tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6318529321377537772011-12-15T12:27:22.879-08:00Places to look for cheap and free CLE's for unemployed and underemployed attorneys. Ideas for frugality, sanity retention and seeking alternative careers.Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.comBlogger3671100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-54318939388720375312009-08-20T17:38:00.000-07:002009-08-20T17:38:00.641-07:00

From Employment Digest, an article on getting hired.

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-61463135817096374272009-08-10T08:51:00.000-07:002009-08-10T08:51:00.326-07:00

Leftovers are funny things; my family sometimes goes to restaurants for holiday dinners, in which case there are no leftovers. Which I miss. Other times, someone cooks and there may or may not be leftovers, depending on the type of meal.One of my friends throws everything out the next day because she's afraid of food poisoning. Very afraid. Me? I'm not so worried about it, while thinking that

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-14281762896924261872009-08-09T08:41:00.000-07:002009-08-09T08:41:00.788-07:00

One of the things I do from time to time is to redact information from documents. Right now I have about six projects on my desk to review and redact if necessary, so naturally, I think this is a great cartoon.

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-55971471684219725522009-08-08T08:38:00.000-07:002009-08-08T08:38:00.428-07:00

At a Symposium of Judges, a Debate on the Laws of Fashion writePost(); if (acm.cc) acm.cc.write(); function getSharePasskey() { return 'ex=1400817600&en=0ca947dbc98e5aa8&ei=5124';} function getShareURL() { return encodeURIComponent('http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/23/us/23lawyers.html'); } function getShareHeadline() { return encodeURIComponent('At a Symposium of Judges, a Debate on the Laws

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-39268615659562932562009-08-07T08:35:00.000-07:002009-08-07T08:35:00.411-07:00

Some programs are for updating the house, either for new infrastructure or for cosmetic updates to make the exterior prettier. This can be important in more run-down neighborhoods.There are grants and loans for garages and insulation; these are important, not only for safety in the case of the garage, but for energy efficiency, which is another thing for which tax credits may be available. I do

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-76719246346214303692009-08-06T08:31:00.000-07:002009-08-06T08:31:00.704-07:00

The New York times discusses five controversial ways to speed up your PC.Mine is getting slow, but may be because I have a ton of pictures on it. I have an external hard drive, but that isn't doing me any good right now; first, I dropped it and had to get a new case because it just wasn't working, then my USB port burned out and I have to figure out where I may best put the hard drive so it may

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-66698804033273512502009-08-05T08:28:00.000-07:002009-08-05T08:28:00.401-07:00

When calculating the cost of a mortgage, it's important to realize that insurance and taxes will be included so the end result may be more than you pay in rent right now. We were told to calculate what we could afford for a mortgage and to save any additional amount from discretionary income, to be in the habit of making a full mortgage payment. In my case, the sale prices of houses would not

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-17259483817221515292009-08-04T08:09:00.000-07:002009-08-04T08:09:00.218-07:00

In other news, I need 5.25 more credits and have 23 months in which to obtain them. To date, I have spent no money for credits and have paid for parking only in one case. Not bad!During my last reporting period, I paid a total of $85 for classes and incurred parking payments in a couple of cases. Free is good.My goal is not to pay for any credits in this reporting period and I'm well on my way to

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-91507619786395446522009-08-03T08:01:00.000-07:002009-08-03T08:01:00.505-07:00

It's important for your firm to have an e-mail policy, and to follow it; many times, the fact that there is a policy and it's being followed, is a defense to claims that you're inappropriate with e-mail."Inappropriate" often means that you have a policy, follow it, and the opposition doesn't like that. Where I work, e-mail disappears in 90 days as a matter of course, decided in IT. Because the

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-88328842953489155582009-08-02T05:26:00.000-07:002009-08-02T05:26:00.558-07:00

In old news, the Supreme Court limited warrantless car searches. Now the cops have to find another tactic!

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-16842620816794474892009-08-01T05:21:00.000-07:002009-08-01T05:21:00.407-07:00

Think again. In China, where government keeps a tight rein on the economy, on jobs, consumer goods, and restricts families to having one child each, now if your name isn't on the official list of names, you have to change it!If you remember a few months ago, a grocery store refused to decorate a cake for little Adolph Hitler Campbell, for reasons which may be obvious. While giving this name to a

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-58595228497763098922009-07-31T05:17:00.000-07:002009-07-31T05:17:00.616-07:00

The tight credit market and business losses are making card issuers reduce credit lines, much to the distress of those who got in over their heads.I thought that going to law school would benefit me economically; turns out, not so much, but I'm not doing as bad as this guy! Who knew that a little thing like crazy student loans could keep you out of the bar? I wonder if part of it is the change

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-31373295746841666542009-07-30T08:34:00.000-07:002009-07-30T08:34:00.298-07:00

There's a lot of talk about the credit market and the result of upcoming changes in credit regulations; in my case, my card is from my credit union and has a small credit line, though a fairly high interest rate. Someone much more financially smart than I said that credit card interest isn't a problem until you carry a balance of more than $1,000. Currently, I have a balance, though in the last

