reply | Options ]11.18.09, 08:23 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]) except we will then have 2 children in school.
[ Reply | Options ]11.18.09, 08:23 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]most schools will tell you if they are need-blind admissions
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 07:25 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
[+] If your dc is at a TT, and you say you are not at all connected, do you mean zero con... 17 replies
- If you're comfortable, can you tell me your HHI? I am wondering what a "huge sacrifice" is (certainly not looking to flame)....
Talk : : November 17, 2009
If your dc is at a TT, and you say you are not at all connected, do you mean zero connections as in not a friend, not a neighbor, not a friend of a friend, or any remote connections? Is your family wealthy? Based on what I read on UB and hear from others, it sounds like a family like mine (very outgoing dc,very good ERB-mid 90's but not perfect 99x3, well-off enough to pay tuition and do fine but not enough to donate anything big, not 'diversity') without any connection whatsoever has no shot in hell in getting in.
17 replies [ Reply | Watch | Options ]11.17.09, 01:02 PM [ Flag ]I can't believe this is true though it may be harded b/c fewer slots available for totally uconnected but it is imposssible that all spots are taken by those with some connections. It just ins't possible
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 01:04 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]You have a shot if they love your dc on the playdate. It does happen.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 01:05 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]np: I am laughing about my dc at playdate. went in great, came out great, the DOA was talking to dc, seemed interested. then my dc says "Well, we were just looking here. I can't wait to go back to a different school." Meanwhile, this is was our FC. I think DC was talking about current preschool, but it did not look good!
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 02:36 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]If I was DOA, I'd love your child after that one! Children are so innocent (and cute!)
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 02:42 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]i hope they feel the same! It was cute, and awkward.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 03:03 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
Schools want financial diversity also. They have so many to choose from, it is a roll of the dice.
[ Reply | Options ]11.18.09, 06:32 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
We knew no one, not even friends of friends. Our dc didn't have 99x3, but did have a high ERB score. It's really not true, at least at our TT, that everyone is connected or diversity.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 01:09 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]That's true in our case--no friend, neighbor, friend of a friend or remote connection. We're well off, but not "rich". Probably smack in the middle income-wise at our school.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 01:10 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]^^ Did have a 99x3 erb, but doubt that's true of every unconnected kid in the class (most would have scored over 95, though, I'd imagine)
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 01:12 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
Zero connections, knew no one at the school or connected to the school, enough money to pay tuition and make modest contributions annually, but certainly not wealthy. Not 99x3 either but above 95. DC is at tt so it does happen, though I was pretty shocked, happily so!
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 01:15 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]DC is at a TT. We are not wealthy - huge sacrifice to pay tuition (no FA). DC got a 98 on ERB. We knew of people who had kids at this school, but they didn't even know we were applying there. By the way, "connected" means a BIG connection, not a friend of a friend happens to send their children there - it means sibling, legacy, faculty child, board member's child, etc.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 01:22 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]If you're comfortable, can you tell me your HHI? I am wondering what a "huge sacrifice" is (certainly not looking to flame).
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 01:40 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]np: i know 'connected' means that but re op's post, being able to list the name of a friend or neighbor who attends, when asked on application etc or how you heard of it and be able to say that/drop that you know ppl who go there at intv. IS A HELP, shows you really do know the school, really; are familiar and have been researching it beyond the BS of websites, Parents League, PR, blah blah. It DOES HELP
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 06:00 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]np EVERYONE who lives in NYC and entertains sending their kids to private school, knows about the tt schools. Saying that you know the Does down the hall who send their kid to x tt isn't going to help your kid get in.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 07:29 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
waiting for the playgroup to start, my dc went around to all the others (they were given paper, books, crayons to amuse them while waiting) and started "correcting" their coloring/letters or reading the books their parents were trying to read to them. DH and I were mortified. It was very odd, as if DC thought this was a competition and he was trying to rattle or impress the others.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 07:25 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Plenty of unconnected folks at our TT.The kid has to shine, either through the score and/or in other ways.
[ Reply | Options ]11.18.09, 05:59 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]There are plenty of people like you/us at the TT schools. Hang in there.
[ Reply | Options ]11.18.09, 10:44 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
[+] Did brickbreaker mom ever post back? Wonder how she is doing. 6 replies
- board? cmon. I am wary of alot of the posts on here (my kid is brilliant since he got a 90something on his ER whatever its called, our HHI is 3 million can I afford new prada pumps, our HHI is 3 million and my kid got a 96 on his ER whatever, can he get into collegiate [is that the name? we do parochial so i honestly just collapse every school thread because i...
Talk : : November 17, 2009
Did brickbreaker mom ever post back? Wonder how she is doing.
6 replies [ Reply | Watch | Options ]11.17.09, 10:09 AM [ Flag ]me too. I hope she is ok :) if you are still reading, know were thinkin abt u!
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 10:17 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]I know, me too.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 10:27 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]That was a fake post. I read on a blog that people go on and put out there these fantastic stories. Don't worry about her- she doesn't exist.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 10:40 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]what blog is that? seriously why would someone waste hours upon hours posting for help and asking about therapy and telling us all her woes just to screw with a bunch of random, totally anon people on a message board? cmon. I am wary of alot of the posts on here (my kid is brilliant since he got a 90something on his ER whatever its called, our HHI is 3 million can I afford new prada pumps, our HHI is 3 million and my kid got a 96 on his ER whatever, can he get into collegiate [is that the name? we do parochial so i honestly just collapse every school thread because i couldnt care less] if my uncles brother went there? if we donate a new wing?], but dont you think ppl have better things to do with their time than make up stories about their husbands having affairs?
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 10:44 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]reeeally. care to share which blog? i still think shes real.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 10:45 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
bump? and if someone says she is / was fake, mind posting the blog you are referring to?
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 05:12 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
[+] WOHMs, how much of your net salary goes towards childcare? This is not a bash WOHMS i... 16 replies
- same here, but this doesn't say anything about what percentage of HHI it is....
Talk : : November 17, 2009
WOHMs, how much of your net salary goes towards childcare? This is not a bash WOHMS in disguise; we are new to NYC and trying to figure out a reasonable budget.
16 replies [ Reply | Watch | Options ]11.17.09, 05:16 AM [ Flag ]45%
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 05:45 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]Thank you.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 05:54 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
30% of my personal take-home pay but DH currently making a lot more cabbage than I so a much smaller % of our HHI.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 06:26 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]To figure out your budget you need to find out what childcare will cost and use that number. Your salary has nothing to do with it, that only comes into play if you're deciding if its worthwhile to WOH or SAH.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 06:33 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]I agree with this. Daycare in manhattan is about $2K per month per child, but then you don't have to pay for preschool. As for the cost of a nanny -- there are gazillion posts about this.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 06:46 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]Right. The point I was trying to make is if she gets a bunch of 10% answers because everyone on today makes 500K that doesn't mean that OP can budget 10% of her pay to daycare. As you said it will be $2k or higher per month.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 09:36 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
40-50% of net depending on the year.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 06:48 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]same here, but this doesn't say anything about what percentage of HHI it is.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 09:40 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
35% of base, 5% of base+bonus for past 5 years.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 06:53 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]15%- if you combine with my dh's then 10%-
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 07:25 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]Well, I work at home when my baby is sleeping, and I'm just debating whether it is worthwhile to pay for childcare, which is why I asked.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 09:14 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]its an evolving thing. when your baby is more mobile and naps less, this plan may not work as well as now. also if you get more work or have more time pressure it might not work.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 09:43 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]That's exactly the position I'm in now... I'm a writer operating under deadlines and I'm now working at night till 11 or 12 to get a job done--but childcare would obviously take a huge chunk of my income. I have other children in school too, and so I can't work at night until they're settled, which isn't usually till around 9. I guess I just need to suck it up and pay for childcare.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 09:52 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]do you have SAH friends who'd be willing to swap childcare?
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 09:57 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]Possibly... although most of my friends have school-aged kids... this is my 4th child and she is a lot younger than the others, so I'm kind of out of the baby loop.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 10:03 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
i did this estimate based on my child going to a private school, and me paying nanny for afternoons etc (I'm single parent and wohm), it's a whopiing $60,000 net! Or about $25,000 for childcare. It depends on the age of your child and whether they are in preschool. You need to sit down and work out how many hours a week you need the nanny for. Most people don't take into account how many days the schools are closed for, they actually only oeprate for about 35 weeks a year, which leaves about 15 weeks of fulltime childcare for you to cover as well as school costs and afternoon care. Also, you need to cover nanny's holidays and bonus.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 09:49 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
[+] Hubby and I just did a CC debt check today. WOW. its So much higher then we thought. ... 60 replies
- 26, u? what is ur hhi and housing?...
Talk : : November 16, 2009
Hubby and I just did a CC debt check today. WOW. its So much higher then we thought. We dont really use the cards. I feel like its a constant weight over our heads. Pretty much living paycheck to paycheck now. I'd like to get a very part time job, but not feeling confident about the probability of someone hiring a SAHM for a 'very part time' evening/weekend job. Ugh. Any ideas/ experience with this?
60 replies [ Reply | Watch | Options ]11.16.09, 09:08 PM [ Flag ]There is a program run at 166 to help moms rejoin workforce. Cannot remember name....maybe on their website?
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 09:11 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]In your boat, sister. I just tried to get a part-time job at a B& B and wasn't hired because I was "overqualified." Ugh.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 09:12 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]And I guess we are not hot enough to work behind a bar anymore. What are your skill, OP?
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 09:15 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]I am an artist (painter/sculptor) with about 6 yrs serving experience, 2 yrs salon receptionist experience, minored in Education in college.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 09:18 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]^op^
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 09:19 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Could you start up afternoon after school art program? Portfolio prep for HS students who want to apply to art college?
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 09:19 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]I would LOVE that, but NO CLUE how to get that started. Also, I have a 8 month old, not sure how that would work with the baby.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 09:22 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]If with older HS kids, could you do it in the evenings, after dh has come home?
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 09:25 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Also, are you still making art? Could you do sell your work? Join a collective gallery?
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 09:26 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]I am still making art. I have my art going up in a cafe soon, but that doesnt exactly pay the bills. I adore my work and its my passion (actually have had some respected artists praise it), but I worry that its not of quality to 'have the audacity' to think i deserve to be in a collective gallery or something. its a self esteem thing. I know
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 09:31 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Stop thinking, and just put it out there, and make it simple for people to purchase.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 09:32 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]any clue how much these friends would like to pay for large scale, contemporary, architecture inspired paintings? I know what my art colleges suggest, but sometimes I worry they overprice for the real world!
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 09:34 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]What size, roughly? How intense is the 'coverage'
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 09:37 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]some are about 2 1/2 x 3ft. most are on avg 4 x 5. VERY labor intensive. Very colorful. Many textures. balance of organic and linear.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 09:45 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
And throw a party at that cafe to celebrate your opening, and use that as the time to tell everyone about your virtual studio, and that you want to sell from it, so they must each tell 5 people about your work.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 09:34 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
I could! any clue how one starts that though? I cant imagine advertising on like craigslist or something...
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 09:27 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]I would find a cooperative gallery, or local cafe, that would show your work. Also, set up a web page to show your work, price it, and start telling everyone that you have decided to start selling and painting again. Print up a card with info, get everyone to get their friends to go online and see what you do. I know so many people who want something to hang on their wall.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 09:30 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]http://cover-furniture-patio.tut.wjg.jp/index.html cover furniture patio http://awning-patio.tut.wjg.jp/index.html awning patio http://heater-patio.tut.wjg.jp/index.html heater patio
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 09:54 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
NP: What about Etsy? It's huge - but if you get a mention on a blog or 2 (plus positive feedback from buyers), it could snowball. Do you follow any blogs? You could offer a giveaway.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 09:35 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Yes, Etsy is great.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 09:36 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
op here: any suggestions for how to get rid of the cc debt quicker. I mean obviously pay huge amounts on the CCs, but any other tips?
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 09:16 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Try to get them to reduce interest rate, or transfer balance to card with lower rate. My card company refused though.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 09:17 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]op here: tried that, ours refused too. that was bout 6 months ago though.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 09:18 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]My rate is 25%. Awful.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 09:20 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]ours is 15. A family member said thats horrible, I thought it was okay? not GREAT, but not bad?
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 09:24 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Well, I guess I make you feel better then. I would be happy with that.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 09:25 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]im sorry, I hope I didnt insult you! :-D
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 09:26 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Not at all! I am just insulted by citibank.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 09:27 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]ugh. they are stinkers. got rid of them long ago. yuck
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 09:32 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
np: let's put it this way: you get next to no interest on your cash; treasuries pay, say 1-3%; investment grade corp bonds pay 2-6%; junk bonds pay 6-12%; and there's pretty much NO WHERE to get 15% on your money, unless you, say, run a credit car company. then you can get 15-35% interest...
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 10:01 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
how much debt do you owe?
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 10:00 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]12K
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 10:01 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]^op^: that 12k is my husband and I together
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 10:02 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]we have 27k how old are you both
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 10:04 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]26, u? what is ur hhi and housing?
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 10:07 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]we usually make 100, this year only 70, which is why we are in trouble. we are late 30's. housing all told is 3200 a month, 400 k mortgage, you?
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 10:12 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]dh brings in 110. rent 1700. oh and 100k in student loans b/w both of us. ugh
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 10:29 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]you should be ok with that kind of income. how many db's do you have? do you live in bk? i know you don't live in manhattan for 1700
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 10:32 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]1, and yep Manhattan. Good neighborhood, good future school zone for db
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 10:41 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]^-^ oh and a car too. forgot that
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 10:43 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]do you make more than you spend each month? h??ow long you been married
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 10:48 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]make = spend. married 2 yrs. whats that matter?
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 10:51 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]just wondering. dh will probably make more money in coming years, no?
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 10:56 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]thats the plan. hopefully. Hes 'on track' to keep moving up, but we're not COUNTING on that. <crossing fingers> but hoping for it!
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 10:58 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]can you cut back anywhere? just in the short term? did you grow up upper middle class?
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 11:03 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]yes and no. lived very low income 1st half of childhood, then to middle class. parents were comfortable, but not loaded.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 11:05 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]so it's not like you both are used to really fancy stuff? where does all the money go? what did you study in college?
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 11:08 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]goes to car payment, cells, just bills. and of course living. i buy clothes here and there (still losing baby weight) but i by no meaans wear prada and such. more like h&m and old navy, but not a ton of $$.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 11:10 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]what kind of car do you have? did you and dh date in college?
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 11:13 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]wow many ??s
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 11:15 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]just bored. up late
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 11:19 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
Your housing costs are killing you. Anything you can do to reduce them?
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 03:27 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]her rent is low
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 05:05 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]I was responding to the 70K income paying 3,200 for housing.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 09:43 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
You could sell stuff on ebay, or start a "WAHM" business like making cloth diapers. Lots of moms doing that. Mothering.com has a whole board just for them.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 06:43 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]you didn't know what your CC debt was? suze orman would have fun with you two.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 06:45 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]touche! she does now, and that's what counts!
