Poll
Question:
How many days in an average week do you spend nothing at all?
Option 1: 0
votes: 21
Option 2: 1
votes: 6
Option 3: 2
votes: 6
Option 4: 3
votes: 6
Option 5: 4
votes: 4
Option 6: 5
votes: 4
Option 7: 6
votes: 3
Option 8: 7
votes: 0
November 28th is Buy Nothing Day, an annual anti-consumerism (and therefore almost certainly anti-American) awareness event. But how often in an average week, other than direct debits and standing orders to pay bills, do you spend nothing? At all? Cash, card or cheque?
I thought I was on my second day this week until I remembered I stuck £1 in the machine yesterday for an emergency diet Coke. :blush:
How can an adult person that works normal hours and is not on the upkeep of someone else spend nothing at all on any given day, unless it's a matter of a book-keeping trick (e.g. pay for it on another day etc.)?
The concept behind the day seems retarded to me. After all, unless you retire and live as a hermit for that day, you will be consuming - whether using electricity, or public transport or simply food. So the only way you could "observe" this day is by paying more on another day - which kinda defeats the purpose, no?
0.
As a rule, I don't cook so my food storage is far from Mormon levels which means I buy at the very least some foodstuffs every day.
That reminds me to spend on Nov 28th. Thanks B!
3-4 ish... I rarely do the grocery shopping and the lunch I buy is expensed to the client, so while I purchase it i do not spend it :)
V
Quote from: Ed Anger on October 08, 2009, 09:18:11 AM
That reminds me to spend on Nov 28th. Thanks B!
I'm throwing my birthday party on Nov 28th this year (this is the last Saturday before my actual birthday on 30th), so the bitches I'm inviting better spend money on that day.
Quote from: Martinus on October 08, 2009, 09:23:54 AM
Quote from: Ed Anger on October 08, 2009, 09:18:11 AM
That reminds me to spend on Nov 28th. Thanks B!
I'm throwing my birthday party on Nov 28th this year (this is the last Saturday between my actual birthday on 30th), so the bitches I'm inviting better spend money on that day.
Now I don't want to spend on the 28th. :(
It's two days after thanksgiving, you probably don't want to be out shopping.
I usually take the bus every weekday, and I'm almost always doing something on weekends, so 0.
Quote from: Martinus on October 08, 2009, 09:17:59 AM
How can an adult person that works normal hours and is not on the upkeep of someone else spend nothing at all on any given day, unless it's a matter of a book-keeping trick (e.g. pay for it on another day etc.)?
The concept behind the day seems retarded to me. After all, unless you retire and live as a hermit for that day, you will be consuming - whether using electricity, or public transport or simply food. So the only way you could "observe" this day is by paying more on another day - which kinda defeats the purpose, no?
The poll isn't about not consuming, it's about not spending. I do proper shopping for the week and bring in packed lunches, so it's not that difficult to go a day without opening my purse. But in practice, there's often just that
one little thing, like the bottle of diet Coke.
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on October 08, 2009, 09:27:11 AM
It's two days after thanksgiving, you probably don't want to be out shopping.
Gotta walk off all that food. Plus I like elbowing people for the last Tickle me Elmo doll.
Quote from: Martinus on October 08, 2009, 09:17:59 AM
How can an adult person that works normal hours and is not on the upkeep of someone else spend nothing at all on any given day, unless it's a matter of a book-keeping trick (e.g. pay for it on another day etc.)?
The concept behind the day seems retarded to me. After all, unless you retire and live as a hermit for that day, you will be consuming - whether using electricity, or public transport or simply food. So the only way you could "observe" this day is by paying more on another day - which kinda defeats the purpose, no?
This is the first sensible thing you've said in an eon.
But the fact is, even given this proviso and the fact that all the electricty etc. you're consuming is paid for in advance, it's still incredibly difficult not to dip into your wallet/purse and just not spend "real time" as it were.
I think I'm gonna buy a lot of stuff on Nov. 28th.
Also 0 days, maybe 1. But that has to exclude consuming electricity & gas.
Quote from: Brazen on October 08, 2009, 09:31:59 AM
But the fact is, even given this proviso and the fact that all the electricty etc. you're consuming is paid for in advance, it's still incredibly difficult not to dip into your wallet/purse and just not spend "real time" as it were.
If the test is simply one of cash flow, then I would think it would be fairly routine not to use cash or a credit card on many weekend days? But martin is correct, the beer one pulls out of the fridge Saturday, one paid for on Friday. Thus, the "holiday" is a mirage.