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-71936372800232208412009-07-29T08:32:00.000-07:002009-07-29T08:32:00.327-07:00

It turns out there are a lot of different programs out there; the lender who came to talk to my last class reviewed three programs which may be used together. That includes money from the federal government and the county, but does not include money from the city in which you're looking, neighborhood-specific programs or money from foundations designated for certain areas. In some cases, $25-30K

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-46827627439050422672009-07-28T08:30:00.000-07:002009-07-28T08:30:00.770-07:00

I used to think that the first time home buyer programs provided only funds for closings and downpayments. Turns out I was wrong. While there is a significant amount of money available where I live, there are many programs available, some of which reduce interest. My county has a program with an initial fee, which you can negotiate for the seller to pay, and provides you with an income reduction

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-8184987340146302572009-07-27T08:28:00.000-07:002009-07-27T08:28:00.671-07:00

Realtors are good and bad; my understanding, is that they're always working for the seller, whether it's the listing agent or the one you're working with, unless you have a representation agreement. I do know that some are good and some are bad; fortunately, I know someone who was happy with his realtor so may end up working with that realtor if I move forward with this. Like Mortgage Bankers,

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-28099691964263242242009-07-26T08:26:00.000-07:002009-07-26T08:26:00.453-07:00

Home Inspections are generally required as part of these programs; in fact, the programs that provide funding for repairs, cosmetic or otherwise, have people lead you through the process of hiring someone from their approved list. I think that's great because I wouldn't have a clue in the world where to start. Home Inspectors look at the house from a maintenance/issue perspective and determine if

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-84597978137399040052009-07-25T08:24:00.000-07:002009-07-25T08:24:00.684-07:00

Mortgages are available through many sources and the changes in lending habits may eliminate some of us as home buyers. I know my credit is okay, but not necessarily great, same with my work history. I did talk to someone who used to be in the mortgage business and learned that since I've been working at least 9 mos. of the year, the last couple of years, that may be sufficient; the fact of an

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-66499728964021281972009-07-24T08:22:00.000-07:002009-07-24T08:22:00.370-07:00

I found my Homestretch class on a link from the HUD page. I was able to find the cheapest available option; while all classes shown are HUD approved, prices vary. My particular class is three evenings, though it's also offered on a Saturday. While that may have been easier, I had conflicts on the dates with my location. Pricing in your city will vary; the first classes I found were $50, which is

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-39338541921352625712009-07-23T08:21:00.000-07:002009-07-23T08:21:00.498-07:00

Here's information from the ABA on some loan forgiveness programs. I didn't read through all of it so don't know how it would work with the capped repayments.

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-17466313490352486032009-07-22T08:15:00.000-07:002009-07-22T08:15:01.112-07:00

We all went to school optimistically and I graduated, from high school, college and law school during times of great economic distress so have a history of trying to find a job when the market sucks. Now that all I have are student loans, it's not so bad; it was horrid a few years ago, when I had consumer debt as well.I feel bad for the recent graduates, who grew up in better economic times and

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-33799254005761388212009-07-21T08:11:00.000-07:002009-07-21T08:11:00.553-07:00

Back on the chain gang. Young Japanese, working on the farm for the first time. Like the CCC of old, who built a lot of parks and roads in the US, unemployed youth are being trained to do farm work instead of whatever it was they thought they were going to do.

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-36463139738133050382009-07-20T08:00:00.000-07:002009-07-20T08:00:03.460-07:00

Your Credit Card Company is here to help. Of course, with default rates escalating, it's in their best interest to help you. In fact, they're eager to do so because they have evaluated all your expenditures and calculated the likelihood that you'll default within six months.Rep. Maloney is helping too.

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-8833339065000366192009-07-19T07:47:00.000-07:002009-07-19T07:47:00.256-07:00

I found the calculator, unfortunately at a time it was broken but am just not sure about this; currently I'm working for government and if I sign up for this, my Federally Subidized loan will have reduced payments and if I work for eligible entities and make payments for ten years while I'm in this program, the remainder of the debt will be forgiven.Because my job is temporary, I don't know if

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-60396396549217884822009-07-18T07:42:00.000-07:002009-07-18T07:42:00.676-07:00

In New York City, they have a problem with debt collectors failing to notify the debtors of court order to seize their bank accounts.That's horrible! I know that in my state, you must be notified and only the money in the account on the day of the order can be seized; if the amount seized was less than the full debt, another court order would be required to attach money put in the account later.

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-84613194248269162042009-07-17T07:39:00.000-07:002009-07-17T07:39:00.594-07:00

A low-cost household cleaner.~~~ ALICE'S Wonder Spray This cleaner will kill 82 percent of molds and 99 percent of bacteria in a household, according to Ami Voeltz of Do It Green Minnesota. It costs only 14 cents, whereas a store-bought cleaner runs $4 to $20 a bottle. Making your own is kinder to the environment, and you save packaging by using your own reusable bottle. • 1 c. white vinegar • 2

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-72018520544952905172009-07-16T07:36:00.000-07:002009-07-16T07:36:00.632-07:00

Interesting article on a meeting he had with high school essay winners.