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 08:19 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]yeah thanks. we werent complete idiots, we both knew approximately how much WE had (individually) but then to put it all in one sum is a quick wake up call. im sure we could have some real fun with suze orman too.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 09:08 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
DH has a gig, why not consider a little "night work"--how are your looks?
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 11:56 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]looks are pretty good. I mean no Cindy Crawford, but definitely not bad. Still losing a little baby weight though, but by no means chubby. Would love to get back into waitressing (did it for many years) but my concern is getting home at 4am... wont work well with an 8 month old that wakes up at 7 or 8.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 06:03 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
[+] We are somewhat new to NYC and I am curious: if you rent your apt, what percentage of... 13 replies
- Our rent is 20% of our gross monthly salary but 1/3-1/2 of our HHI is typically paid in bonus as well...
Talk : : November 16, 2009
We are somewhat new to NYC and I am curious: if you rent your apt, what percentage of your monthly income is the rent, and do you consider the amount feasible for you in the longterm?
13 replies [ Reply | Watch | Options ]11.16.09, 07:48 PM [ Flag ]when we were renting it was about 10% of our net.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 07:50 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]that's peanuts!
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 07:53 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]oh, wow. Gulp.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 07:54 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]ditto
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 08:00 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]what is the strange about it?
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 08:10 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]np Wasn't ditto-ing oh wow, but the 10% thing.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 08:12 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]thanks
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 08:14 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
It just seems low to me. I thought 25% was the average, and we are more like 1/3.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 05:06 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
Way too much...and not really.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 07:55 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]15% and yes
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 08:10 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]1/5th. Feasible, but spacewise, it will be more of an issue eventually as kids get older.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 08:11 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Our rent is 20% of our gross monthly salary but 1/3-1/2 of our HHI is typically paid in bonus as well
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 08:32 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]25% of our net income goes to rent, Manhattan. Worth every penny.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 07:37 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
[+] Anyone on here a Republican? If so, why? 177 replies
- As our HHI climbs ever higher, I'm thinking about switching. I really don't give a damn about Hoi Polloi and I'd like to see my taxes go down....
Talk : : November 16, 2009
Anyone on here a Republican? If so, why?
177 replies [ Reply | Watch | Options ]11.16.09, 07:03 PM [ Flag ]I'm a conservation, not a Republican.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 07:06 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]^^^ conservative. (Baby on my lap; it's hard to concentrate. Sorry.)
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 07:07 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]NP: huh?
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 07:07 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Fiscal policies, republican not social on views. However, I do think this president is awful and because of him our children will be holding the burden. very very sad. And if anyone says it was GWB who got us into this mess should consider themselves uneducated considering it was Clinton who created this mortgage fiasco....and the economy imploded
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 12:16 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Well, it is important to remember that this mess was the brainchild of Phil Gramm, who pushed through, with enthusiastic support of the Republican majority legislature, the unraveling of the Glass-Steagall act. Clinton didn't come up with the idea, though I believe he bears some responsibility for signing it instead of vetoing it.
[ Reply | Options ]11.18.09, 10:44 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
I am a liberation.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 03:47 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
Libertarian who often votes Conservative
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 07:07 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Libertarian as well. Have problems with both parties. The republican party is supposed to be the party of fiscal responsibility, but over the last few years they spend like drunken democrats. The democratic party has become a liberal parody of itself, totally abandoning its base, and its promises. Remember "transparency?" Remember Nancy Pelosi promising to put the full text of the Health reform bill on the internet 48 hours before the vote?
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 07:27 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]NP: Liberatarian as well - if Republicans are not going to be fiscally sound then they get no vote from me - in fact prefer to be Socialist
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 11:32 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
I am a moderate republican. I typically am liberal concerning social issues and conservative regarding economic issues. We are middle class and taxed to death.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 07:07 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]yup
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 07:09 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]i consider myself an independent who, in the last six months, has become dramatically more conservative. disgruntled about having voted for our bait-and-switch President.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 07:16 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Ding! Ding! Ding!
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 07:23 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]what exactly do you feel has been "bait and switched?" Seriously.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 11:07 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]crickets....
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 11:14 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]Promises of a 'post-partisan presidency,' followed by the most hard-line left and progressive agenda this country has ever seen. I'm hardly alone in this. Obama's approval rating with independents is dropping like a stone - 7 percentage points last month alone.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 11:17 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]...not to mention the sinking feeling that all those people who decried his lack of experience were right. The man has the biggest Democratic majority in years and cannot seem to develop a coherent White House strategy and get Congress to implement it. I think he's out of his league and I'm upset I helped put him there.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 11:21 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]What's the "hard-line left agenda?" Seriously--I already have my disappointments too and I'm a lefty but I figure that's the price to pay for electing someone with such high expectations and idealism. I'd just love to hear what all of these "surprises" have been that Obama's pulled. And IMHO the GOP has sunk to new lows of pettiness, nastiness and well...poor sportsmanship for lack of a better word.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 12:03 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]The most popular Dem move of all - massive stimulus - that barely created any jobs as promised, the inevitable tax hike for a whole tier of the "95% of you who won't see your taxes go up a dime" due to the cost of healthcare, just to name a couple. i will admit to also just being fed up with him as a person - I want the guy I voted for, not this a$$hole who's up there seemingly talking down to 90% of America. I'm equally fed up with the Repubs, and agree with everything you said about their behavior.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 12:22 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]When my taxes actually go up, then I may agree with you on that point, but til then, it's just tired old GOP fear-mongering. In any case though, they're all taxes that we should have been paying to finance the wars--no one has ever cut taxes in wartime til GWB and now we're paying the price. Blaming Obama for a deficit that he didn't create is patently unfair.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 12:25 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]I think he was a Senator before this and GWB was balanced by a Democrat run Congress. You libs constantly forget this.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 03:17 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]wait--so you're holding him responsible for the deficit created in large part by Bush's war (which he was outspoken against) because he was a senator at the time? And was it or was it not Bush who cut taxes for the wealthy during wartime?
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 03:21 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Do you know how laws are passed? The Bush tax cuts were passed by a Democratic Congress. The Iraq war was approved by a Democratic Congress. Criticizing Bush is your prerogative, but please do it while pretending to have a slight grasp of Civics 101, and the not-so-distant past.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 03:43 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]wow, thanks, Mom. Still waiting to hear how Obama was responsible for all this, since if you watched nothing but FOX you'd assume that he brought the deficit with him as a house-warming present.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 03:50 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]erm...don't think Congress was Dem-controlled when we went to war. Check yer facts.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 04:19 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Erm? You check your facts. Besides, these wars are not the sole reason we are in a mess. Thank Carter, then Frank, dodd, etc... They all played a HUGE part.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 04:47 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]LOL--Carter? You're blaming Carter now? And yeah--you might want to check that again. Dems didn't regain control of congress until 2006.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 05:01 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
I don't think the GOP has done anything worse than what the libs did to Bush. Does anyone remember the movie that "assassinated" him, there was a play about him, etc...
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 03:12 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]LOL--please find the mainstream media outlet that gave voice and credence to people comparing Bush to Hitler, Stalin, Mao, and other murderous dictators, or elected officials saying or implying that he was un-American, un-patriotic, a liar, a Communist, etc.. Seriously--there is no comparison.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 03:25 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]msnbc,cnn, showing protestors, etc...
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 03:53 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]um..."showing protestors?" Heavens forbid!! What on earth are you talking about? I'm not talking about news coverage (and there was minimal coverage of war protestors compared to FOX's lovefest with the teabaggers and their wild inflation of the numbers--claiming millions when the crowds were estimated at 70K). Seriously--when did a newscaster, a talk show host, or even a guest on any of these shows say anything comparable about Bush? I can't wait to hear...
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 04:09 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Do you watch tv? Try every Sunday morning show.... Still the left bashes Bush everytime they are backed into a corner. It's your mo. Move on it's getting old.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 04:50 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Oh yeah--those lefties like George Will and David Brooks and Bill Safire (RIP) on all those--sib!--Sunday morning shows. Somehow I must've missed all of those Sundays when they were comparing Bush to Mussolini...
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 05:04 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]um--you guys brought up Bush, not me--how mean we libs were to him, etc...
[ Reply | Options ]11.18.09, 09:03 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
How about sneaking in the bill that federal jobs go to unions. Unions are crippling this country. There used to be a need for them, now they are way to corrupt. Obama's whole administration can't seem to pay there taxes, have shifty ties to lobbyists, etc... This from the guy who talked about "changing" the whole good ole boy network. Yeah, right. What has he done that is good? That's my question. He is an embarrassment to this country. Who gives the Queen of England an ipod with his speeches? Really?
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 03:21 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
Amen!! He is a joke, but I am not laughing.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 03:22 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
Likewise. Gay marriage? Yes please. Social services for the poor? Yes please.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 07:14 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]but are you willing to pay taxes for the public services you want. Saying you want lower taxes without cutting services or wanting to cut services you don't use just makes you an economic meathead.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 10:10 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]don't try talking sense to her. and pls ask her how, if we really want to clamp down on the deficit, will we wrap up these two wars? Which of course, far out spend any health care reform.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 10:21 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]Oh yes, keep that liberal mind of yours open and tolerant of other opinions.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 10:32 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]You called me a liberal. I never stated my party. Fool.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 10:34 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
Well, while I am all for rights I do feel that we subsidize WAAAAAAAAAAAY too many people. I do not want so many social services. Not interested in socialism, thank you.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 10:31 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]We subsize big industries WAAAAAAAAAAAY more than we do poor people. Does that bother you too, or is it just the folks getting wellie cheese that bug you?
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 11:12 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]crickets, yet again. wow. where are the really well informed conservatives???
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 11:15 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]NP: she said she thinks we subsidize too many people. you countered with a comment about subsidizing big industry. she is entitled to her view regarding subsidies for individuals and social services, and it's not inconsistent with her supporting subsidies for industry. But to you she's not "well-informed" enough. The answer to your question is the well-informed conservatives don't waste their breath getting into arguments with liberals who are always looking for an excuse to discount conservatives' reasoning and intellects instead of engaging on the issues.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 11:31 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]man--that is a weak, weak response. And actually there are two different posters here, so you're getting scrambled. I asked WAAAAAAY whether it was just subsidizing the poor, disabled, elderly, etc. that bugged her and I heard nothing...but now you're popping up and letting me know that well-informed conservatives just don't want to waste their time arguing with the likes of me? So--you let the extremist windbags, imbeciles and haters take the stage on your behalf while you sit out and have a cigarette? Maybe that's why your party in in the sh*tter.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 12:23 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Go ahead and assume the Republican party's in the sh*tter, and see what happens in 2010. Let me guess where you grew up - somewhere in the Northeast or some sort of insular UMC environment where you had canned "diverse" experiences that you think permit you to assume you're more cultured and aware than the right. You're welcome to your caricatured view of conservatives, but the nutjobs shouting on the Capitol steps are outliers, and they do not account for the vast number of smart, deep-thinking people who simply have a healthy suspicion of big govt. In focusing entirely on the Michelle Bachmann loonies, you're missing the fact that in the rest of the country, plenty of people who were moderates are prepared to vote Republican, because all they see is that half the people on their block are out of work.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 12:47 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]LOL--glad we agree that it's the nut jobs who are running your party. If you so-called "deep-thinking" conservatives had any balls, intelligence or ideas, you'd run them out of town. Instead they're running the show and you should be truly embarrassed to count yourself among them OR to have let them hijack your party. Also--please keep telling yourself that only Republicans live in the "real world." From what I've seen the past few years, it's the left that has their ideas planted in reality and the GOP that's rushed off to war based on revenge fantasies, lies and foolish conjecture and now spends most of its time creating conspiracy theories about whether Obama was born in Kenya or how Obamacare's going to kill Grandma. If you really have something better to offer, now's the time to dish it up.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 02:01 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]where is the rest of your response? also, with respect to the many "your party" references - i'd simply note that nowhere have i stated that I am a Republican. On the contrary - I am a moderate, independent, former Obama supporter prepared to vote straight-ticket Republican in 2010 and 2012. Oh, and before you stereotype me, I'm a highly-educated litigator living in Manhattan. Voters like me are exactly why the Dems should be scared - they no longer have a lock on who they think their "base" is. No revenge fantasies, lies and foolish conjecture swayed me -- just took a realistic look at where our country is headed.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 02:38 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Whatever--keep calling yourself a "moderate" "independent"...blah blah blah. Makes it easier to disavow any responsibility for anything, doesn't it? I really can't see how anything that Obama has done since you allegedly voted for him surprises you--did you have issues with GWB bailing out the banks, or you just don't like it when Obama does it? What vision of "where our country is headed" captivated you a scant year ago and has now shattered? Are you just bummed out that he didn't manage to fix the world economy within eleven months? Yeah--what an a-hole, right?
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 03:47 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]BRAVA!!! Great reply. ANd she did not vote for O.
[ Reply | Options ]11.18.09, 09:01 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
Yeah b/c Pelosi, Frank, and Jefferson (oops he's going to jail) are such winners. Also, those wars you keep jabbering about? Democrats controlled Congress and voted to go - so come back when you are more informed.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 03:28 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Do you get your ideas from Maddow and Olberman? Democrats were the ones that voted for these wars!!
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 03:30 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
(contd) all they see is that a third of the people on their block are out of work.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 12:49 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Sorry that I am too busy to sit by the computer waiting for the first pseudo-tolerant blindly Democratic poster to respond.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 02:26 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
I miss them--I really do. I feel as if there's no intellectual weight or leaning in the party anymore--it's all playing to the lowest common denominator. Ugh.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 12:00 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Working to pay for the poor.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 03:41 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]HAHAHA. Best post ever. I did notice an increase in conservative responders after quitting time.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 03:45 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]LOL. So true
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 06:05 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
Exactly. I have known so many poor people who were poor because of their own lack of ambition. I hate to think I'm subsiding them in any way shape or form.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 04:09 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]You have known "so many poor people"? Why don't I believe you, somehow?
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 04:57 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
They are subsidized so people have jobs. I guess that point is lost on you.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 06:02 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
The question to which I responded was regarding social services. I agree. The big industry stuff is out of control too.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 02:23 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Are you serious? Who is going to provide the jobs in your world? Not the people standing in line waiting for the govt. to take care of them. We really need to switch to the Fair Tax plan. If we had a sales tax on consumption, everyone would have to pay. Equally. Then the big industries as you say would stay in the country and not leave ( or hide their money offshore). The govt. would still get all the money for their programs but the taxpayers would see what pennies on the dollar goes to which program.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 03:15 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]We actually don't. The big industries are the ones who create jobs. Not the people waiting for the govt. to take care of them. We need to be more friendly towards corporations or they will all leave and go to other countries more friendly. Then how will we pay for the poor?
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 03:40 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
In what form? The form of, say, public schools? Do you think people should have to pay direct cash instead of taxes for their children to attend school, and if you're poor, those kids are SOL? Sounds like a third-world country to me.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 12:02 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
heard about people like you, you want to enjoy it all without the cost, you are a republican!!!!