I would say that, on average, I don't spend any money 6 days of the week. That's what allows me to hoard cash.
My wife, on the other hand, loves spending money, which is why we have seperate bank accounts.
Quote from: Rasputin on October 08, 2009, 09:35:56 AM
If the test is simply one of cash flow, then I would think it would be fairly routine not to use cash or a credit card on many weekend days? But martin is correct, the beer one pulls out of the fridge Saturday, one paid for on Friday. Thus, the "holiday" is a mirage.
I beg to differ. If we got into the habit of planning ahead rather than instant gratification we'd spend less through better planning, less waste, less trips etc. And may even lose weight by having to eat and drink what's in the fridge rather than being able to purchase what we fancy
right now. Certainly when I was growing up we only went shopping once a week.
Quote from: Brazen on October 08, 2009, 09:39:32 AM
Quote from: Rasputin on October 08, 2009, 09:35:56 AM
If the test is simply one of cash flow, then I would think it would be fairly routine not to use cash or a credit card on many weekend days? But martin is correct, the beer one pulls out of the fridge Saturday, one paid for on Friday. Thus, the "holiday" is a mirage.
I beg to differ. If we got into the habit of planning ahead rather than instant gratification we'd spend less through better planning, less waste, less trips etc. And may even lose weight by having to eat and drink what's in the fridge rather than being able to purchase what we fancy right now. Certainly when I was growing up we only went shopping once a week.
Let me know how that works for you. I fail to see how your packing your lunch saves money once you've factored in the value of your own time and your own energy costs. The restaraunt has economies of scale that don't exist in your kitchen.
Further, I posit that you are more likely to binge spend if you try to refrain and deny yourself than if you always have walking money you know is available for spontaneous use.
I would say three on average.
Quote from: Rasputin on October 08, 2009, 09:52:02 AM
Let me know how that works for you. I fail to see how your packing your lunch saves money once you've factored in the value of your own time and your own energy costs. The restaraunt has economies of scale that don't exist in your kitchen.
Further, I posit that you are more likely to binge spend if you try to refrain and deny yourself than if you always have walking money you know is available for spontaneous use.
Working so far. Today's lunch and snacks totalled around £2. A canteen lunch, crisps, pop, chocolate etc. is usually around £5.
None unless I'm too sick to eat
About 5, I don't need to spend money, I have a wife that does that for me. :wub:
Quote from: Martinus on October 08, 2009, 09:23:54 AM
Quote from: Ed Anger on October 08, 2009, 09:18:11 AM
That reminds me to spend on Nov 28th. Thanks B!
I'm throwing my birthday party on Nov 28th this year (this is the last Saturday before my actual birthday on 30th), so the bitches I'm inviting better spend money on that day.
Don't say I share my birthday with you... :face:
I kid. I will drink one on you too on nov 30th :hug:
Quote from: Brazen on October 08, 2009, 10:06:28 AM
Quote from: Rasputin on October 08, 2009, 09:52:02 AM
Let me know how that works for you. I fail to see how your packing your lunch saves money once you've factored in the value of your own time and your own energy costs. The restaraunt has economies of scale that don't exist in your kitchen.
Further, I posit that you are more likely to binge spend if you try to refrain and deny yourself than if you always have walking money you know is available for spontaneous use.
Working so far. Today's lunch and snacks totalled around £2. A canteen lunch, crisps, pop, chocolate etc. is usually around £5.
Did you factor in the cost of your time and also the costs of maintaining a kitchen?
Quote from: Rasputin on October 08, 2009, 09:52:02 AM
I fail to see how your packing your lunch saves money once you've factored in the value of your own time and your own energy costs. The restaraunt has economies of scale that don't exist in your kitchen.
Bread is about $1 per week. Lunch meat is about $2-3 a week. Cheese is roughly $2 a week, at most. Margarine is about 10 cents a week. Vegetables will run you $3 a week. Add a granola bar or something for about $3 a week. That runs you at most $12 a week for lunches. Eating the cheapest food around for lunch, you'll end up spending at least $5 a day, which works out to $25 a week, at the absolute minimum.
Clearly, there are great savings to be made by making your own lunch, even if you factor in the five minutes it takes to prepare one.
Quote from: Warspite on October 08, 2009, 10:15:21 AM
Did you factor in the cost of your time and also the costs of maintaining a kitchen?
I use work's kitchen, it takes me as long to heat up food as it does to go to the canteen and queue, it's in my free lunch time, I buy it all in my weekly shop so there's no extra time there.