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-22132797386610327392009-07-15T07:30:00.000-07:002009-07-15T07:30:00.165-07:00

The private student loan industry is not happy with Obama's plan to change the game on them; they make crazy amounts of money, and if you recall, there was a big scandal a few years ago about gaming the system so that the loan officers would recommend loans with whatever company made it most beneficial to the school. I believe that was mostly for-profit institutions but could be wrong on that.It

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-87874462285151077762009-07-14T07:24:00.000-07:002009-07-14T07:24:00.237-07:00

While it's true that I have a balance on my credit card right now, based on date incurred, it isn't due yet;I haven't yet changed cycles so won't have to pay for awhile yet. I may have two additional purchases but am still being very careful with my card.As changes imposed by Congress are coming up, Credit Card companies are doing what they can now to make more money. The mistake may have been

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-66505712470534708922009-07-13T07:18:00.000-07:002009-07-13T07:18:01.061-07:00

Here's an article from April, talking about jobs. While Joe Biden says the administration "Misread" the economy, unemployment has gone up to 9.5%. Jobs aren't being lost in as great numbers, but not too many companies are hiring. More families are becoming homeless. The outlook is grim and people keep talking about the Depression.I find that depressing; in my area, hourly rates for temporary

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-18549929851474112382009-07-12T07:16:00.000-07:002009-07-12T07:16:00.610-07:00

For no apparent reason, except that I didn't post, I stopped posting. In April. I just couldn't muster up another post at that point but have returned, to hopefully continue daily.

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-3833349367987952812009-04-20T02:30:00.000-07:002009-04-20T02:30:00.339-07:00

While I haven't gone so far as to start with the Ramen Noodles, I did see one of their PR people interviewed on tv a few weeks ago; Ramen is cheap, easy and sometimes those are the only priorities.I've mentioned before that a church near my house has a free food day and those going for food drive better cars than I do; they're the ones who are overextended and in big houses they can't afford. I

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-6852175058157906562009-04-19T10:24:00.000-07:002009-04-19T10:24:00.530-07:00

We've all been told that our resumes would be kept on file. Most of the time it seems like a throwaway line, so you don't feel bad about not getting the job, or decide to hate the company. While it likely is at times, I have had calls back from companies who kept my resume.In fact, one time I ended up getting the job. It seemed like a good idea at the time, so I took the job. I ended up working

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-15268324573286061902009-04-18T10:17:00.000-07:002009-04-18T10:24:06.979-07:00

Because I procrastinate too much, I spent Wednesday evening doing taxes. It should've been fine but it wasn't; I used the same super-easy service that I used last year but with glitches this time.In the end, my taxes got done and I've had confirmation, both from the IRS and from the state, that they went through. I'm getting a refund from both sources, thanks to a required contribution to a

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-80213975967705598452009-04-15T06:55:00.000-07:002009-04-15T06:55:00.596-07:00

It seems that most people think layoffs are more likely to affect others with whom they work; while the last layoff I experienced was from contract work, I wasn't terribly surprised. It wasn't very busy, there were three of us, there was a new manager who didn't know us very well and my strongest advocate was out on sick leave, so it wasn't a shock to me.I don't know if I'm just more cynical,

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-37055190186060818432009-04-14T06:46:00.000-07:002009-04-14T06:46:00.464-07:00

These days, everything is branded, so no big surprise that people are told to market themselves in job searches as Brand You! Because there isn't enough pressure just from having the job search, and there isn't enough pressure from knowing there's a ton of competition, and there isn't enough pressure from knowing that the economy sucks and the likelihood that you're going to be chosen for an

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-64346082406591203622009-04-13T06:43:00.000-07:002009-04-13T06:43:01.059-07:00

I know women who don't want diamonds as they sometimes fund war; whoever controls the diamond mines in some African countries use the profits from the sales thereof to buy guns and ammo.The new thing to avoid are conflict minerals from the Congo. Congress is working on legislation. Personally, I don't have much to worry about; I'm not in a position to be buying diamonds or other gemstones at this

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-74901477703402622052009-04-12T18:37:00.000-07:002009-04-12T18:42:42.672-07:00

Do we still have an expectation of privacy? When I was in Law School, I wrote a paper that included a section on privacy. I believe the question was whether an employee with an office had the expectation of privacy for a phone conversation when the office door was shut. At that time, pre-Facebook, in some jurisdictions, the employee did have the expectation of privacy.In my workplace, I have a

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-29420520268553358192009-04-10T07:05:00.000-07:002009-04-10T07:05:00.687-07:00

Challenge: Use up two books of postage stamps before postage rates go up again. Why? Because they're Christmas stamps. Method: Pay bills by check. Mail them in. Requirements: Planning ahead. MoneyDifficulties: Did I mention planning ahead? Or money?Extreme tactic: Writing letters. Sending Easter Cards. Other options: Going to the Post Office. Buying one or two cent stamps, using them in