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 02:54 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]hardly! people like you either a) enjoy huge sums of money and have no sense how difficult it is to get by in this world on a middle class income or b) expect others to provide everything for you.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 05:35 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]^^ I am guess you are a) since you seem to know how to spell and are somewhat witty. Please confirm after you finish shopping for your new Hermes bag while your nanny raises your 1 yr old and your 3 year old enjoys attending a $20k/yr preschool.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 05:40 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]said 3 y.o. was a legacy at preschool.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 06:02 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]So when you fly, do you keep your nanny up in First Class with you or do you make her sit Coach?
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 06:43 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
Yes I am but don't admire many of the republican party members. I admire the philosophy which gets lost sometimes.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 07:09 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]ITA.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 10:05 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
As our HHI climbs ever higher, I'm thinking about switching. I really don't give a damn about Hoi Polloi and I'd like to see my taxes go down.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 07:19 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]I feel exactly the same way.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 09:29 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]you guys are gross
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 09:45 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]why? because we dont pretend to vote on social issues but actually care about what is best for our families?
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 09:56 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]No, because you seem to be unable to see past your own selfish interests. It's just depressing. Not to mention, increasing the divide between the wealthy and what you call the "hoi polloi" (which includes, presumably, the policemen and firefighters who protect your house, the teacher who educates your kids, the guy who makes your triple latte in the morning) is just unhealthy--this is what leads to social unrest and revolutions. No point trying to isolate yourself from the rest of society.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 10:05 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]what does it have to do with isolation? btw I am not the one who referred to baristas (et al) as "hoi polloi." there are two posters here. I was only agreeing with hating to see my taxes increase. what does that have to do with social unrest? I am not pretentious, I just hate paying 50% of what I make into big govt which I firmly dont believe in.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 10:15 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]so what do you believe in. Big gov't is really just code for TWO BIG EXPENSIVE WARS. We could change health crae, education and have a major push on public works/infrastructure for LESS than the wars. Your thinking is so narrow. And assuming you fume over your income/property tax sitch, your issue is state and local, not fed.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 10:26 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]thank you! I do NOT understand why spending hundreds of millions a day on two wars of choice doesn't seem to count against the GOP ledger, while God forbid we offer lower-cost health care to working American citizens. Or why Michele Bachmann and her loathsome ilk weren't out protesting when they passed the prescription drug benefit. GWB increased the size of the gov't considerably and I don't remember GOP'ers out marching with signs calling him a Nazi-Socialist...
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 10:37 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]oR: It's simple. GWB, passed everything under the cover of darkness ( two wars) and the Rx bill helps mostly the senior population, who votes largely right wing. Also, the right only fears socialism if it benefits the poor or immigrants. They LOVE SS and medicare. That brand of socialism makes them wet their pants with joy.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 10:47 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]The GOP didn't create SS - dems did. Most younger Republicans don't want SS or medicare. It's the old people that have payed into it for so long.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 03:43 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]GWB did not pass things under the cover of darkness. The dems controlled congress for the last four years of his term - you guys voted for this war.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 03:45 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]who is "you guys?" And check your records--Dem's did not control Congress in 2003.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 04:22 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
I love this type of MSNBC endorsed b*llsh(*t! congress has been democrtically controlled for the past 5 freaken years. nothing was passed under a "cover of darkess." review voting records, get your facts straight. YOU GUYS (DEMOCRATS!!!) voted for the war. and being a republican doesnt necessarily = being pro iraq. stop making it like that is the ONNNNNLY issue on the menu .
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 03:51 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]um--YOU check the voting records. Not as straightforward as you'd like to believe. Are you really claiming that there wasn't a strong bi-partisan element, not to mention that it was GWB and his lying, conspiring conies who provided the false evidence that led them to that vote? And God knows, it's NOT the only issue on the table, but it's one we'll be paying for forever in mroe ways than one.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 04:24 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
I very consciously didn't say "the Hoi Polloi" because that's incorrect. It's simply "Hoi Polloi" as "hoi" means "the" in Greek.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 03:55 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
In other words, "I want what's best for ME ME ME and fuck everyone else." If that's how you feel, go buy a goddamn island and live on it alone.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 12:03 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Yep. Especially since most of the great unwashed vote against their own interests anyway-- Republicans would never get elected if more of the lower class would actually vote for their own economic interests instead of becoming hopelessly distracted by non-issues like preventing the gays from getting married. They, as a bloc, disgust me so fuck them.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 04:06 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]You disgust me. Who actually uses phrases like "the great unwashed"?
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 04:56 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
so i guess social issues have nothing to do with your family. i guess this is the admirable republican philosophy.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 02:48 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]I have a gay brother who also votes republican based on his fiances. When he gets married, he'll do it in one of the states where it's legal. We both think that the idiot mouthbreathers will die off in a generation or two and gays will get equal rights no matter what our party affiliation is.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 04:08 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Wow--that's a great philosophy. Vote for the people who loathe and despise you because it's financially convenient but let those lefty suckers fight for your rights in some other state. Pathologically selfish, lazy and morally bankrupt. Please don't move to my state (where gay marriage is legal, thanks to a lot of courageous gay people and thousands of empathetic people who support them).
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 05:08 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
so you want to turn USA into a banana republic? where taxes are low, public services non-existent and the rich are afraid to leave their fortresses w/o armed guards.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 10:12 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]no, but I do think there is a balance between socialism [aka where we seem to be headed] and a banana republic.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 10:16 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]you're ignorance is laughable. How much of our budget is spent on defense? Do you know?
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 10:29 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]maybe the worst sentence ever in which to have a typo. try "your ignorance is laughable."
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 10:31 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]a typo does not = ignorance. Why not just answer the question?
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 12:04 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
You're ignorant. The majority of the federal government's spending is already on social services -- Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid. Basically, the U.S. government can be understood, to a first approximation, as a giant pension fund with a side-line in defense and homeland security. Everything else is almost a rounding error.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 12:43 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]WRONG!!!! 60% of the budget is allocated and spent on defense. GET YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT. THIS IS NOT A LEFT?RIGHT ISSUE. IT'S A FACT. Dimwit.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 12:52 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Right. Idiot. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009_United_States_federal_budget
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 12:54 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]It's 36% plus 18% entitlements. Pls stop with the wikipedia non facts.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 01:09 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Whose not providing facts here? How about this, straight from those lying liars at the U.S. Census Bureau -- table 453, "Federal Budget Outlays By Type", is probably most useful:
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 01:28 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
Nice try, shit-stirrer.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 10:59 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
Make that 3 Libertarians! I tend to vote Republican. I think the government should stay out of people's lives. However, the Republican party has sold out to the "moral majority." Even though I vote Republican, someone else's marital partner, choice to have an abortion, or "family values" is not my business, and so I break from the party here.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 09:25 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]I guess Id call myself a libertarian if I reallythought about it. But have always voted republican. definitely a right wing conservative when it comes to economic issues, but find myself more middle of the fence on some social issues. thing is tough, when it comes down to the wire...$ talks....and I am first and foremost concerned with what will be best for me and my immediate family. social issues notwithstanding.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 09:31 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]What's best for your family in terms of money-right? Do don't give a shit about the country's moral compass and big picture issues. Just let your kids deal with it when they grow up and you're dead? Is that it?
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 10:32 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]yup. exactly.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 10:54 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]It never ceases to amaze me how openly selfish and stupid some economic conservatives are. It always comes down to, "But that isn't what's best FOR ME." Total tunnel vision, like a society where poor people are dying of swine flu and TB because they can't afford treatment is best for anyone. And not to mention that they bitch about illegal immigrants "taking tax dollars away" but then employ them as nannies and gardeners.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 12:13 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Fine, where do you draw the line? How much should someone be taxed to pay for other people's healthcare?
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 12:46 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]just enough so when you or your DH lose your insurance your and your family are left standing in the wind hugging your heart disease, diabetes or worse. ass wipe.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 12:55 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Apparently you are afraid to answer the question. Nice.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 12:57 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]I'm so very afraid. I believe that in the US, the great country on the planet - ALL citizens should have health care. And, I believinstead of paying for wars we shouldn't be in, we should pay for superior public education, superior health care.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 01:02 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Still waiting for that answer...
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 01:05 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Obviously, you lack reading comprehsion. She told what where to draw the line. When everybody is covered and can afford ins. Are you happy to be obtuse or are you dim?
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 01:12 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]No, she is not answering the question. Let me state it more precisely -- how high are you willing to raise marginal tax rates to accomplish that goal. Are you afraid to use a number?
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 01:32 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]You know, different people are responding to you, genius, it's not a private conversation. I think it's reasonable to tax wealthy people at up to 50% of their income, actually. I do. Call me a Commie. You still have plenty more disposable income than the rest of the country, what more do you f*cking want?
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 02:05 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Umm, that was the kind of answer I was curious about. Taking half of everything someone earns sounds a little unfair to me, but YMMV. I do not believe that will be enough to fund the kinds of health programs people are talking about here.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 02:28 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
was more liberal until it came to healthcare-- you get what you pay for. if you don't compensate doctors you will attract less capable people into the profession. i also dont know of any patients being turned away from any hospital that i have worked at. so when you need to see a specialist and are told you need to wait 6 months to get in- lets see what you think about the new system
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 09:34 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]Did you see Keith Olbermann last night and all of the people who came to the free clinic they held in New Orleans. It was kind of jaw-dropping. And before anyone starts screaming about welfare, 83% of the people who came had jobs, just no health coverage. They had to take 4 people directly to the hospital, discovered tons of high blood pressure, diabetes, etc. It was so depressing. So I'd still love to hear any reasonable solution to this problem from the people cursing Obamacare.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 09:43 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]Keith Olbermann has as blatant of a leftist agenda as Fox does for the right. That free clinic coverage is his show's equivalent of town hall coverage - it may be true, but each network will blow it out of proportion to fit into their preconceived narratives.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 09:53 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]np: but there's no question there are a lot ofuninsired people out there and even without any legislative action premiums are going to go way up. so fine, hate the existing proposals -- but what is an alternative?
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 09:55 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]yes, I understand that, though I do believe that Olbermann usually sticks to facts and does not make outlandish ad hominem attacks (or inflate the numbers at an event from 70,000 to over 1,000,000, for example). I'm just saying--given how many working people in this country cannot afford decent health care, what is the right's solution except to call Obama a Socialist/Communist/baby-killing/grandma-exterminating Kenyan terrorist?
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 09:59 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]Olbermann is a jackass and his personal life is testament to that. oh by the way, he like his party does not stick to facts--like the new economic term they invented, saved jobs. he is a pig!
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 10:11 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]LOL! I will put up Keith Olbermann's personal life against that of Bill O'Reilly, Glenn Beck, or Rush Limbaugh ANY DAY. You're really walking on pretty thin ice there.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 10:39 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]ha. which party sticks to the facts? Please enlighten me? Seriously. I would like to hear what you have to say.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 10:39 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]OR (to the "did you watch Olbermann" post): whoever this crazy is who hijacked this starting with "Olbermann is a jackass" is not me! use NP people!
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 10:45 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]ita--it's gotten to hard to tell which post is responding to which...
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 11:08 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
NP: I was a big proponent of the Wyden Amendment, which would have allowed those of us who get insurance from our employers to shop on the insurance exchange, too. So a young and relatively healthy person can get a cheaper plan that makes sense for them, an older person can get more robust coverage. most importantly, health care insurance companies cannot count on having millions upon millions of guaranteed and generally captive customers via the employer-based system. I think something like this, coupled with a mandate/subsidies and a set of regulations that prohibit the bullsh*t denials of coverage and games insurance companies now play would do a lot of good. imo, Congressional leadership and the Pres are just too far left to see the good that unleashing some properly regulated market forces and incentives might do here.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 10:17 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]...good that unleashing some properly regulated market forces and incentives might do here.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 10:18 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
I'll tell you why I have a problem with it-- a) because we cannot afford it b) the government SUCKS at managing healthcare-get medicade right and leave medicade alone 3)someone has to pay for it--meaning us-meaning my nice benefit of having a job will go right out the window and I will likely have to PAY 15-20k out of pocket for obamacare 4) I don't believe medicine should be a for profit business-and once obama taxes the medical establishment they will pass those costs right down to the consumer..ME--so it really isn't OBAMA CARE--it is I am Paying for your ass CARE
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 10:10 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]^^and fwiw I think it is a national tragedy that we cannot provide healthcare for our citizens--but this isn't the way to do it
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 10:11 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]but do you have any idea how we can?
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 10:14 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]i do--i think we should give medical students a break on their tuitions or do something like teach for America and have new young doctors man some clinics and I think drug companies and medical companies can help fund this mess and I am ALL FOR a sin tax -at least it is a start
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 10:18 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]you MUST gives med students a break. you can't justify $100k plus in tuition if you are goinng to come out of training making $65k (that's after 4 yrs med school and a minimum of 4 yrs of residency)
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 12:26 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]then dont go, honey. I am well aware that I may not make as much as my predecessors going into this. I am NOT gunning for neurosurgery. I want to be an internist because I love medicine. and if I make 90K post taxes rather than 160k, the so be it. (and ps, I am a republican too!). but what IS your point? society owes "us" free tuition because we work so hard in school? if you feel that way, then go the MSTP route. that is free.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 02:42 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Sorry--I don't know any doctors that make $65K post-residency. Sure they work their *sses off, but they're all doing very well.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 03:41 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]welcome to obamacare. where we are all on ourway to being government employees servingthe common good, in primary care for salaries of70k/yr! i am thrilled!
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 03:59 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]So why does the AMA support the health care bill AND a public option?
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 05:09 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
What are you talking about when you say "the government SUCKS at managing healthcare." The most efficient purchaser of medical care in the world is the US government. You can argue against their practices. You can complain about the process. But there is no rational argument that they don't manage paying for Medicare well.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 10:18 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]billions in fraud? really? Oh and not to mention that the washington elite are exempt from obama care because they have their nice federally funded healthcare that won't be touched
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 10:20 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]I think any fraud is unacceptable and I would love to see tighter control on payments. But we are talking about an almost $500B program. Do you really think Kaiser or Aetna or HIP are getting more dollars into patient care than the Medicare system? NFW!
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 10:32 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
and our seniors have pretty good health outcomes as compared to other coutries. unlike everyone else.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 10:21 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]now they do yes--but how do you think they are going to pay for obama care--they are going to take from the one program that protects our seniors
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 10:31 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]np: What is wrong with that? If my 102 year old grandmother not getting the top of the line new hip means that my cousin gets routine health care, I'm cool with that. And you know what, my grandmother ought to be, too.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 10:36 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]LOL--I agree. Why should all the money go to Grandpa's Viagra?
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 10:41 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]ITTTA, but this is lost on the vast majority of ppl. Everyone is so lazy to find out the facts. Like my dad telling me, what happens if he needs an organ transplant? Well - in NY state, the wait for a kidney is 7 effing years!!! We are worse off in so many ways than the places we claim to hate ( canada, UK, France) The last time I wentto my GP, there we're 20 ppl in the waiting room. And he is a very well respected MD in effing Scarsdale! Come on ppl. Wake up!