I don't even know why I'm arguing about this anyhow as it's not to the point at all, which was soley about how easy it is to put your hand in your pocket and spend something every day of the week, so I'm not going to take this argument any further.
In fact, when I was growing up, shops were shut on Sunday and Wednesday afternoon and at 5 most weekdays so there was very little opportunity to spend anyhow.
I usually spend more on weekends in errands, specially when I'm in Paris. Otherwise, I'll spend money if need be in Frankfurt or wherever I am during the week.
So there might be a few days without any spend at all.
I bring my lunch at work & it has nothing to do with money. It's just that everything around is craptastic & I like to read during my lunch hour. Kitchen is closer then the mall.
Quote from: Caliga on October 08, 2009, 09:53:12 AM
I would say three on average.
Yeah, I would go with 4, especially since I quit eating out for lunch.
Quote from: Warspite on October 08, 2009, 10:15:21 AM
Quote from: Brazen on October 08, 2009, 10:06:28 AM
Quote from: Rasputin on October 08, 2009, 09:52:02 AM
Let me know how that works for you. I fail to see how your packing your lunch saves money once you've factored in the value of your own time and your own energy costs. The restaraunt has economies of scale that don't exist in your kitchen.
Further, I posit that you are more likely to binge spend if you try to refrain and deny yourself than if you always have walking money you know is available for spontaneous use.
Working so far. Today's lunch and snacks totalled around £2. A canteen lunch, crisps, pop, chocolate etc. is usually around £5.
Did you factor in the cost of your time and also the costs of maintaining a kitchen?
This is an illusion - my time does not cost me anything - I already own it.
And I am going to maintain a kitchen whether I bring lunch or not.
A workday for me usually has me buying a couple of coffees, and sometimes lunch, usually from the cafeteria. So I spend up to 10 dollars at most. Sometimes I bring a lunch. Weekends are cheaper as I eat at home but I'll do grocery and other shopping anyway. So it's unlikely that I have days where I don't spend money, but I tend to plan my spending pretty well. I save on groceries with coupons, specials on items, 2 for 1, the store's discount card which also gives me a break on gasoline purchases.
How can anyone exist in today's world without spending something every day: Utilities, internet, TV, phone, cell, MMOs :P, food, gas for the car or transit (or both).
But all that aside, what is the possible utility of a day like this. To stop or reduce discretionary spending? Where is the utility in that?
Quote from: Berkut on October 08, 2009, 11:12:30 AM
This is an illusion - my time does not cost me anything - I already own it.
:yes: The value of your time only matters in this case if you are being paid to make lunch, or if making lunch prevents you from being paid for performing some other task.
Quote from: crazy canuck on October 08, 2009, 11:14:57 AM
How can anyone exist in today's world without spending something every day: Utilities, internet, TV, phone, cell, MMOs :P, food, gas for the car or transit (or both).
That wasn't the nature of her question. It was: do you have days where you do not open your wallet? There is indeed an assumption that you are already paying for services such as those you describe.
Quote from: Caliga on October 08, 2009, 11:23:13 AM
Quote from: crazy canuck on October 08, 2009, 11:14:57 AM
How can anyone exist in today's world without spending something every day: Utilities, internet, TV, phone, cell, MMOs :P, food, gas for the car or transit (or both).
That wasn't the nature of her question. It was: do you have days where you do not open your wallet? There is indeed an assumption that you are already paying for services such as those you describe.
Since almost everything I spend is spent electronically the question is technologically irrelevant.
When you go out to eat, do you pay electronically or do you use cash or credit card? This is the kind of spending Brazen is asking about.
Quote from: crazy canuck on October 08, 2009, 11:30:11 AM
Quote from: Caliga on October 08, 2009, 11:23:13 AM
Quote from: crazy canuck on October 08, 2009, 11:14:57 AM
How can anyone exist in today's world without spending something every day: Utilities, internet, TV, phone, cell, MMOs :P, food, gas for the car or transit (or both).
That wasn't the nature of her question. It was: do you have days where you do not open your wallet? There is indeed an assumption that you are already paying for services such as those you describe.
Since almost everything I spend is spent electronically the question is technologically irrelevant.
Of course it isn't. She is talking about discretionary and impulsive spending, not whether or not you use anything that costs you money.
Really, I don't understand the desire to not understand a pretty simple question.