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-64179143599015422952009-04-09T07:01:00.000-07:002009-04-09T07:01:01.016-07:00

While I don't garden myself, simply because I'm likely to commit herbicide by providing a draught or a flood, it's gardening season and people are getting their seeds and seedlings together so they can have fabulous, fresh fruit and vegetables again.I ended up not going with the farm share this year because I couldn't rationalize the up-front cost with not cleaning up my small bills. That's more

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-59023122276265731632009-04-08T06:56:00.000-07:002009-04-08T06:56:00.213-07:00

I recently read an article in the BBC about a British charity, the head of which is implicated in procuring a weapons cache found at a Madrassa in Bangladesh. What has this to do with the law, CLE's or the US? I once met a group of foreign gentlemen who were setting up a non-profit; based on what they had to say about it, it seemed that their objective was to overthrow the current government from

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-25385759872784963892009-04-07T06:46:00.000-07:002009-04-07T06:46:00.751-07:00

Recently, Gabe talked about treating each employee like a records manager. That's what I'm working on. Policies are being created, records retention schedules updated and hopefully position descriptions and annual reviews will have a percentage of time to be devoted to records management. My workplace, like many other offices, doesn't have support staff to deal with records management, yet people

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-83039430102847157242009-04-06T06:41:00.000-07:002009-04-06T06:41:00.482-07:00

I keep reading about the legal profession and changes it needs to make. Recent ideas have included changes to billing, concept and pay structure. Which is great, but what about those of us with crazy huge student loans and no visible means of support therefor?I can see why each of the above makes sense; the cloud-computing model of law firms can charge less because it has less infrastructure, but

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-3327534069809855812009-04-05T06:38:00.000-07:002009-04-05T06:38:00.210-07:00

I'm not a coupon-clipping fanatic, though I know people save a lot by using coupons; I do but don't obsess over it. Most of the coupon savings are direct from my grocery store. I buy things I know I'll use and will stockpile a bit but at some point you need to use it all. I try not to buy extra, unnecessary things, which can vary with the day. I waffle about some things that I like but don't

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-26942405846366344842009-04-04T06:35:00.000-07:002009-04-04T06:35:00.336-07:00

Conventional wisdom used to indicate that the way to reduce debt and plan to be more secure in the future was to pay off any serial debt such as credit cards by first paying off the smallest balance or the highest interest. You would at least pay minimum + monthly interest so the balance would actually decrease. The smallest balance is easiest to pay off, so you feel a sense of accomplishment.

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-11328047855218337062009-04-03T18:33:00.000-07:002009-04-03T18:35:32.202-07:00

Remember to look around your area for free or low-cost CLE's. Sources may vary and I learn about many by word of mouth; many of the free ones are repeated annually so are good to remember. I have found many by just googling around for "free cle" and the name of my city and have learned of others from colleagues on document review projects or from project staff. I have attended a free CLE at each

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-48604082274347149152009-04-02T18:22:00.000-07:002009-04-03T18:33:37.977-07:00

My first credit cards were two store cards, for which I was solicited at age 20. I had gone to JC Penney, where I hardly ever shopped, and to my favorite local department store, Daytons, which is no longer and wrote checks for whatever it is that I bought. Shortly thereafter, the stores called, offering me credit, which I accepted.One reason, despite my lack of sophistication about finances, was

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-83951681665273631992009-04-01T18:13:00.000-07:002009-04-03T18:22:21.694-07:00

As usual, credit card interest is going up; it's to be expected. While I'm still using my card for transactions, I'm in a bit of a shaky place and need to put the card down. I don't think I'm in dire straits as my bill is under $200 and won't require payment for nearly six weeks. Nevertheless, when payday rolls around, they get more money.Someone with far more financial sense than I have once

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-5236564261860632872009-03-31T18:05:00.000-07:002009-04-03T18:13:27.826-07:00

While I'm all for a bargain, I mostly look for sales or coupons for things I know I want. Sometimes I'll take a chance on a new product but as I primarily use fresh food, rather than canned or packages of pre-made food, I rarely do so. For me, it's a false savings to buy a brand I don't like as well because it's on sale or to buy something I don't like because there's a good deal. If I don't like

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-77232050910376049532009-03-30T17:59:00.000-07:002009-04-03T18:05:11.680-07:00

A week or so ago, Timothy Geithner decided it would be good for government to have broader power with which to regulate the financial industry.This is the same government that has brought us excess charges for things like toilet seats and hammers and can't manage its own spending properly. Never mind sex, drug use and graft at the Department of the Interior. Or credit card fraud, generally.I'm

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-27418269220177947902009-03-29T05:02:00.000-07:002009-03-29T05:02:01.017-07:00

I somehow don't think oversaving is a real issue in the US right now. While I should have enough money, right now it doesn't feel that way.I want to save more money but each paycheck it seems harder to keep my savings balance. I'm not going out and living the high life; last week I had food, $30 and half a tank of gas so knew I'd be fine until payday, so no extra spending for me! I needed to make