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 11:04 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]LOL--true! I just love the whole "government death panel" and "rationing" thing, like Aetna or Kaiser Permanente is really just dying to cover Granma's hp replacement out of the goodness of their little hearts. Oh, and the latest crap about how Obama has "failed" to get flu vaccines out on time...as if it weren't private companies manufacturing the vaccine, not that I blame them either.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 11:11 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]or: forget grandma. My 50 year old, breast cancer survivor cousin has aggressive cervical cancer. Her insurance is delaying her approval. WTF is wrong with this country???? Oh, and while we're at it. Crush edu. spending and by all means let's pay for a few more years of these wars - to save face. Then, when the vets get home. Deny them benefits. Wait for them to go psycho from PTSD, and complain they are homelss, their families are on welfare and eff them and their substance abuse.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 11:22 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]preach it, sister. I'm one of those "healthy, young people" who ended up getting sick with a chronic illness that keeps me from even being able to buy life insurance. Thank God I have a decent job and live in a state where you can't discriminate against pre-existing conditions, otherwise I might as well be dead. And yes--agreed on the vets, and hey--why spend $$$ on public schools when lobbyists are working so hard to build more (privately run) jails to house all of those drop-outs AND to change sentencing requirements to ensure a constant supply of new jailbirds? It's the American way!
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 12:08 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]I think you are missing the really nefarious part of this... what they do is so completely fuck the Vets vis-a-vis mental health care that the Vets self medicate. This then allows the chicken hawk douchebags to ignore them because they are junkies.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 12:21 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]punish the insurance companies-- not the doctors!!
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 12:25 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]but come on--if those vets had any kind of intelligence they would've gotten six deferments like certain VPs we know...and then they could be war profiteers and not junkies! Silly rabbit...
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 12:42 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]np: I actually think that was her point.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 01:23 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]His point. I think you and the poster above both have the same POV. (As do I.) I'm thining of Al Franken's book right now...
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 02:05 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
thank you--well said.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 10:40 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]Medicare is great for its beneficiaries. The problem is we can't actually afford it, and I've got a problem sticking our grandchildren with the bill.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 12:45 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
it's Medicaid, btw, not Medicade--it's not a beverage. And Medicaid is different from Medicare. But then again, reading the rest of your nonsensical post, I'm not surprised that you're a little foggy.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 11:21 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]oops--I made a mistake--feel better now? Get a life
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 12:27 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]LOL--trust me, your whole post is idiotic. You don't believe in for-profit health care? What do you think--the insurance companies and hospitals all operate out of sheer love until the nasty ol' government comes along and ruins everything? And yeah--check back in when you're actually paying "$15-20K out of pocket" for health care. The thing is,you probably believe all this crap and yet think global warming issome kind of hoax invented by Al Gore. Again--this is why your party has become a laughingstock. Good luck with Palin 2012!
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 12:41 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]and you will see how your one term president will do--i never said I was a republican btw
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 12:43 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]oh yeah, that's right--you're all "independents"now, meaning you can dodge responsibility for anything that the GOP did and now spend all your time whining and sh*tting all over Obama. Nice. Why don't you and Joe Lieberman go get a cup of coffee? I'm sure he could use some company, now that he's betrayed everything he ever pretended to stand for.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 01:40 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
You're basically making GWB's argument against health care reform ("we don't need it, people can always go to the emergency room"), which should be a big clue you're on the wrong track.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 11:10 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
you are all so stupid--do you really believe after every administration has failed to put forth a responsible health care program, Pelosi and Obama are going to be the ones who do it successfully? take your blinders off
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 12:16 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Why should I say yes? So you can throw stones at me.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 12:17 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]no kidding.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 12:51 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
I don't know why anyone would have a political disagreement on a forum like UB but I'm a conservative Republican and you probably have more in common with me on the issues than you do with Barack Obama. (I'm for gay marriage, for example, from a conservative perspective--marriage is good for society, in all its forms). But few of you would listen to me past the word Republican. Total knee-jerk reaction to the word.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 02:53 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]well-said. i'm convinced the poster is also the card-carrying liberal fanatic who's been shooting down all the ideas expressed in the posts.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 03:26 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Point taken. I've actually always been boggled why "conservatives" don't support gay marriage for exactly that reason--isn't marriage a fundamentally conservative institution? But why do so many of the so-called Republicans here shy away from their party or say "oh, I'm a conservative/ Independent/ Libertarian" and "I hated Bush too" etc. I understand not loving the way party politics works in this country--I'm not a yellow dog Dem by any means, but if you all feel as if your party is being run by a bunchof hysterical loons who are betraying the fundamentals of conservatism, then why aren't you doing something about it? And yes, when Dems voted for the war (encouraged, btw, by false info and the "you're with us or you're against us" mentality) I was pissed, wrote letters, made phone calls and supported the few dissenters.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 03:39 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]How do you know the "so-called Republicans" aren't doing anything about it? Because it isn't sensational enough to be covered by the media or they haven't annointed a candidate for 2012 yet? No serious Presidential candidate ever emerges this far in advance of a race, and much is being done by serious, sane Republican leaders at the state and local level. The recent governors' races in NJ and VA attest to that. I assure you that right now there are forward-thinking, mature, smart Republican leaders devising the very strategies that are going to knock the Democratic majority into oblivion next year. Lindsey Graham, Haley Barbour - these names ring a bell? You probably have never stopped to listen to them because you assume they're stupid because of the way they talk. The Republican party is not wanting for leadership, but I'd imagine it's content to have the Dems think that it is, for the time being. Don't underestimate them. Any ardent Obama supporter should know better than to dismiss a campaign that some deem a long shot.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 04:05 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]stupid because of the way they talk. The Republican party is not suffering the leadership void the media would have you believe it is. Besides, any ardent Obama supporter should know better than to underestimate what some people may deem a long-shot.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 04:09 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]I'm the admitted conservative Republican above. The truth is, these things work in cycles. In 2001, I actually wrote about how my friends were "liberal", "socialist", "leftist", "progressive" but not a Democrat among them. Because Democrats didn't stand for anything back then (let's remember, Bush had overwhelming support from Democrats for Iraq, Patriot Act, No Child Left Behind, Medicare reform, etc.). People don't like when their chosen party stands for nothing. I think a lot of conservatives and libertarians don't identify as Republicans because Republicans aren't preaching the messages they want to hear. We're for reducing the size of government so how can we be Republicans with a straight face with the way Bush grew govt. and Republican congressmembers voting for all the bailouts. I still consider myself a Republican, only for ease, only because the Democrats represent my opinions even less.
[ Reply | Options ]11.18.09, 10:44 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
If you're 20 and not a liberal you have no heart. But if you're 40 and not a conservative you have no brain. Is that enough of a reason. BTW, I didn't like W. I did like Reagan. If the Republicans bring up a candidate like him in 2012, Obama will be No-bama. For all the Libs that think Iraq was a W. only event, for the record, the two democratic senators and my democratic congressman (Nadler) voted for that horribly misguided policy.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 05:56 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Important to remember that the Congress was actively misled, thus Democrats supported the war.
[ Reply | Options ]11.18.09, 10:45 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]I love how that idiot Bush and his gang of morons was able to mislead the geniuses in Congress (the Senate was controlled by the Democrats at the time). How does that work, exactly? And if he really meant to "mislead" about WMD in Iraq, how hard would it be to just plant them? And finally, if Iraq never had WMD, how did they use them on the Kurds in the north following the first Gulf War?
[ Reply | Options ]11.18.09, 02:14 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
[+] I have been offered a great academic/professional opportunity requiring us to live in... 73 replies
Talk : : November 16, 2009
I have been offered a great academic/professional opportunity requiring us to live in Stockholm for 4 years. DH would quit his job (BigLaw) and become a SAHD - he would love this. Our HHI while in Sweden wouldn't be very much and, conservatively, we would need $100K of our savings to get by. I would love to do this and after being a SAHM and giving up my career, this would mean the world to me. The problems, though, are: 1) school for the DCs (4yo&2yo) getting them in on off-years (private) when we return 2) eating up a large part of our savings 3) difficulties for DH in returning to work when we return. WWYD?
73 replies [ Reply | Watch | Options ]11.16.09, 04:33 PM [ Flag ]I say do it! This sounds like a great opportunity for the whole family. I once moved to London without so much as a place to stay, albeit sans kids, but it was a wonderful experience.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 04:36 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Stockholm is terrific. Do it - you will not regret it. Sweden is so wonderful for children.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 04:40 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]I've only looked online, but is it terribly expensive? My income will be US$25K, which is why I figured we would need an additional $25K a year to get by. Is that reasonable?
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 04:46 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]NP: Whoa, yes, sweden is VERY expensive. I'm not sure whether you could get by on even $50K a year... will you get subsidized housing/food somehow?
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 04:51 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Housing would be taken care of
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 05:28 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Ahhh, well that would be a huge deal! If that is the case, then I think it would be fine. But you may not get to go out to eat much!
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 06:03 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
will you be eligible for swedish social services? that will probably tell you how much you need to budget.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 04:55 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]np What do you mean by "social services"? Do you think the Swedes are going to fork over money to a foreigner working in their country? They're bleeding heart liberals, but I highly doubt even they would be that stupid.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 05:19 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]nnp: Actually I think in countries like that, all legal residents are eligible for social services. I ahve a cousin who lives and works in Finland and is entitled to everything just as if she were a Finnish citizen.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 05:56 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]The UK lets legal foreigners (and illegal ones--so, I guess, anyone at all) use the NHS. But it's stamped on your visa that you "have no recourse to public funds" (which makes sense).
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 06:51 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
If you're a legal resident, you get some and perhaps all social services available to citizens.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 08:46 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
No, I doubt it
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 05:29 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]I lived there as a non-citizen for quite a while (student visa, and later one based on marriage to a Swede). Even as a student I got full social benefits except the right to vote. You will probably be eligible for free health care, schooling, etc. Just check with the employer/school that you got the offer from. They should be experienced in dealing with expats and provide guidance. If housing is taken care of, I think you will be able to live on 25k. We lived on much less (no children at the time though)
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 06:21 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
What would your career prospects be when you returned?
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 04:49 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]I could go into academia or return to finance. I "should" be able to return to a ~$300k salary, but obviously that depends on the economy in 4 years, ect.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 06:00 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]I'm envious of you!
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 08:34 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
I would do it in a second. You may find you don't want to return! You will figure out the school thing (so stressful, but it really does work out), savings is there for a reason and an experience like this probably qualifies as a good use of it, and if DH is good I am sure he will be able to find a job (plus he will have this great experience of staying home with the kids for a while).
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 04:50 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]beware! You don't know how DH will really feel, esp if his career is in jeopardy after he returns, depending on how economy is, etc. I wanted to go live in Buenos Aires for a few years, where I am from, my dh said no--he would move heaven and earth for me so I was shocked, but he said he would have nothing to do there, what would he do upon returning, doesn't speak Spanish, etc. I had to respect this. I have known situations where one spouse gave up a lot for the other and it turned out baddddly in the end, so much resentment, whatever someone says is cool or fun up front. And I have lived everywhere, so it would be important to me to do so again, but not at the risk of my dh's self esteem and professional future.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 04:54 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]It doesn't sound like a great opportunity to me.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 04:54 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]It essence it sounds very romantic but in actuality it sounds pretty unrealistic. Can't imagine a family could live on $25k in any major city. I'm much less risk averse now than when single. So many substantial possible backfiring repercussions it just doesn't seem worth it. So disappointing when life gets in the way of dreams.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 05:08 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
WWID? (1) not let concern over school for kids stop me (2) Think deeply about whether DH and I would like it and how DH would deal with employment on return (3) investigate cost of living, starting with housing (as it is a big ticket item, and because location effects mode of transport which costs $ and effects quality of life) (4) err on the side of going.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 05:25 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]You will not get the kids into school on off years, this is serious and you should consider this before putting their education at risk.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 06:24 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]...because the only good schools in America are those in Manhattan.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 06:38 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]She wants to return to america and her kids will be put at risk for being shut out.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 06:53 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]NP: People move to Manhattan every year with children and manage to work something out. If the private school thing is too difficult, they can always go to a good public. Or move to the suburbs or something. I would NOT make this decision based on fear of being shutout!
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 06:57 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]I'm sure she'll be able to find them a decent education somewhere in America.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 07:20 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
I think you need to make your decision assuming that DH won't be able to step back into a $250K+ job when you return. If he's done with the whole Biglaw thing, maybe that's fine - he most likely has good credentials, he'll be able to find something.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 05:30 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]i wouldn't count on that.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 05:44 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]He says that he would be happy to never return, he's been in for 7 years. He's talking about going to grad school when we return or opening up his own firm with a few friends, something small. He has a lot of ideas, but none of them revolve around staying on his current course.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 06:03 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]if DH has been in BigLaw for 7 years, he should have an idea of whether or not he has a future at his current firm. have they told him one way or the other? signed WOHM (in BigLaw for 5 years)
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 06:28 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]He does, they love him, which is really the only reason why he stays.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 06:32 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]good for him. imo, this changes things. in any other economy i'd say go in a second. but at 7th year he's getting to be too senior (read: expensive) to be super employable as an associate (firms that are hiring are looking at cheaper midlevels and squeezing out senior and junior associates, IME) sounds paranoid but i'd play it safe and not go. fwiw, living abroad with young DCs would be my dream, too, just think the timing cuts against it here.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 06:41 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]this is spot on career advice
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 07:53 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
how old are you?
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 05:41 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]27
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 06:01 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Yes, DEFINITELY do it! I wish I had this opportunity. Seriously, this will be great for you. Stockholm IS expensive but with housing taken care of, you should be in a better position, and you may very well quality for some social services.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 06:40 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Social services? Like what?
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 06:54 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Don't live there so couldn't say offhand--live outside the US in a country where I WISH there were social services--but your health insurance is comped, I believe you can get childcare subsidies (maybe your DH can work then?), and possibly food assistance.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 07:01 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]OP: Yup, just eat it!
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 07:08 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Food assistance? Good grief.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 07:12 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
OP: I know what social services are and I wouldn't have asked a question so rudely
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 07:05 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]np Apparently, you don't know too much. No free health care for foreigners unless it's in the ER: http://www.denmark.dk/en/menu/Live-And-Work/Health-Insurance-Social-Security.htm
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 07:16 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]...Stockholm is in Sweden, not Denmark.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 07:17 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
OP: Thanks!
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 07:05 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]OP: No, that's not what the school board told us. You must be mistaken.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 07:06 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Um, none of these OPs are me. I don't know what's going on or what these mean??
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 07:10 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]I figured--perhaps Jenny has returned.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 07:11 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
Again, I don't live there. I will say that it is a very expensive city--eating out is very overpriced (not sure why?). Anyway, I think it could be very tough on $25K so maybe your DH should try to look for some work. That said, it will be a fantastic experience for you.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 07:10 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]I haven't looked into it, but is there a job market for American lawyers in Sweden?