Quote from: Berkut on October 08, 2009, 11:35:32 AM
Quote from: crazy canuck on October 08, 2009, 11:30:11 AM
Quote from: Caliga on October 08, 2009, 11:23:13 AM
Quote from: crazy canuck on October 08, 2009, 11:14:57 AM
How can anyone exist in today's world without spending something every day: Utilities, internet, TV, phone, cell, MMOs :P, food, gas for the car or transit (or both).
That wasn't the nature of her question. It was: do you have days where you do not open your wallet? There is indeed an assumption that you are already paying for services such as those you describe.
Since almost everything I spend is spent electronically the question is technologically irrelevant.
Of course it isn't. She is talking about discretionary and impulsive spending, not whether or not you use anything that costs you money.
Really, I don't understand the desire to not understand a pretty simple question.
Thank you, saves me repeating myself ad nauseam ^_^
Quote from: Caliga on October 08, 2009, 11:32:55 AM
When you go out to eat, do you pay electronically or do you use cash or credit card? This is the kind of spending Brazen is asking about.
Well, not the method, as whether there's a day when you just don't do this at all.
I'd guess 2 or 3.
I live near a supermarket and aren't the richest or most trusting of people so generally just buy what I need.
Quote from: Berkut on October 08, 2009, 11:35:32 AM
Of course it isn't. She is talking about discretionary and impulsive spending, not whether or not you use anything that costs you money.
Really, I don't understand the desire to not understand a pretty simple question.
I understand the question, I am merely waiting for someone to explain the utility of why this day even exists. Is that possible for you to do?
It's like "no driving days"
To piss other people off.
Quote from: crazy canuck on October 08, 2009, 11:55:58 AM
I understand the question, I am merely waiting for someone to explain the utility of why this day even exists. Is that possible for you to do?
To make people aware of just how easy it is to spend money arbitrarily on unplanned and unnecessary stuff every single day.
Independent of this day, which I solely included as an illustrative phenomenon, I was just trying to think when I'd last gone a day without buying odd bits and bobs. Thought I had one and remembered the Coke. Reminded me someone thought it was important enough to have a day for. Simple as.
Quote from: crazy canuck on October 08, 2009, 11:55:58 AM
Quote from: Berkut on October 08, 2009, 11:35:32 AM
Of course it isn't. She is talking about discretionary and impulsive spending, not whether or not you use anything that costs you money.
Really, I don't understand the desire to not understand a pretty simple question.
I understand the question, I am merely waiting for someone to explain the utility of why this day even exists. Is that possible for you to do?
Sure - it is an effort to get people to think a little more about their spending habits.
It may not be useful for everyone (I am very cognizant of my own, now), but plenty of people probably spend a lot more than they think on "minor" expenses.
Quote from: crazy canuck on October 08, 2009, 11:55:58 AM
I understand the question, I am merely waiting for someone to explain the utility of why this day even exists. Is that possible for you to do?
Well, it may not be useful to everyone, but it's obviously useful to her or she wouldn't have asked. :mellow:
Quote from: Grey Fox on October 08, 2009, 12:00:34 PM
It's like "no driving days"
To piss other people off.
Or perhaps rather to save funds to put them to better use later. :smarty:
I spend most days (with spending defined as in the OP).
Quote from: Brazen on October 08, 2009, 11:49:35 AMWell, not the method, as whether there's a day when you just don't do this at all.
I was going to get to that. :P
I was under the impression CC didn't understand the question, rather than he was questioning why it was being asked.
Voted 4. That's probably pretty accurate.
Quote from: Rasputin on October 08, 2009, 09:35:56 AM
Quote from: Brazen on October 08, 2009, 09:31:59 AM
But the fact is, even given this proviso and the fact that all the electricty etc. you're consuming is paid for in advance, it's still incredibly difficult not to dip into your wallet/purse and just not spend "real time" as it were.
If the test is simply one of cash flow, then I would think it would be fairly routine not to use cash or a credit card on many weekend days? But martin is correct, the beer one pulls out of the fridge Saturday, one paid for on Friday. Thus, the "holiday" is a mirage.
Actually I use my credit card much more often on weekends.
I have a 5-meal diet delivered to me each day on weekday mornings, and they are paid for in advance, so it's not inconceivable for me to go a whole work day without spending anything (though I buy newspapers, and shit so it is not that frequent). However, on weekends it's at least 1) morning coffee and croissants at a local cafe, 2) The Economist, 3) groceries, 4) clothing store(s), 5) wine shop, 6) night out clubbing where I use my card.