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-7510720889841373012009-03-28T04:57:00.000-07:002009-03-28T04:57:00.413-07:00

Yesterday I got my tiny reward from the stimulus package; we were notified earlier this week that perhaps our take home pay would be increased a bit this time. In my case, it is. I'm up a whopping $20.50, which is almost real money.I still think that anyone trying to be responsible is getting screwed; while they have recalculated the tax due per person, this is really the only benefit I get from

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-27880867750227712192009-03-27T04:49:00.000-07:002009-03-27T04:49:00.884-07:00

It seems that I'm not the only one thinking about letting my cellphone contract go. I'm actually out of contract and have been for over a year. My phone still works and I have a backup phone donated to me by someone who frequently gets new phones, so I'm good to go as long as I want to keep my current carrier.The problem is, while I haven't analyzed my use, I haven't been using very many minutes;

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-91105686498639480292009-03-26T04:43:00.000-07:002009-03-26T04:43:00.958-07:00

In keeping with Spring and the rising emergencies to my North, where the Red River is rising and Fargo is expecting floods, Medicine Cabinets also need to be maintained to ensure you have proper supplies that are up-to-date.Soon the weather will be warmer and it'll be nice to know that appropriate supplies are on hand

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-66317305988541524262009-03-25T04:43:00.000-07:002009-03-25T04:43:01.450-07:00

Tweets from jurors on jury duty are going to be a big deal. I can't imagine what's wrong with people who publish more information than allowed; while the fact that one has gotten jury duty is one thing, tweeting while actually on jury duty seems a bit ridiculous. Yet people do it.I would expect that, with such communications prohibited, those who ignore the ban and are caught would open

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-3452129619884234052009-03-24T16:27:00.001-07:002009-03-24T16:30:35.887-07:00

People are starting to talk as though walking away from your home loan isn't a bad thing. I have mixed feelings about this; if you're overextended because you're greedy, it's totally different than if someone was a fraud victim or has lost their job.At the same time, I can see that there will be a different result if you walked away or were foreclosed upon these last few years rather than at a

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-35318717201463102582009-03-19T02:53:00.000-07:002009-03-19T02:53:01.160-07:00

One way to cut medical expenses is to cut pills in half, if you can get double the needed dose, and if the pill has the cut line on it. My dad had to do that with one of his prescriptions, not to save money, but because the dose the doctor thought he should take a smaller dose than what was available.I'm just leery of the idea that the insurance company might try to advocate it at times it isn't

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-2625766095927979902009-03-18T09:47:00.000-07:002009-03-18T09:47:00.184-07:00

For anyone who owns a small business, does direct contracting or works for a fairly small business (not a corproate behemoth), Expensify seems like a good option to organize your expense items and turn in your expense report.I work for government, so this would never be an option for me, nor is it an option for corporate American. There are a lot of people for whom this would still be an option;

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-28379369523316730902009-03-17T02:41:00.000-07:002009-03-17T02:41:01.061-07:00

Everyone knows what those are, right? The labels that can be read and tracked; rumor had it that Wal-Mart started using them, the better to see who in the community shopped at their store? It seems odd to me to think the'd track people out in the community, but I don't shop there often enough to worry about it.These are also in the non-hackable new passports and are a great inventory device. So

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-41889803622103659652009-03-16T09:33:00.001-07:002009-03-16T09:33:01.163-07:00

Because I haven't been using my phone too much lately, I think I'm paying too much for the service that I have. Verizon doesn't appear to have any lower-priced options for me so I'm looking in to other possibilities. While there is nothing inherently wrong with Verizon, except their upcoming sale of private information unless you opt out, I'm not getting good value for my money as I don't come

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-8297802145554210922009-03-15T09:14:00.000-07:002009-03-15T09:14:00.566-07:00

Who are they trying to kid? There has been a glut of lawyers on the market for a generation; I'm working on a project with an attorney who graduated from Law School in 1976 and says the market was bad then and has never improved. They keep churning out lawyers.In my state, there are four law schools and there were too many attorneys graduating before the 4th school opened. In fact, the university

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-61305176618399826092009-03-14T07:13:00.000-07:002009-03-14T07:13:01.053-07:00

I don't worry so much about being carbon neutral; I have to drive to get to work or my only option is to go straight home after work, as my bus schedule is limited. Therefore, I have the option to go somewhere straight from work, rather than taking the bus home and driving to where I'm going.I have always had old things; most of my furniture is vintage, as are many of my household goods,

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-41425739015738591622009-03-13T06:51:00.000-07:002009-03-13T06:51:00.669-07:00

Another tip from Google Tip Jar is to write down every bit of money you spend for 30 days, so you really know where your money is going. It's easy to get into the habit of silly expenditures; for awhile I was buying iced tea, then I decided only to buy it on sale. Now I have decided not to spend that money and instead am drinking more water.While I have never logged my spending for 30 days, I

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-67803760658412194752009-03-12T06:32:00.000-07:002009-03-12T06:32:00.616-07:00