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 07:45 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Not sure, but perhaps DH could do some editing for legal publications? I see these type of freelance jobs advertised a lot, and he could telecommute.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 07:01 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
OOh, and you could have another baby, and get Euro citizenship for whole family!
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 07:22 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]np--a dream! Haven't been to Sweden in a few years but are they still using the Kroner?
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 07:28 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Yes, but they also accept the Euro
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 07:48 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
this has not been done for years in Europe. )Unless the parents have permanent residency)
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 07:37 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]No, this is still working!
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 07:47 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]np ITA. Everyone wants all these freebies.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 07:52 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
Personally I wouldn't do it. Too many unknowns for dc - schools for dc, main language being swedish and they would feel left out of this; what kind of life would dh have sah not knowing anyone, not speaking the mainstream language with two young dc. To me it's recipe for disaster and regrets, but that's just me.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 10:05 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]I wouldn't worry about the language. Just about all Swedes are proficient in English. Friends moved there for a year with high school kids and they had no problem finding an English school that had lots of swedish students - so the kids got to learn in English but have local friends who spoke English. My cousin lived there last year and seemed to do just fine not speaking Swedish. She said that the job market is tough to break into because there just aren't that many openings, so I wouldn't count on DH being able to just pick up a job for extra money. She did manage to work as a nanny and the parents spoke English and wanted her to speak English with the kids. I would do it. You don't know if you will ever get an opportunity for something like this again.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 04:23 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]Yes, it is just you. This is a great opportunity for OP and her kids. I would do it in a heart beat.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 06:04 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]Everyone speaks fluent English.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 07:00 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
sounds like the set up for revolutionary road...
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 06:23 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]ITA
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 11:48 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
In a heartbeat. I wouldn't be surprised if DH couldn't pick up some legal work here and there from local law firms who need a NY biglaw-trained lawyer. Or he may be able to teach a class or two on US law at a law school? Who knows? I would move and never come back.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 06:31 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]Not many professors at US universities have PhDs from Sweden, and those that do tend to have long publication records. If your ultimate goal is to return to the US for an academic career, I'd look into how marketable you'll be with this degree. Things could be particularly difficult if you're determined to return to NY. If you're just looking for an adventure, or expect to return easily into a finance career, that's a different story.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 06:49 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
I would totally do this (wish we had had the chance to when our kids were that age!)
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 07:01 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]Unless your DH has clients of his own who will still give him work 4 years from now, only do this if he is certain that he is done at Big Law and if you are certain that you want him to be. It will be extremely difficult for him to re-enter after being a SAHD for 4 years -- much, much harder than for a similarly-situated SAHM, unfair as that is.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 08:00 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]Yes, GO!!! Look into services for expats as others have said. It will be a fabulous experience for the kids. DH can try doing a bit of contract work here and there to keep his head in the game and then open his own shop or go to a small firm when you get back.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 08:04 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]Do it! Please do it! Sounds like a wonderful opportunity. You will regret passing it up
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 10:40 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]VERY VERY hard for DH to come back and get another biglaw job - major firms and corporations do not like to see gaps in the resume, esp if he's not going to be doing anything in the field.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 11:16 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]I would do this in a heartbeat! For the record, I'm in big law and DH runs a business & if he had the opportunity to go to Sweden for 4 yrs, I'd be writing my resignation letter and packing bags. As for your problems: 1 is NOT a problem. I moved to the US from E Europe in 6th grade, went to public schools, ivy league undergrad. The experience of living in Europe for your kids will be worth as much as if not more than the typical NYC private school pathway. 2 - if you're both in your late 20s/early 30s, I'd do it as you still have time to put away $$. 3. Your DH's reentry to work will be hard, but if he can teach/write while in Sweden, it will be much easier. I would say 3 is the biggest problem - I would make sure you and your DH are both 100% OK with him potentially not going back into big law, or even law at all.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 11:51 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]^^^are both 100% OK with him potentially not going back into big law, or even law at all.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 11:52 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
I currently live in the UK and I would say do it. Yes, you would be eligible for healthcare. It will be part of your package from the company. If housing is taken care of, yes you might have to dip into savings but it would be such a great adventure. One of my American co-worker just moved to Stockholm from London. He loves it. He says the quality of living is great. Your husband can come on your work visa (meaning he can get a job). Schools are very good in Sweden and you might find your children ahead when they come back to the States. Good luck.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 11:56 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]Four years is a very long time. It's a long time for your dh to be out of the work force. Stockholm is beautiful, but COLD! I was there in June and I needed sweaters plus a coat! I understand it is dark in the winter, too. One year would be awesome, but 4 would be too much for me and my family.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 05:15 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
[+] if your dc is in private and your hhi is between $250k and $300k, how much do you don... 11 replies
- you think we get fa on a hhi of $250K? well, we don't. would never have even thought to apply for it....
Talk : : November 15, 2009
if your dc is in private and your hhi is between $250k and $300k, how much do you donate to the school?
11 replies [ Reply | Watch | Options ]11.15.09, 07:45 PM [ Flag ]$500
[ Reply | Options ]11.15.09, 07:47 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]thanks. thats exactly what I was thinking.
[ Reply | Options ]11.15.09, 07:50 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
Our household income is around 60K and I give $100.
[ Reply | Options ]11.15.09, 07:52 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]so $500 is about right.
[ Reply | Options ]11.15.09, 07:55 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]but you must get FA. I'm assuming you're paying full full fare.
[ Reply | Options ]11.15.09, 07:56 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Yes, we receive aid.
[ Reply | Options ]11.15.09, 07:58 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
do you have another child? if yes think again, they will never accept your second one with these donations.
[ Reply | Options ]11.15.09, 08:03 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]at least $2000
[ Reply | Options ]11.15.09, 08:05 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]what do you think schools expect from parents with this kind of income level?
[ Reply | Options ]11.15.09, 08:07 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]if you receive aid what % of the tuition?
[ Reply | Options ]11.15.09, 08:08 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]you think we get fa on a hhi of $250K? well, we don't. would never have even thought to apply for it.
[ Reply | Options ]11.15.09, 08:12 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
[+] I can't get over the email that NEST's general fund participation rate is less than 1... 188 replies
- or one hundred in additional funding? please. you're a liar and you're a selfish one at that. signed, "high-roller" mom whose hhi may not be great but who finds a way to give whatever time and money she can so someone like you can coast...
- She's not weird, she's right. Signed, another LL parent whose hhi dropped 75% this past year (that's right) but still managed to give money...
Talk : : November 15, 2009
I can't get over the email that NEST's general fund participation rate is less than 15%. Since this is anonymous, if you haven't given, can you say why? Because I'm kind of feeling like a sucker.
188 replies [ Reply | Watch | Options ]11.15.09, 05:28 PM [ Flag ]i think that people at g&ts tend to feel entitled in general (what can you do for me, not what can i do for you) and that nest is the absolute worst in this regard.
[ Reply | Options ]11.15.09, 05:30 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Can't speak for Nest, but I don't get that sense at Anderson.
[ Reply | Options ]11.15.09, 05:49 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]plenty of involvement at anderson, but it's the exception to the rule.
[ Reply | Options ]11.15.09, 05:52 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Not true at NEST either - I don
[ Reply | Options ]11.15.09, 07:15 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]I don't get the claim of entitlement - many families make huge efforts in terms of time and money just to get to the place.
[ Reply | Options ]11.15.09, 07:16 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
Not at all. At our school (and others I am familiar with) the G&T families are more likely to give (and also volunteer) than the gen ed families. I think NEST's problem is more the K-12 aspect, the participation is much much lower in HS and also MS than in the elementary grades.
[ Reply | Options ]11.15.09, 06:03 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
I agree, it's awful. We gave a lot so far. My only thought is that -- it's still early in the year. Maybe people will give more. But it's such a shame. They want the great education for their kids, but don't feel like spending a dime to support it.
[ Reply | Options ]11.15.09, 05:34 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]I think it was 15% last year, too (throughout the year._
[ Reply | Options ]11.15.09, 05:37 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
I don't have a dc at NEST (or any school yet). I think you need to remember the economy is bad and a lot of people are hurting. I'm getting quite upset with the number of charities that are calling asking for donations and when I say I can't help right now and before I can hang up start to tell me how I'm depriving others. My financial situation isn't good and I can't help. I shouldn't be made to explain this.
[ Reply | Options ]11.15.09, 05:37 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]rif raf
[ Reply | Options ]11.15.09, 05:49 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]how can you compare the police athletic league with your dc's school?? and i know for a fact there are plenty of comfortable families at nest. they just choose not to contribute because they can't be bothered. free is free as far as they are concerned.
[ Reply | Options ]11.15.09, 05:51 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]If people have been laid off, or had pay cuts they simply don't have any money to give to anyone.
[ Reply | Options ]11.15.09, 05:54 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]how do you know they are not contributing? perhaps the ones who can, do contribute, and the others are the 85% remaining.
[ Reply | Options ]11.15.09, 05:54 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]everyone can give $1. and that's all they ask. the very minimum participation. but parents at nest can't be bothered. they are convinced their dcs will rule the world without anyone's help. save those pennies for their ivy league sweatshirt.
[ Reply | Options ]11.15.09, 05:56 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]you sound quite cynical.
[ Reply | Options ]11.15.09, 05:59 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]cynical is someone who won't give one bloody dime to their dc's school.
[ Reply | Options ]11.15.09, 05:59 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]I agree. Everyone can afford SOMETHING, even if it's a very small amount.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 05:03 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
just imagine everybody would be giving one dollar only. That's not really what the PTA is asking for. The PTA has a specific number in mind and THAT's what they are asking for.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 10:33 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]of course that's their dream. but if not that then what you can give. and if that's $1, great. it's giving absolutely nothing that can't be justified.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 03:51 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
np: We are not at NEST but I do fundraising at our school and there is very little correlation between people's financial situation and their willingness to give. If willing to give, the wealthier people write big checks while the not so well off may only give $20, but they still give. And plenty of wealthy people don't give at all because it does not make it onto their priority list.
[ Reply | Options ]11.15.09, 05:51 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]ditto and ditto. we are lucky to be at a school where everyone gives what they can. admittedly participation is down this year from last but it is way beyond 15%! i'd be so ashamed to attend a school like that!
[ Reply | Options ]11.15.09, 05:53 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]np: why would you see it as a reflection on yourself?
[ Reply | Options ]11.15.09, 05:57 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]because i am part of the community and the community has let the school down in that case.
[ Reply | Options ]11.15.09, 05:58 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]But there is only so much you can control. It's more of a luck thing, don't you think?
[ Reply | Options ]11.15.09, 05:59 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]call me naive, but i think rah-rah spirit is infectious and so is who-gives-a-damn/let's pretend-we-never-got-the-direct-appeal-letter.
[ Reply | Options ]11.15.09, 06:01 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
still seems that your identity is overly invested. its not a 12 step program. it is a school.
[ Reply | Options ]11.15.09, 06:00 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]it's a community and it's my dc's education. i sure as hell am invested in it, and if that makes me a punchline to you, so be it.
[ Reply | Options ]11.15.09, 06:03 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]np: She has a point though. Involvement is not just giving $$, it's also participating in the school activities, both in the classroom and outside, and those seem to be correlated, at our school anyway.
[ Reply | Options ]11.15.09, 06:04 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
df told me she wasn't happy with the expenditures of the PTA at our school. they are not freeloaders and have given a lot in the past. she says she is frustrated by the way the money is managed and is waiting to see if she wants to invest further. At first, I was appalled, but then I saw her point. PTA is charged with doing right by the school. If she doesnt feel they are doing a good job at this, maybe she should hold back until things get better.
[ Reply | Options ]11.15.09, 05:58 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]sounds like an excuse to me. if she wanted to manage the $$ she could run for pta pres.
[ Reply | Options ]11.15.09, 05:59 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]maybe. not sure she would be elected, but you could argue that she should try.
[ Reply | Options ]11.15.09, 06:02 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Huh? It's either go run the show or cough up the money?
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 09:43 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]Get involved, you don't have to run the show to be involved.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 10:18 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]ita. this whole "i don't like what the pta is spending the $$ on so i'm not donating" is so stupid. the pta is YOU.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 03:54 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]I don't believe in doing that personally, but it is an attitude out there, offered as one reason people might not be donating...in respnse to OP's question.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 07:23 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
Or maybe she should get involved and run for PTA position, or get on the SLT and actually influence things. But that may be more work than she is up for.
[ Reply | Options ]11.15.09, 06:01 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]I think it is a common issue at our school.
[ Reply | Options ]11.15.09, 06:03 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]It is a common issue at every school. We have a loud contingent of people who know better and would do a much better job. Unfortunately, when most of the pTA turned over and we were desperately looking for new blood to fill the spots, they were too busy to consider it. Complaining is much easier.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 09:20 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
isn't this just cutting off her nose to spite her face? money donated is buying something even if it's a higher quality toilet tissue and not a chess teacher. opting out is just petulant.
[ Reply | Options ]11.15.09, 06:04 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Tell her to direct her gift then.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 09:58 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]great idea - oh but not allowed
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 12:02 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]which is as it should be. the rich people could get what they wanted. the idea is to pool and vote on how to spend the pool.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 03:56 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]np: Yes it is allowed. We fundraised directly for the spanish program in the past.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 08:32 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]"Tell her..." poster: I think that person meant that their PTA doesn't allow that. (Which would be dumb but I can imagine.)
[ Reply | Options ]11.18.09, 07:15 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
I wonder if people just don't care if the extras get cut? Maybe they think that all of the afterschool clubs and stuff should be pay-by-use, with some funds available for financial aid? Maybe they think the PTA has too much money saved up? Maybe they're just too lazy to sign in to the school hub and then click on an attachment, so they don't even get the requests? I wish there were a place to explore this without fingerpointing and nasty back and forth, because I find it baffling.
[ Reply | Options ]11.15.09, 06:19 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]nest has always been like this. it has nothing to do with the current economic climate.
[ Reply | Options ]11.15.09, 06:19 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Maybe it's a self-fulfilling prophesy - as the ones that give realize that they're part of a slim majority, they decide not to give the next year. Who wants to subsidize 85% of their largely middle and upper middle class classmates?
[ Reply | Options ]11.15.09, 06:24 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]I think this is part of it, because the complaints are on here every year, and it is always NEST parents feeling like a sucker because they gave. Normal people do it because they care about the school and can afford it and don't look around to keep the score.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 10:04 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
and you know this how?
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 09:47 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]i know families with older dcs at the school. it's the same complaint every year. as poster above points out, it is even posted HERE every year.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 10:11 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]But the post is about people's motivation. How could anyone pretend to know that?
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 10:14 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]who is pretending anything? my point was it doesn't matter what the motivation is. nest parents give nothing year in and year out.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 03:47 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Then where does all the money the PTA pays for stuff with come from?
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 05:08 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]NEST actually does not raise all that much comparably, but since there are no assistant teachers they spend much less than Anderson and other PTAs that raise significant $$$.
[ Reply | Options ]11.18.09, 10:33 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
seriously? i think our school's is close to 100%.
[ Reply | Options ]11.15.09, 06:26 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]np: People need to chill the f*ck out. We're at NEST and haven't given yet this year because we like to make our charitable donations in December. That's why we haven't given yet.
[ Reply | Options ]11.15.09, 06:29 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]yeah, whatev.
[ Reply | Options ]11.15.09, 06:30 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]you should try to give to the direct appeal asap so that the school has a rough idea what they are working with.
[ Reply | Options ]11.15.09, 06:30 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
I'm at another school, but when my dc first started, I didn't understand that the annual fund was for everyone to participate in. I thought it was only for people with money and just ignored the mailings. I think educating people is part of fund raising.
[ Reply | Options ]11.15.09, 06:29 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Yes but how to educate those who do not participate in giving to their kids' schools? I spend most of my time fundraising for a special needs school my dc attends, and honestly lots of parents seem really thick about it. The school doesn't want to "pressure" anyone, but dh and I feel like we are carrying quite a few people who seem like they could give/help out more than they do. Passive didn't work, now I'm aggressive and it's not making me well-liked.
[ Reply | Options ]11.15.09, 07:34 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]How are you aggressive? I'm curious.
[ Reply | Options ]11.15.09, 07:44 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]np: You are not surprised that this is making you not well liked, right?
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 09:57 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]Ditto that. The thing is that many families can't give and they are not proud about it. Now you call them up and apply your pressure tactics and make them admit to something they don't want you to know (that they are broke)?
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 10:08 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]It's a little tough when our family cuts back on new cars, clothes and vacations...then to watch the families who don't give, drive up to the school in Audis, and go on about their trips to the Bahamas, carry Chanel bags, etc. Seems like they've figured out they can get away w/o giving, just leave it to me - the sucker-mom. Ouch!
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 03:42 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]How do you know who does and doesn't give and how much?
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 05:10 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Yes, I thought it is all anonymous and such. Sounds like that it is not so, eh?
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 05:52 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]I think it sounds more like someone is talking out of his/her ass.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 07:28 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]No dear friend. Mot talking out my ass. Yes,giving is anon, but when you ARE the school's primary fundraiser, it means you KNOW who is buying tickets to events, who is contributing to auctions, who is not attending an event but making a contribution, who is attending an event and making an effort to bring in 10 new supporters to the event as well, you know who's taking the extra 5mins to fill out the corp matching grant. You KNOW who's called you and says "we don't have much $$ but we'll come to the venue the day of the event and do all the set up, we'll pick up all the flowers to save on delivery charges, we'll stamp the invitations, etc. Plus, you see at these parent meetings who signs up for helping on the clipboards that get passed around & who just hands them to the next parent w/o looking. So no, I'm no talking out my ass. But be assured; I don't share this info w other parents. Have a nice day.
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 06:09 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]But you present that you know what people's current financial position is, too. So unless you do all the fund raising AND you are the certified financial planner for these people I still say how would you know? Especially in the current situation so many of us find ourselves in.
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 12:35 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]My df, it does NOT take a cfa to watch several families rent the summer houses, take the vacations, drive the luxury autos, have that next baby, renovate that co-op or wear the designer threads to see that there is SOME disposable income not going to their kids' schools. When THOSE families don't give, I can't help but think that they are thick or selfish. Have a nice evening.
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 06:48 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
np. the families who don't give at our school don't try to hide it. designer clothes, trust funds, fancy vacations--but then cry poverty when they're asked to pay $60 for a ticket to the annual auction.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 05:31 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Again, how do you know they don't give?
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 04:56 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]as i posted but you obviously missed, they don't try to hide it. they brag that they don't give.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 04:03 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]I assumed that for them, like us, there is a difference between not giving for an auction and not giving for the annual fund. Money was tight last year and we did not do the NEST auction and if people were so rude as to ask, I would have told them that. But that does not mean I didn't give to the annual fund. I find giving to something like a fund raising dinner, etc is a really poor way to contribute. It costs me hundreds of dollars so the group/school can get a few bucks.
[ Reply | Options ]11.18.09, 07:10 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
because they say so. "gosh, we really can't afford the $50 tickets to the auction this year" [fumbling in brand-new chloe bag for gucci sunglasses and envelope of photos]. "did i show your our vacation shots from parrot cay? i almost killed steve when i found out he booked the villa, but honestly the $1k a night difference bought you so much more. oh, wait. here's my driver. gotta run!"
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 04:18 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
really? our PTA is very clear that the goal is 100 percent participation and they don't care how much you pledge. i thought that was common.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 06:41 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]NEST fundraising is done poorly imo. The emails are great and they work hard but they make no phone calls. You need to explain the annual fund to people otherwise the letters and emails are worthless to those who don't understand. I am a NEST family. I LOVE the school and think they do an amazing job. This is the only area that I think needs help.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 06:52 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]ITA. On the one hand, I appreciate that they don't push, push, push. On the other hand, I'm irritated that I'm one of 15% that donated (and it isn't easy for us), and very likely won't contribute more this year. Maybe they should just push hard for $150 per family, spend on the bare bones stuff (Singapore math, for ex.) and have individual classes/grades/schools fundraise for specific items as needed.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 09:09 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]Phone calls? You have to be kidding. People would have a huge fit if school started calling them at night asking to give. If parents can't be bothered to read letters there is nothing you can do. I can understand ignoring an email but if someone sends letter to you from school you ought to bother to read it.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 09:15 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]np: It wouldn't be school calling. It would be a parent you know. Asking you to help and get involved.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 09:43 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]Good luck getting people to do this. We have tried at our school a couple years ago and it was a disaster. Never again.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 10:05 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
Oh, please. If our school/PTA/whatever were to start calling up people who haven't given, yet, I will stop giving money. Last year a few parents thought it was a good idea to remind the rest of the class that we have to give and that they were disappointed at the progress. It did not not come across as well-meant.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 10:06 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]Well then they need to work on the script. At a school like NEST, where people are going out of their way to send their kids because of PTA supported things like Singapore Math and chess, to not participate is not ok. You don't have to give a lot but you should give.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 10:18 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]I wonder how may families were okay with getting rid of Singapore math if the PTA can't afford it anymore. At our school the majority of PTA funds go toward TAs in the classrooms. Personally, I would not miss them if we can't afford them anymore. It wasn't a high priority for ranking LL that high. If the PTA can't raise enough funds (for whatever reasons) the TAs have to be slimmed down. Big deal.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 10:21 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]I would be upset to see Singapore Math go. That would be an interesting piece for a fund raising letter... "By X grade, teaching your child Singapore Math at NEST+m will have cost $YYY."
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 10:29 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]I think that getting rid of Singapore Math would be universally booed. Besides that, I don't think there would be great uproar from the parent body to lose most of the things that the PTA currently subsidizes, but it would definitely have an effect on the quality of the school (teacher appreciation breakfast/luncheons, afterschool clubs, paying teachers to teach afterschool activities, extra books for the classrooms, etc.)
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 10:54 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]I'd hate to lose chess!
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 11:42 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]I think (but am not sure) that the PTA just funds the afterschool club, not the in-class part. So if the parents wanted to continue chess afterschool with Zach, they'd just have to pay a heck of a lot more than they pay now
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 11:47 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]I write a ton of checks... but I could swear we pay for after school chess with Zach.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 11:57 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]It is subsidized by the PTA, though
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 12:07 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Oh... Thanks.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 12:10 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
I would like my child to be able to use the gym - maybe if the PTA outlined how much the school gets from renting out the gym and what it would cost for parents to buy it back
[ Reply | Options ]11.18.09, 04:34 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
I don't care about chess, but I don't mind that money goes to fund it.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 07:35 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]In truth it is more about Zach. He is so good with the kids and all.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 07:52 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
let me see if i have this right: the school is for geniuses but the parents are so stupid they can't figure out how to communicate the message "100% participation is the goal." is that right? somehow i don't think so. i think nest parents are self-serving cheapskates.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 04:26 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
ditto and ditto. how hard can it be to communicate that message?
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 09:19 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]ditto
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 04:24 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
People either don't want to give for a philosophical reason, or because they prefer to give to other charities, or they don't have the funds. If you don't want to give you say no. If you don't have the funds its a lot less humiliating to say no than it is to say you can give $1.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 06:54 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]it's anonymous. no one knows that you gave $1 except one or two people in the pta office who would be thrilled to have you give that because you must prove big participation in order to get grants and other funding.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 09:21 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]ah, it may be anonymous but ask around. Do you really think it is perceived as anonymous? It is much more "face saving" to ignore and pretend it's been falling through the cracks and you will get to it eventually than giving one single Dollar.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 10:12 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]as someone who works closely with the heads of the pta i can say in all honesty that it really, truly is anonymous at our school and it really is not about the amount. families know that if they give a dollar it is 100 times better than giving nothing because it counts towards total participation. also, everyone who donates gets a handwritten note thanking them effusively whether they give $1 or $10,000.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 10:16 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]I believe you and in the end we always donate as much as we can. I know, though, that there are plenty of families who don't buy the anonymous thing, though. And I can understand that.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 10:18 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
Fund raising at schools is a wholly American concept. Most places have fund raising for special events, maybe class trips and things like that. Not music class, art class etc. Maybe that plays into it. What is the demographic of a NEST student? BTW I don't have a DC in NEST (or any other school).
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 08:19 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]clearly. if you did have a dc in a nyc public school you would see the necessity of fundraising.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 09:21 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]NEST kids run the NYC gamut. They come from all five boroughs, all socio-economic groups, etc.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 09:55 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]actually, only 13% qualify for free lunch (and i'm betting most of those are not in the early grades). it's a mostly mc/umc crowd. plenty could donate they just choose not to.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 10:05 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]And more of them are from Manhattan than from the Bronx. This does not make anything I said incorrect.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 10:19 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]NP o.k. then but responder was inferring a point when clearly there was none.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 07:36 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
I am not at NEST but at LL and we have not given to the general fund, yet. We volunteer in many other ways, though, and think enough is enough. We have plenty of high rollers at LL that will make up for the others.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 09:39 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]you suck. freeeloader.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 10:07 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]You don't understand the meaning of freeloader. Go ahead and educate yourself a bit.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 10:10 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]np. ideally you would volunteer and give $$, even if only one dollar. the fact that you refer to high-rollers making up for the others and use the phrase "enough as enough" does tend to make you look like you have the wrong attitude even if you do volunteer.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 10:13 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]I don't have the money but I have the time. DH and I sign up for so much volunteering that it makes up for our lacking monetary contribution. Hardly freeloading.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 10:23 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]i'm sure you have $1 and if you do you should give it. it matters when it comes to obtaining funding. also, you should be careful with your language. calling people who give money "high rollers" sound snotty, as does responding to appeals for $$ from the school with "enough is enough."
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 10:27 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]You are too hung up on how I call certain things. The matter of fact is that my time I give to the school is worth something in my eyes. And that one dollar? That goes into the family emergency fund. Medical bills need to be paid, food needs to get on the table, etc. etc. The whole "it's just a dollar" is very common but entirely flawed argument.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 10:32 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]right. how much are you paying your isp and con ed to sit here and tell me you don't have a buck to spend on your dc's education, a dollar that could reap five or ten or one hundred in additional funding? please. you're a liar and you're a selfish one at that. signed, "high-roller" mom whose hhi may not be great but who finds a way to give whatever time and money she can so someone like you can coast.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 11:35 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]You are weird. Have a good one.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 11:37 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]She's not weird, she's right. Signed, another LL parent whose hhi dropped 75% this past year (that's right) but still managed to give money
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 05:29 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
Also at LL, volunteer for a lot too and gave suggested amount (plus match) to the pledge drive...a plea from me: please give whatever you can.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 04:54 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
We give each year. I thought it was interesting how carefully that Lower School letter was worded. They make it sound like Lower School is not paying its way. Unless there was a seachange in behavior this last year, that is not the case.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 09:40 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]I agree. I think it is in response to comments here and on the forums saying that the lower school is subsidizing all three schools. Anyone not up to date on things would assume by that letter that the middle and upper are subsidizing the lower, rather than what I assume is the truth - that the PTA had leftover funds from the year before and used those to supplement what came in last year.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 10:06 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]I think it is something else. They bring in a lot of money at events and other things. So the total = LS annual fund + MS annual fund + US annual fund + events (Halloween, Auction, game nights, etc.) + other fund raisers (Barnes & Noble, at school things, etc) So, yes the total LS expenditure last year was greater than LS annual fund contributions. So too were the MS and the US, I'll bet. GRANTED, none of this means that 15% is ok.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 10:26 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]Ah, I bet you're right, and I agree with you and the other posters - 15% is NOT ok, and everything else about the school is great. Also, I don't really understand why the $150 in school supplies is mandatory but a contribution toward Singapore math and chess isn't?
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 10:30 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]I think you are mistaken about the $150 for school supplies being mandatory.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 10:34 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]Great, am I the only one who paid for that, too?
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 10:44 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]I didn't say that. The vast vast majority do. But if a kid or two can't afford it, the PTA subsidizes. Just like if a family wants to buy their own... colored pencils. Nobody says boo. (This came up at a PTA meeting way back when I was a newbie.)
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 10:48 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
School Supplies of $150 was initiated by the administration years ago. It is not PTA.
[ Reply | Options ]11.19.09, 12:15 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
Why doesn't the PTA just announce where the money is coming from, e.g. LS $X, MS $Y, US $Z so that there's more transparency? I'm actually curious to know how much the US parents are contributing....
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 04:17 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]I think it is a couple of reasons. All that reporting is/would be done by volunteer parents who are not keeping those kinds of records. It is not going to help fund raising and (to be honest) it would probably hurt it. The annual appeal is only a fraction of the fund raising. Segmenting the rest so this could even be reported would be a huge pain in the a$$.
[ Reply | Options ]11.18.09, 08:41 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]np: I have no doubt the people in charge of annual fund have a spreadsheet where they can easily pull the contributions not only LS, MS and US, but also by grade and class. This is not information that should be shared publicly as there is no point in making anyone feel bad but at our school we certainly use the info to target our fundraising. Hopefully NEST PTA does it as well.
[ Reply | Options ]11.18.09, 10:31 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
School/PTA needs to improve communication -what is the money used for (details not generalities) , what is the vision - do they want smart boards, projectors why one over the other - never hear this kid of communication - I suppose I can quit my job and go to the morning meetings but then school still will not get money.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 12:26 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]In fairness, major disbursements are first discussed at PTA meetings and minutes/agendas for every meeting are on the SchoolHub account. If you want the info it is available.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 12:41 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]actually, if you want to vote on how the money is spent, you can. the pta is the parents and the teachers. they can't decide how to spend the money without announcing there will be a vote and then taking a vote.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 03:59 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]well, most of this stuff is decided in meetings of the exec board, and then only presented to a general meeting once it is practically a done deal. also, most parents don't go to all general meetings, so if you have 4 friends show up, you have your majority vote.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 07:31 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]you are not at NEST are you?