I just learned about Google Tip Jar a few days ago and am excited about the prospect of finding money-saving tips. They're from many sources, most of which are unfamiliar to me, and there are several categories.Much of the information is common-sense, but nobody uses that anymore. One of the tips I read is to drink water, to avoid wasting calories on beverages. Another, complementary tip, was to

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-73616674468171031372009-03-11T05:49:00.000-07:002009-03-11T05:49:00.703-07:00

I used to work with a woman whose first job out of law school was with a debt-collection outfit; you call the bank holding the deceased's credit card to let them know? Next thing you know, someone is calling you, asking for payment. Legally, the person's estate is responsible for payment, not any other individual who would not otherwise be liable. I know from experience, having been interrupted

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-20592073765141737702009-03-10T05:39:00.000-07:002009-03-10T05:39:00.780-07:00

I have multiple e-mail accounts, and am not always good about clearing them out. In my personal life, I have an account related to this blog and a couple of accounts related to myself, one of which is a hotmail account that I rarely open. At work, I have one account.My primary personal e-mail account is through g-mail and I had over 1500 messages in it. I'm subscribed to e-mail from various

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-46319828154414248992009-03-09T04:53:00.000-07:002009-03-09T04:53:00.339-07:00

Medical insurance is very expensive these days. Everyone knows that policies available from ggencies aren't comparable to those provided from employers; and this, when employers don't provide insurance that's as good as it used to be. It's great that COBRA coverage is a possibility, but for many of us, when healthcare, rent and student loans have the same dollar obligations, healthcare is the one

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-26094602295403559202009-03-08T04:12:00.000-07:002009-03-08T04:12:03.649-07:00

Even the wealthy don't have the cash flow that they need right now. While I don't have any small, portable assets worth taking to a pawn shop, others take theirs to, umm, a pawnshop with a fancy name. While I don't wish trouble on anyone, it's difficult for me to have sympathy for people who have random objects of the sort that could pay my debt as well as buy me a house, furnish it, and buy a

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-30353063918713107552009-03-07T03:55:00.000-08:002009-03-07T03:55:00.377-08:00

Since 9/11, we've been counseled that spending money is taking back our lifestyle from terrorism, but now things have changed. People are more mindful of spending money, both in how to spend it and if to spend.Because I had started cutting back before 9/11, I wasn't sucked back into spending mode; not that I'd have had any money to spend, what with all the consumer debt and student loans I had at

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-73478139750540366952009-03-06T03:53:00.000-08:002009-03-06T03:53:00.442-08:00

Following you will find a helpful article on networking. I'm an introvert, so need all the help I can get for this sort of thingSubject: "Networking for the Introvert" Being an introvert myself, it's especially gratifying when I can help my introverted clients gain an edge wherever possible. We live in a world that favors extroversion, and when it comes to networking, many introverts feel

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-88986051521032073722009-03-05T03:51:00.000-08:002009-03-05T03:51:02.757-08:00

Part 1Whether it is called the behavioral interview, thebehavior-based interview, or the personal experienceinterview, the behavioral interview is being used by moreand more employers to assess candidates. Let us help you togain the skills you will need to beat your competitors atthis type of interview!In Part 1 of this series of two articles, we'll cover thereasons you need to practice the

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-76030358182975274972009-03-04T04:51:00.001-08:002009-03-04T04:51:00.269-08:00

In India as well as other asian countries, Valentine's Day is banned or at least highly discouraged. The objection, of course, is that dating is not allowed; traditionally in India, marriages are arranged. This is true of Saudi Arabia, which is also against Valentine's Day.Part of the objection seems to be Christianity's involvement. They must not have heard of Hallmark. In any case, let's drink

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-87404864381016736412009-03-03T04:48:00.000-08:002009-03-03T04:48:00.802-08:00

Include movies, online dating and chocolate.Superficial is out, finding someone whose personality you like is in. Historically, movies have done well during bad economic times. Everyone needs a diversion. Chocolate is also recession-proof; I'm thinking Hersheys and Nestle, not necessarily Godiva and the high end brands. People still need treats and likely downgrade from other sorts of treats to

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-55813482287015142912009-03-02T04:44:00.000-08:002009-03-02T04:44:00.489-08:00

CNN has some ideas on what to do if you have no health insurance and end up sick or injured.I no longer remember which health care provider was charging people 16% interest if they had to carry a bill for lack of insurance. I'm currently making payments on a bill incurred when I had crappy insurance and am not paying any interest whatsoever. Which is huge.The Fair Isaac Company wants to have a

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-32208166836805424882009-03-01T16:40:00.000-08:002009-03-01T16:43:20.863-08:00

The Ivory Coast's cocoa industry is moving along, unlike so many other industries. About now a tropical area sounds good, though I don't know if I'm well-suited to extreme manual labor as described here.