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 04:57 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
it is all available online 990 IRS Tax return for not-for-profits is a publicly disclosed document - available on the internet and actually worth reading if you want to know where the money goes. I can't add a link here but it is out there and easy to obtain.
[ Reply | Options ]11.18.09, 06:33 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
In a situation like this, its always "rational" for you to contribute nothing and "free ride" on others. But you give because its the right thing to do. In my book, that doesn't make you a sucker. And the 15% means that 1-2 families out of 10 give money when they are not required to do so. In a way, that's pretty impressive.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 04:54 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]because we're broke
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 05:25 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]no one's so broke they can't give $10 a year.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 05:34 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]but $10 is nothing. in a school of 800, that would be $8,000. big deal. everyone knows that giving a dollar would be silly and amount to nothing.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 07:28 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]The point, which has been emphasized over and over again in the letters that NEST mails home, is that the % of participation in the drive is very important in terms of raising money from outside sources, like private and community foundations. No foundation is going to support an organization that clearly has no support from its own constituencies.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 05:52 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]as has been pointed out before, it's not the $8k (which, btw, practically pays for a copier lease at our school so is hardly small potatoes). it's the fact that every family participates. corporate donors look at this when they decide whether or not to underwrite something like, say, taste of tribeca.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 04:12 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
I think there's a huge problem with the messages getting crossed. The PTA sends notes and email to buy calendars, pies, donate pennies, buy books for class, buy books for the kids, use a code at Amazon, use another at Barnes and Noble, another at Sallie Foster wrapping paper, donate for the bake sale, bring a dish to sell at Halloween, bring a dish for international night. The teachers ask for their wish lists; tissues to printer cartridges. By the time you wade through all of that, you might forgive someone for thinking they've already done their part and "given" to the school however they can. Instead of holding hokey contests for an ice cream social, the PTA should be clearer and stay on message and say 100% PARENTAL PARTICIPATION -- even $10 -- means a LOT to foundations. So please do it. In fact, maybe they want to work on such a letter before the end of 2009. But it might get lost in the requests to sell, donate or buy wreaths.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 07:21 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]I agree with this - also as I sit realizing I have not sent in the form and have no idea where my checkbook is as I haven't used one in years - why not add online donations - I would much prefer to do that; I'm not familiar with charities but there must be some institution that will clear the money at a discounted rate for not for profits - On second thought - I'll look into this and send in my suggestion.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 03:36 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]np: the form has credit card info.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 04:59 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]I filled out the form with my credit card info and it was easy.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 06:19 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
Yes, and as stupid as this sounds, I think the fact that parents get an email that then links to the website that then requires a password and then requires navigating to a message that finally requires a document download means that a large majority of families aren't even bothering to read the message or the attachments.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 05:55 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]NP: I also don't get that School Hub is touted as the place to go there is so little info on it - go to the general fund page and there is a boilerplate message about school funds being cut - that looks like it is 8 months old, why not include an updated message as to what the funds are used for and a link to the PTA financials - there is still room available on the internet.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 07:34 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]OMG, I totally agree with you. How are is it to copy and paste the message into the email? How stupid are these people anyway? I'm on my iphone, the connection is slow, does she really think I want to click through the school hub website, enter my username and password, open a pdf document to read that thing? I often wonder if these people use common sense!
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 03:58 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]^hard
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 04:03 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
I agree with that. Slim down the number of fundraisers and you get a much better participation at the annual fund.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 05:56 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]np: I am in the fund raising industry. None of the research bears this out. Events, as a rule, do not actually cannibalize the annual fund. (Capital campaigns can -- if you are not careful -- but that is a different issue.)
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 07:39 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
I agree, I wrote one check for $1000 and that's it. I like that it's tax deductible and easy. So sick and tired of all those messages for everything else. Also, why is there a class-specific wish list that includes paper from Staples? Isn't that covered by the $150 that I paid?
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 04:02 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
The point should be got across though that the individual donation amounts will no be published, and even $5 counts, and that the most important thing is that everyone contributes something, and not to be embarrassed if it is a very small contribution.
[ Reply | Options ]11.16.09, 07:25 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]I'm with you on this - still I am baffled that 1/3rd of the school did not return the school lunch form as of last newsletter - I mean that is free and you just stick it in your child's bag that one is just baffling.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 03:39 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]How about that only 40% of the teachers bothered to return the DOE progress report questionnaire? Equally baffling to me. The teachers KNOW how important those are and they still don't take 5 min to fill it out. Love the school, but some things make me feel like I"m in the Twilight Zon
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 05:26 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
why should people pay? its a public school. people feel entitled. let the city pay for everything.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 03:44 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]If you are going to post dumb shit to get the masses excited, you should do it on a thread less than a gazillion posts long.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 05:01 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]NP: good for you that needed to be said.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 06:38 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
This is so surprising to me. We are new to Nest this year, with a child in Kindergarten. I actually thought everyone else was giving much more than we are because we are (I'm sure) on the poor side of the demographics represented at the school. But now I feel pretty good about my contribution. I gave all that I could and give every month. It's not a lot but it's something.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 06:16 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]We're at NEST and would LOVE to donate, but we're spending $3000 on a private bus that our kid's classmates in Manhattan get for free. The DOE sucks.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 06:23 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]You are getting a top quality education at an accelerated level with amazing teachers and an enviable physical plant (compared to most publics) at a K-12...FOR FREE. You sound like the ultimate ingrate.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 06:30 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]This is ridiculous. Yes, it's free. Education is supposed to be free. It shouldn't be a big deal that it is. On the other hand, you are paying through your taxes for it.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 06:32 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]If you're spending $3000 on a private bus (when you could get a free student metrocard from the school) you certainly have $100 to donate to the general fund. Another bullsh%t response.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 06:34 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]NP - I actually get the parents pain on this one - the fact that you manage to find money to make the school possible for your child is used against you as an example why you are rich. Subways both ways for a 5 year old not realistic. We are in the same boat; we do all the other fundraisers throw in a token amount to this one and let them count us as a contributor for grants.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 07:19 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]Which is fine! But there really is absolutely no excuse for not participating in the general fund. It is almost embarrassing how much groveling the PTA has to do for this, emphasizing again and again that any amount matters and none is too small.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 07:21 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]and I agree
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 07:37 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
Personally I feel bombarded with Nest donation requests. One day it's the general fund, another day it's for pies, books, teacher gifts, yearbook ads, etc. I would rather just receive one donation request and never be asked again. I know this is not going to happen, so I donate to whichever I feel is the most necessary. I do donate to the general fund, and would give even more if it were item specific, e.g., air conditioners, copiers, etc.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 06:41 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]It definitely is confusing. I am the poster above who was so surprised to hear it's only 15%. One of the reasons I gave to the general fund was because I figured it would be a mainstay that I gave every month and I wouldn't have to keep up with all the dribs and drabs of pies and books etc. but the thing is that what really matters is we all give what we can. It is important to contribute to what you want in the way that you want, in my opinion. Maybe we wouldn't get all these pie requests etc. if more people gave to the general fund... I think they should consider being very clear that they want people to give whatever they can and that it is anonymous and that even if everyone just gave $20 or $50 for the whole year it would be better than having this 15% BS.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 06:50 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]NP, and I have to say that I don't really feel bombarded by requests. I'm trying to think of them all, and there's a distinction between requests that ask you to keep a simple link in mind when you're doing your regular shopping - AMazon, B&N code, search function, book fair; community-building events with minimal charges - Fright Night, Game Night, etc; and the big ticket fundraisers - General Fund and auction. The other costs are really class-based and are up to each class to determine if it's worth it (water in classroom, teacher gift, etc.) Maybe it's a lack of organization, but I can also imagine the frustration that the PTA heads feel trying to get this info out to the parents of a student body of 1500...when PTA attendance hovers around 20.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 06:56 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]nnp: I rarely go to PTA meetings but I read the agenda and newsletters and I think I have a sense of where the money is going and all that. For the most part I think they do a good job with the resources. (Maybe a little too much on US considering how little it raises.) We gave a lot more in past years but my youngest is at our local school for pre-K this year and while I love NEST I think my zoned school's PTA really needs more help. So, while I participate and give a nominal amount to the Gen Fund, most of my giving this year will be to PS.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 07:36 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]nnnnp: The budget should be available at each PTA meeting, showing exactly what is planned and how much has been raised/spent to date.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 04:27 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]that would be nice - but if you mention it at a meeting you know of course they will ask you to do it...
[ Reply | Options ]11.18.09, 07:02 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]huh? It is the treasurer's job to do it, and report on it at the PTA meeting every month.
[ Reply | Options ]11.18.09, 08:16 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
nnp (again): But the expenditures (and I think the whole budget) are on line. Why should anyone have to print it out?
[ Reply | Options ]11.18.09, 07:13 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]It is public school, not every family is online. At our school, the up to date budget is available at every PTA meeting. And PTA votes on the budget for next year at the last PTA meeting. I believe both of these things are actually required per chancellor's regulations.
[ Reply | Options ]11.18.09, 08:18 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]The budget is presented at the PTA meetings. Unfortunately, the PTA meetings barely attract a quorum of 20 parents (out of the 2000 or so parents in the student body) so it doesn't really matter.
[ Reply | Options ]11.18.09, 08:50 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]You can request a copy from the treasurer or parent coordinator even if you don't attend the meeting.
[ Reply | Options ]11.18.09, 09:33 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]I agree. I don't think budget access is an issue. I don't think any NEST parent is saying that, and I think most will agree that the PTA does a good job allocating funds. The issue is that almost no one gives.
[ Reply | Options ]11.18.09, 09:42 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
I agree and hope the PTA president is reading this. For what it's worth, I think the PTA needs to focus on the annual fund and get rid of some of the other fundraisers (I'd suggest the bake sales and Thanksgiving dessert thing -- hasn't the PTA ever heard that there's an epidemic of childhood obesity in this country??). There are too many requests for money. The fundraising is like death by a thousand cuts at the moment.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 04:20 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]we're not at nest, but at our school they are pitched as options not requests and i think that's a good thing. if i don't want to buy a pie or gift wrap, i can go to a parents' night out, get my hair cut at a tony salon or schedule a family portrait session with all the proceeds going to the school. i don't begrudge the school their creativity in soliciting funds. in fact, i welcome it.
[ Reply | Options ]11.17.09, 04:37 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]we are at NEST and like the pie fundraiser; it is a good bakery and we get friends and family to buy them - it does not effect our general fund contribution whatsoever
[ Reply | Options ]11.18.09, 07:00 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]Hunter mom...why are you all outraged about calls? All private schools make calls for the fund as does Hunter. Doesn't bother anyone if you do it correctly. It is a necessity.
[ Reply | Options ]11.18.09, 08:28 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]How do you do it correctly? It surely bothered plenty of people when our school tried that.
[ Reply | Options ]11.18.09, 08:35 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]If someone from NEST called me to ask for money - they pta would lose my phone number permanently
[ Reply | Options ]11.20.09, 07:04 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
I have one idea - and would be interested to hear if other schools do something like this. What if each class had one class parent and one PTA liaison-type parent? The class parent would be in charge of the usual stuff - field trips, arranging for class specific fundraising (teacher gifts, water coolers.) The PTA liaison would be responsible for reaching the parents within the class about fundraising opportunities, specific volunteer jobs, status of the general fund and why it's impt to contribute, etc. I think it would be much more effective if there was a face/name attached to these appeals and someone approachable to ask follow up questions about allocations, what the general fund is, etc. And hopefully it would help the PTA as well, as they wouldn't be responsible for ALL of this stuff as they currently are.
[ Reply | Options ]11.18.09, 08:53 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]This is way too big of a job with no upside and tons of downside that I can't imagine people actually signing up to do this. We have class reps to get volunteers for events (usually split between two people as there are several events and it is rather time consuming), someone soliciting auction donations from the parents in class and promoting auction in general. Class parents also communicate about annual fund and we have talked about having a rep just for that, but some classes have few active parents and really, all these are pretty big jobs, I don't see how would you combine it all in one job and get it actually staffed for all or even most classes.
[ Reply | Options ]11.18.09, 10:26 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
your post persuaded me to give - now you are .00067 closer to full participation
[ Reply | Options ]11.18.09, 01:49 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
[+] Is it possible for a school to radically change the amount of financial aid given in ... 8 replies
- If your HHI remains the same (and other financials), FA will stay the same. If you get 90% of discount, then when the...
- Thanks. Just wondering if a school might decide to drop us in later years, whether or not HHI changes at all....
Talk : : November 13, 2009
Is it possible for a school to radically change the amount of financial aid given in years to come? For example, could a family receive a k acceptance letter and a huge amount of money (almost free ride) and then, say, in 3rd grade the school pulls back to 50% leaving the family scrambling? Basically, if you accept a financial aid package in K, how much of a guarantee is there that it will still be there several years from now?
8 replies [ Reply | Watch | Options ]11.13.09, 04:53 PM [ Flag ]Yes, happened to us, but gradually. We were paying full fees within 5 years, as our earnings went up.
[ Reply | Options ]11.13.09, 04:57 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Duh. I think OP is asking what happens if your financial situation doesn't change.
[ Reply | Options ]11.13.09, 05:42 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]They really pushed us on the amount though, making harder cuts that were disproportionate to our income level. I had to get a 2nd job working nights.
[ Reply | Options ]11.14.09, 06:49 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
Future financial aid will be similar unless you have a change of income or assets. Our aid has always increased to cover the cost of tuition increases. Remember, the school has made a commitment to your family.
[ Reply | Options ]11.13.09, 05:34 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]If your HHI remains the same (and other financials), FA will stay the same. If you get 90% of discount, then when the school's tuition goes up by $1k, your increase will be $100. At least that's how my dc's school does it but dc's at probably the most generous school.
[ Reply | Options ]11.13.09, 06:12 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Which school is that?
[ Reply | Options ]11.14.09, 05:54 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
Thanks. Just wondering if a school might decide to drop us in later years, whether or not HHI changes at all.
[ Reply | Options ]11.14.09, 05:50 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]np: I don't think schools do this. I think if they have financial issues, they are more likely to limit FA to new families. If the school wants your dc to leave the school, my guess is that theey will be up front about that and not force you out by pulling FA.
[ Reply | Options ]11.14.09, 06:47 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
[+] WOHMs how do you find time to shop? I am so tired of ordering from BR, AT for myself... 16 replies
- That sounds great, actually. Despite my high HHI I'm still stuck in the mentality of buying stuff cheap, so working with a personal shopper is against my nature but my closet is starting to look like a BR sample sale....
Talk : : November 13, 2009
WOHMs how do you find time to shop? I am so tired of ordering from BR, AT for myself and Gap, ON for DS.
16 replies [ Reply | Watch | Options ]11.13.09, 10:24 AM [ Flag ]i have been asking myself this same question for about a month now, my entire closet of clothing is full of short sleeve tops and dresses. im freezing and have not time to hit the stores, as well as my eyebrows looking like a jungle and my toenails almost ready to come through my shoes..
[ Reply | Options ]11.13.09, 10:27 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]Sorry, but that would have been my advice since that is how I do it. Get the groceries from Fresh Direct, and order clothes online.
[ Reply | Options ]11.13.09, 10:27 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]some of the dept stores, esp. around xmas are open pretty late - a couple of times each year, I leave work a little early and then just spend the next few painful hours in the store.
[ Reply | Options ]11.13.09, 10:36 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]I mostly order online. My office is midtown, so occasionally I'll hit a store on my lunch hour or on my way to the train. My 6 y/o DD also generally likes to to shop, so sometimes I'll head out with her on the weekends as our "special time". All that said, I managed to get DC everything they need but have a hard time getting things for myself.
[ Reply | Options ]11.13.09, 10:38 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]i hit lord and taylor every so often or bloomingdales--the trick is to get familiar with the stores and the brands you like so you aren't so overwhelmed
[ Reply | Options ]11.13.09, 10:39 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]their are more online options.
[ Reply | Options ]11.13.09, 10:45 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]What do you like? I hate paying for shipping, so that's why my go-to's have always been AT/BR.
[ Reply | Options ]11.13.09, 10:46 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]shipping is not all that much, especially when you consider often times there is no tax. J Crew has some more interesting stuff, Barney's Coop, Saks on sale (I always hit it the first week of Decemebr for some good deals)-
[ Reply | Options ]11.13.09, 10:52 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]I always wait for shipping sales which Jcrew, BR, Gap, VS all have every few months. Also if you spend enough money per year BR and Gap will upgrade your card so that you always get free shipping.
[ Reply | Options ]11.13.09, 11:12 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
One word: personal shopper! All the department stores have them as do many of the chain retailers. You call ahead and have a conversation with a shopper about what you are looking for, your taste, size etc. Then you meet at the store and they have a selection ready for you. Be direct & honest about what you like/don't like so they learn your taste -- they won't be offended. You try on stuff to get a sense of fit & then they walk you around to gather more choices. there no additional cost or fee. If you like the person, stay in touch 1-2x year to add. I shop for about 2 hours every 18 months and it works really well. They'll even let you know about sales in advance & hold those items for you.
[ Reply | Options ]11.13.09, 10:50 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]How much do they cost?
[ Reply | Options ]11.13.09, 10:56 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]they are FREE. The stores provide them as a service b/c they know it will increase the chances of you actually buying something.
[ Reply | Options ]11.13.09, 10:58 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]That sounds great, actually. Despite my high HHI I'm still stuck in the mentality of buying stuff cheap, so working with a personal shopper is against my nature but my closet is starting to look like a BR sample sale.
[ Reply | Options ]11.13.09, 11:00 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]I only know of one or two stores that do this. Which ones do you go to?
[ Reply | Options ]11.13.09, 01:38 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
4x/year I have a hair color appointment. i schedule it in the early AM. when I'm done, I go shopping. It's my day for me. It's planned far in advance so things don't come up to interfere w it. DH takes the kids.
[ Reply | Options ]11.13.09, 01:41 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]^^^ on a Saturday
[ Reply | Options ]11.13.09, 01:41 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
[+] what is an appropriate $ amount for a godparent to give for the baptism? 39 replies
- what is said godparent's hhi and is it relative or close friend...
Talk : : November 12, 2009
what is an appropriate $ amount for a godparent to give for the baptism?
39 replies [ Reply | Watch | Options ]11.12.09, 11:58 AM [ Flag ]what is said godparent's hhi and is it relative or close friend
[ Reply | Options ]11.12.09, 12:00 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]relative, 175k
[ Reply | Options ]11.12.09, 12:02 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]$200 - are you giving cash or gift - always thought godparents are supposed to do some kind of gift.
[ Reply | Options ]11.12.09, 12:05 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
$200 if you can afford it.
[ Reply | Options ]11.12.09, 12:04 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Gosh, I'm getting my second DD baptized and I would be appalled if they tried to give her money.
[ Reply | Options ]11.12.09, 12:04 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]ditto. my dc have never recieved cash for baptisms.
[ Reply | Options ]11.12.09, 12:12 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]you must not have any relatives from Long Island - they apparently give cash for everything
[ Reply | Options ]11.12.09, 12:18 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]true, we're not from LI.
[ Reply | Options ]11.12.09, 12:34 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]exactly. and as we all know, long island is TACKY!
[ Reply | Options ]11.12.09, 12:40 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]EAT ME.
[ Reply | Options ]11.12.09, 12:54 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]you just proved my point. Thank you. I couldn't have illustrated it better myself.
[ Reply | Options ]11.12.09, 12:56 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]I giggled as I wrote that. (Sorry, I'm not actually from Long Island though.)
[ Reply | Options ]11.12.09, 01:09 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
Agreed. I pick my Godparents on the moral compass, not because I want to shake them down for a gift! Books, sentimental gift. Nothing extreme.
[ Reply | Options ]11.12.09, 12:12 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]really? We got lots of cash/checks/savings bonds for ds at his baptism
[ Reply | Options ]11.12.09, 12:13 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Just had dd baptized. Cash/ checks and savings bonds were the most common gift. Godparents gave generous savings bonds and sentimental gifts.
[ Reply | Options ]11.12.09, 12:16 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]OR: when we got our first dd baptized we got lots of non cash gifts which also appalled me. i don't know- i just feel like it is a religious event, not a birthday party.
[ Reply | Options ]11.12.09, 12:22 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]"appalled"? Sort of an overstatement isn't? (I hope). People want to mark the occasion and give to your dd generously. Why does that "appall" you?
[ Reply | Options ]11.12.09, 12:39 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Well definitely an overstatment but I felt badly because it wasn't expected, and worried people thought we invited them to the christening to get gifts or something.
[ Reply | Options ]11.12.09, 12:44 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
A silver rattle or spoon, hand-engraved. Giving cash to a baby (especially as Godparent) is tacky.
[ Reply | Options ]11.12.09, 12:10 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]np: I disagree. I plan to give my godchild a sentimental gift (engraved something) plus a generous savings bond (prob 500).
[ Reply | Options ]11.12.09, 12:14 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
OP here-my DH is the godparent. ILs say we should give at least $500. baby already has gown and cross.
[ Reply | Options ]11.12.09, 12:15 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Give it as a savings bond
[ Reply | Options ]11.12.09, 12:15 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]i think if we give anything less than $500 (cash not bond), we'll never hear the end of it
[ Reply | Options ]11.12.09, 12:17 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]then give the kid $500 and stiff the in-laws on their christmas presents
[ Reply | Options ]11.12.09, 12:23 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]lol
[ Reply | Options ]11.12.09, 06:29 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
I can't imaging my parents or ILs ever telling us how much $ we should spend on a gift or complaining about it after the fact. I'm sorry ILs treat you this way.
[ Reply | Options ]11.12.09, 12:36 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]same. That's a line ILs should never cross. Mine wouldn't dare. When DD was baptised, FIL called to ask me what he should wear and gave her a lovely book of poems as a gift (and he's an atheist).
[ Reply | Options ]11.12.09, 05:56 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
Then give a $1000 bond (that costs $500). Why would you give cash? Cash is tacky.
[ Reply | Options ]11.12.09, 12:38 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]and db doesn't want cash. by the time the bond matures the child will be happy to get the cash.
[ Reply | Options ]11.12.09, 12:41 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
my ds just made 1000 bucks at his baptism (aunts and uncles) and my first ds made 3000 (bigger party-70 ppl)
[ Reply | Options ]11.12.09, 12:27 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Ds received $500 from godfather and a gift from godmother
[ Reply | Options ]11.12.09, 12:40 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]I would give a bond and a Bible.
[ Reply | Options ]11.12.09, 12:43 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]PERFECTE
[ Reply | Options ]11.12.09, 12:48 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]^ sorry, 9 mo ds decided to weigh in there with the caps lock
[ Reply | Options ]11.12.09, 12:50 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
a childrens bible--i never thought of that
[ Reply | Options ]11.12.09, 01:14 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
I've given my godchildren all the same thing - engraved silver teething ring, Children's bible & Noah's Ark toy. No cash/bond, although DD did receive some when she was baptized.
[ Reply | Options ]11.12.09, 05:57 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Perfect. Thoughtful, generous and loving. Reflects the true meaning of the event. Much better than cash.
[ Reply | Options ]11.13.09, 05:16 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
I think that the amount you give is based on what region you are from. In general, we give $100 for this type of event. If I were the godparent, I would give $250. I find all of these comments that a monetary gift is tacky very funny. What is the purpose of a silver teething ring? This type of give just collects dust and is a waste of money. It seems a bit pretentious to me. Give the family something they will really need/use. Money can be saved for the child's education or to purchase something they might actually need like shoes, winter coat etc.
[ Reply | Options ]11.13.09, 06:21 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]A friend of my Mom's gave DC a silver teething ring as a baby gift - it was the only teething ring DC actually liked - it got colder and stayed colder than any of the plastic ones. It has toothmarks all over it and has been packed away for grandchildren to use. It's a very sweet gift, IMO.
[ Reply | Options ]11.13.09, 10:23 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
[+] If a person makes 140K when they are single, is it normal to buy shoes that are 600 a... 7 replies
- I don't know if it's "normal," but I never did. Even now when my HHI is quadruple that much....
Talk : : November 11, 2009
If a person makes 140K when they are single, is it normal to buy shoes that are 600 and bags that are 400- 1000 on a regular basis? or is this a high amount for a person of that salary to spend. Credit card bills generally 3-4K and take out 1-2K cash
7 replies [ Reply | Watch | Options ]11.11.09, 06:50 PM [ Flag ]If they can make all their monthly payments without declaring bankruptcy and making us carry their debt, what do I care.
[ Reply | Options ]11.11.09, 06:56 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]isn't it bad not to save
[ Reply | Options ]11.11.09, 07:34 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
I have other goals in life. I wish to be a homeowner and get a doctorate degree and I know that one day I will appreciate that more than an apartment full of outdated bags and shoes that are worn out. But to each his or her own. I have several friends that spend this way, and are very happy with their lives.
[ Reply | Options ]11.11.09, 07:37 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]I have a dear friend who makes $40K a year and buys all designer shoes and bags (I think its an addiction). She uses her mother's credit card and pays her off slowly. I think its sick! We make $120K a year and will only shop at Buffalo Exchange.
[ Reply | Options ]11.11.09, 07:38 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]If they are under 30 :) I used to live like that when I was younger. But my priorities changed.
[ Reply | Options ]11.12.09, 03:46 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]I don't know if it's "normal," but I never did. Even now when my HHI is quadruple that much.
[ Reply | Options ]11.12.09, 06:07 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]perhaps this person had a rough childhood and didn't own nice things. compensating for that perhaps?
[ Reply | Options ]11.12.09, 06:08 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
[+] How much debt do you have and what is your HHI? I'm freaking out over my personal deb... 114 replies
- $240k HHI, $295k mortgage, no other debt...
- HHI: $150k. Debt: $260k. Filed for bankruptcy....
- and hhi 125K^^...
- $600k mortgage, HHI $1.2m...
Talk : : November 11, 2009
How much debt do you have and what is your HHI? I'm freaking out over my personal debt!!!
114 replies [ Reply | Watch | Options ]11.11.09, 05:06 PM [ Flag ]$350k, 425k mortgage, 20k student loan
[ Reply | Options ]11.11.09, 05:08 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]no credit card debt?
[ Reply | Options ]11.11.09, 05:09 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Nope never
[ Reply | Options ]11.11.09, 05:11 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]good for you!
[ Reply | Options ]11.11.09, 05:12 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
i'm one of those people who never had debt and was patting myself on the back for years about how responsible i was. then reality hit and i realized that a lot of it was luck.
[ Reply | Options ]11.11.09, 05:09 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]$350k. no debt. no mortgage.
[ Reply | Options ]11.11.09, 05:11 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]swell! i wish i was in that boat!
[ Reply | Options ]11.11.09, 05:53 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]here here!
[ Reply | Options ]11.11.09, 06:02 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]^^^or is it: "hear hear" ?
[ Reply | Options ]11.11.09, 06:02 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Yeah, it's "hear hear."
[ Reply | Options ]11.12.09, 08:45 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]yep, i thought so.
[ Reply | Options ]11.12.09, 08:23 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
$165,000 mortgage, $8,000 medical. No credit debt.
[ Reply | Options ]11.11.09, 05:12 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]^$100K income
[ Reply | Options ]11.11.09, 05:13 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
210. No CC debt.
[ Reply | Options ]11.11.09, 05:13 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]I guess non of the UBers are amongst the cc debt crowd, eh?
[ Reply | Options ]11.11.09, 05:14 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]I used to be.
[ Reply | Options ]11.11.09, 05:16 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
Debt less than $1,500 probably will pay it off in the next month. HHI is $125K. no loans, no mortgage.
[ Reply | Options ]11.11.09, 05:15 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]$100K, $65K mortgage, no other debt
[ Reply | Options ]11.11.09, 05:15 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]$700k mortgage, no other debt
[ Reply | Options ]11.11.09, 05:15 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]oh, $900K income
[ Reply | Options ]11.11.09, 05:16 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]may i ask what you do for a living? just curious.
[ Reply | Options ]11.11.09, 05:18 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]finance
[ Reply | Options ]11.11.09, 05:27 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Adopt me. I'm cute !
[ Reply | Options ]11.11.09, 06:15 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]I'm cuter!
[ Reply | Options ]11.11.09, 06:18 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
1.1M, 1.9M mortgage, no other debt
[ Reply | Options ]11.11.09, 05:18 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]yikes...
[ Reply | Options ]11.12.09, 08:09 AM [ Flag | link to this post ]
Used to be $0. But I found out that dh ran up $70k+ in cc debt.
[ Reply | Options ]11.11.09, 05:33 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]oh god! how did that happen?
[ Reply | Options ]11.11.09, 05:46 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]Oh bananas !
[ Reply | Options ]11.11.09, 06:16 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
$330k. $120k undergrad and law school loans.
[ Reply | Options ]11.11.09, 05:34 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]^^Forgot to mention $6k in CC debt
[ Reply | Options ]11.11.09, 05:40 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
950k last year. Two mortgages, total of 1mm.
[ Reply | Options ]11.11.09, 05:39 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]$200IK, $290 left on mortgage, no other debt - cc paid every month and student loans paid off. We're lucky.
[ Reply | Options ]11.11.09, 05:49 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]$250k mortgage
[ Reply | Options ]11.11.09, 05:49 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]forgot to add $100k+ income
[ Reply | Options ]11.11.09, 05:51 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]
OP here: $24K. 3,000 in credit card, $1,200 in medical bills. I'm engaged and will be married and HHI will rise considerably, but I can't sleeo. I feel so awful about myself.
[ Reply | Options ]11.11.09, 05:57 PM [ Flag | link to this post ]