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-50189773171574647002009-02-27T05:41:00.000-08:002009-02-27T05:41:00.379-08:00

There has been a rise in the number of applications challenged for unemployment benefits. Makes sense; companies don't want to pay more than they have to and with more people being let go, there are more claims, which reflects badly on the corporation.I've had unemployment claims challenged before, and have been told that in my state it's very difficult to have the benefits taken away. Companies

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-47837282229252809052009-02-26T05:38:00.000-08:002009-02-26T05:38:00.850-08:00

I know I've talked about this before, but please check your alma mater (and any other law school near you) for CLE's. Mine has $10 morning CLE's once a month. It's 1-1.5 credits, which isn't much, but over time can add up. I just looked at their calendar for something else and found a free CLE put on by a law firm's foundation. I have attended this in the past but hadn't thought of it in awhile..

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-72698705724766916132009-02-25T17:31:00.000-08:002009-02-25T17:38:17.567-08:00

In these days of massive layoffs, picking up the check has changed; you'd think that people on a business lunch would follow the same protocol, but apparently not. Not only is unemployment rampant, but corporations are scaling back their expense accounts.Last year, when I was traveling, and rarely responsible for feeding myself, our per diem was about $80. I paid for breakfast at the airport and

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-24435878884207722632009-02-24T02:52:00.000-08:002009-02-24T02:52:00.588-08:00

I was shocked when I learned that my friend had racked up a credit card balance; she's in a two-income situation and while I don't know whether she has incurred debt for school, she is both going to school part time and co-owner of a mortgage. Her income is healthy and I know she only puts $20/monthly into a 401K. That's a bit scary to me. How? Why stop at $20? That's $240 annually. How will that

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-78040602635547057312009-02-23T02:45:00.000-08:002009-02-23T02:45:00.720-08:00

I talk to more and more people whose credit card companies are jacking their interest way up. One of my colleagues just told me that her interest is being raised on a card she has never paid late. Her credit card company is likely responding to her credit rating, which isn't that great; yet, supposedly that was supposed to no longer happen. She got the letter that says if you stop using your card

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-34242740310651540642009-02-22T08:39:00.000-08:002009-02-22T08:39:00.878-08:00

Privacy in the workplace is a moot point. There isn't any. Unless you use your personal cellphone to contact people, IT may be looking over your shoulder. Of course, there are limitations on that; typically, only certain people are allowed to review e-mails. The reality of many corporations is that they block certain sites and filter their e-mail program, but don't have the staff to monitor

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-90626859544116926112009-02-21T20:34:00.001-08:002009-02-21T20:39:23.815-08:00

People have always speculated in commodities, most recently, in China, on tea leaves. For us Westerners, it seems odd, but we have people gambling on gasoline, iron ore, food items and precious metals.While tea isn't on our radar, neither are flower bulbs, yet in 1637, the Dutch Tulip bulb market crashed and speculators lost fortunes. The dotcom crash and current economic issues are merely

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-53135453389167269972009-02-18T02:24:00.000-08:002009-02-18T02:24:00.341-08:00

I've given up shopping, except for necessities. I need to in order to remain focused on paying my bills. Having said that, I enjoyed Confessions of a Shopaholic and the three out of four sequels I have so far read; most of which were purchased at my local thrift store. I still haven't found a copy of Shopaholic and Baby, though expect that to be available soon. The movie is just coming out. While

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-73513388745038093682009-02-17T02:17:00.000-08:002009-02-17T02:17:00.796-08:00

Many people turn to shopping or drinking for mood improvement or trying to creat happiness. It can help, for awhile, but then you need a new thrill and go back to the mall, bar or internet. It isn't ever going to be a permanent fix.Interestingly, your mood can be changed by the color you're around; this is why fast food joints all use the same colors. They use the hungry set of colors. Brown,

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-92043522404087556732009-02-16T20:10:00.000-08:002009-02-16T20:15:17.058-08:00

One thing we don't have to worry about much in the US is rioting. I mean, unless your team won the playoffs. Otherwise? Not so much.Other areas of the world can't afford such complacency, not even France, which is only one country, the economic turmoil of which, is translating to unrest in the streets. It seems like half the world is protesting the lack of jobs.

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-44289874168327719152009-02-15T20:15:00.000-08:002009-02-16T20:17:28.277-08:00

What on earth is the benefit to a card that gets declined when it's activated and the payment amount is the remaining balance? The healthcare spending account person just told me that I should make my payment and get reimbursed. How does that help me? The whole idea of the card is so you don't have to actually do that! Since I'm a new employee and don't have an account for paper transactions, I

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-48625056352833727012009-02-14T03:47:00.000-08:002009-02-14T03:47:00.753-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day!May all your chocolate needs be met.

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-49041968230846209832009-02-13T02:49:00.000-08:002009-02-13T02:49:00.431-08:00

Right now, I know two people who have been having trouble with debt and debt collectors. What's interesting to me is that people don't cut out the unnecessary in order to take care of these things. I'm happy that I'm currently able to make payments on all my bills, even though it doesn't feel like I'm reducing anything. I won't feel like debt has been reduced until I manage to pay off another

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-48448931434692525792009-02-12T02:42:00.000-08:002009-02-12T02:42:00.491-08:00

Before the economy completely imploded, I was working on a project at a big firm, the associates for which told us that they liked the client (who has since filed for bankruptcy) and because of that, had responded to their request for a reduction in billing by cutting their bills in half.Because of the economic crisis, clients are telling law firms that billable hours only encourages them to

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-33577884576690972342009-02-11T02:31:00.000-08:002009-02-11T02:31:00.278-08:00

Mint is a site that helps people track their personal spending. It seems like a good idea, but I'm trying to cut way down on my personal spending right now; my tactic has been not to spend unless I'm required to do so.So far I'm doing pretty well. I have to do the math this weekend and see what checks haven't cleared at this point; at this point I have about half my paycheck remaining and have

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-26474536355981608282009-02-10T02:22:00.000-08:002009-02-10T02:22:00.286-08:00

While I've never made a dessert out of leftover jelly donuts, I do believe in using leftovers, though I tend to clean out my refrigerator weekly. Then again, I was raised on food made from scratch, not food made from boxes. The only box my mom really used was the traditional Kraft Macaroni & Cheese box. And not very often.My leftovers don't go into anything fancy, especially since I don't start

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-57277482335186865992009-02-09T02:15:00.000-08:002009-02-09T02:15:00.637-08:00

Obama promised us change. So far I haven't seen any, really, but was amused to learn that his staff was traumatized by a technology outage and didn't really know how to communicate in person, answer the phone or take messages on paper.I realize the world has changed, but these are things that should reasonably be expected to happen in an office. People should be familiar with emergency procedures

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-49742192955589149622009-02-08T02:05:00.000-08:002009-02-08T02:05:00.520-08:00

The poor gold-digger girlfriends. I feel so bad for them; bankers with crazy incomes stressed out and no longer having crazy incomes. The gravy train has stopped. No more unlimited credit cards; no more attention from Mr. Moneybags.Umm, here's a thought, they could get jobs of their own. Maybe that would be a bad idea in this economy. I mean, a girl can't be expected to support herself, can she?

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-50589418055214734272009-02-07T06:47:00.000-08:002009-02-07T06:47:00.836-08:00

Remember when conspicuous consumption was the norm? Logos all over everything, to announce the amount of money you'd spent, lasted a couple of decades. It used to be that it was, ahem, very personal products that were transported in plain brown wrappers. In fact, in my college town, the personal products store was called The Plain Brown Wrapper.Now? Sex shops aren't under wraps anymore but

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-23277555747465118882009-02-06T06:37:00.000-08:002009-02-06T06:37:00.270-08:00

I'm not the only one worried about debt, but as most of mine is student loans, I'm in a much better situation than those who have sub-prime mortgages, who relied on being able to refinance later on, or those with variable-rate credit cards, or who relied on being able to transfer their balance to the next card.I know a couple of people who played the credit card balance game and were successful

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-30847430715522054492009-02-05T06:32:00.000-08:002009-02-05T06:32:00.971-08:00

I've had several jobs in which I wasn't kept nearly busy enough. I hate not being busy; if they catch on, they might not think they need you. Plus, there's only so much time I can waste online.Last year, when I was traveling, I wasn't nearly busy enough; when I started this blog, I had a lot of downtime and would write posts and e-mail them to myself, to cut and paste later. I was in a place with

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-80197896918230963372009-02-04T05:22:00.000-08:002009-02-04T05:22:00.847-08:00

While I'm not the first one on the block to acquire new technology, I'm well aware that people trade up for something new in seemingly ridiculously short amounts of time. One of my friends is always getting a new something; she has a good job, can afford to buy new toys and has plenty of people to whom to hand things down.That was the trend for everyone for the last several years. Now it seems

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-50029535260448767662009-02-03T05:14:00.000-08:002009-02-03T05:14:00.465-08:00

And I'm not talking the patron saint of retail here, Santa Claus.Businesses go through different philosophies, based on who's marketing what. Right now, at least in India, the trend is to apply Hindu Myth to business. I'm not sure whether it's effective or if it would be practical to export; I'm guessing it wouldn't go over in some parts of the country, such as the Bible Belt, but would be

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-71009118694715942102009-02-02T04:51:00.000-08:002009-02-02T04:51:00.123-08:00

Networking groups have been around for a long time; informal networking for those who are networkers by nature and habitually keep in contact with others, which proves to be mutually beneficial.The rest of us? Not so easy. Some network via groups related to their college, whether it's a Fraternity or Sorority, sport team or some other campus group; small business owners may join formal networking

Freeloader Attorneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855934585208893553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631852932137753777.post-15377925566695921472009-02-01T08:46:00.000-08:002009-02-01T08:46:00.137-08:00

I've never sat down and determined what the dollar amount for 4-6 months of savings was; I've mostly been in a position in which savings was not a serious possibility, due to expenses and debt compared to income. Now that I'm working and finally have a paycheck that's stable for awhile, and have all the deductions applied, I know what my takehome pay will be; up until now it has fluctuated due to

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