Quote from: Berkut on October 08, 2009, 12:01:59 PM
Quote from: crazy canuck on October 08, 2009, 11:55:58 AM
Quote from: Berkut on October 08, 2009, 11:35:32 AM
Of course it isn't. She is talking about discretionary and impulsive spending, not whether or not you use anything that costs you money.
Really, I don't understand the desire to not understand a pretty simple question.
I understand the question, I am merely waiting for someone to explain the utility of why this day even exists. Is that possible for you to do?
Sure - it is an effort to get people to think a little more about their spending habits.
It may not be useful for everyone (I am very cognizant of my own, now), but plenty of people probably spend a lot more than they think on "minor" expenses.
Oh in that sense I guess it is useful. I'm OCD enough to use my iPhone app to record the amount and category of expense every time I use my credit card (I started doing it since my expenses kept ballooning) so I don't need it. :P
I think I might be getting senile.
Marti gets Meals on Wheels :lol:
I live above a grocery store. I shop every day.
0. I'd die without my daily enormous energy drink. Caffeine, in relatively huge quantities, seems to be what I replaced my smokes with.
Freedom isn't free, goddammit. We must spend to keep away the commie menace.
Quote from: PDH on October 08, 2009, 07:09:46 PM
Freedom isn't free, goddammit. We must spend to keep away the commie menace.
How does buying Chinese goods and enriching China keep the Commies away? :huh:
Quote from: Agelastus on October 08, 2009, 07:39:36 PM
Quote from: PDH on October 08, 2009, 07:09:46 PM
Freedom isn't free, goddammit. We must spend to keep away the commie menace.
How does buying Chinese goods and enriching China keep the Commies away? :huh:
You are a commie yourself, admit it.
Quote from: PDH on October 08, 2009, 07:42:08 PM
Quote from: Agelastus on October 08, 2009, 07:39:36 PM
Quote from: PDH on October 08, 2009, 07:09:46 PM
Freedom isn't free, goddammit. We must spend to keep away the commie menace.
How does buying Chinese goods and enriching China keep the Commies away? :huh:
You are a commie yourself, admit it.
I deny everything...I wasn't involved in importing container loads of Chinese lighting equipment, no sir, not me, you want the fellow who ran that away...
0. I usually take the underground when I go out, and I have to pay for each trip. So unless I stay home all day (which is rare), I'll spend money.
I could go days without spending but I typically fail to pack a lunch.
Typically 1-2. As of late, I've become a budget nazi, and am extremely strict about keeping to daily (weekly) spending allowances. So while there is some room for discretionary spending in there, it is all monitored in advance by my budget.
Quote from: Pitiful Pathos on October 08, 2009, 10:57:51 PM
Typically 1-2. As of late, I've become a budget nazi, and am extremely strict about keeping to daily (weekly) spending allowances. So while there is some room for discretionary spending in there, it is all monitored in advance by my budget.
:worthy:
I guess Chinese culture must be rubbing off on me. ;)
I did actually manage a day without discretionary spending yesterday, and I think I might make an effort to do it at least once a week in future.
Mind you, I did then but a shit-load of clothes and special offer nail varnish online before breakfast today... :blush:
Quote from: Brazen on October 09, 2009, 04:04:15 AM
I did actually manage a day without discretionary spending yesterday, and I think I might make an effort to do it at least once a week in future.
Mind you, I did then but a shit-load of clothes and special offer nail varnish online before breakfast today... :blush:
Yet another reason why this whole "don't spend money on x days in a week" is meaningless :P
Quote from: Monoriu on October 08, 2009, 09:57:48 PM
0. I usually take the underground when I go out, and I have to pay for each trip. So unless I stay home all day (which is rare), I'll spend money.
Yes, unless you have some form of pre paid transport like a bus/rail pass, it's impossible to spend nothing in a day.
Quote from: Monoriu on October 08, 2009, 09:57:48 PM
0. I usually take the underground when I go out, and I have to pay for each trip. So unless I stay home all day (which is rare), I'll spend money.
You don't have an Octopus card for the MTR? For shame.
Quote from: Brazen on October 09, 2009, 08:25:22 AM
Quote from: Monoriu on October 08, 2009, 09:57:48 PM
0. I usually take the underground when I go out, and I have to pay for each trip. So unless I stay home all day (which is rare), I'll spend money.
You don't have an Octopus card for the MTR? For shame.
:huh:
I got the Octopus card as soon as I came back from Canada - 11 years ago. I regard deductions from the card "spending".
Wait. Brazen, don't tell me you thought spending from the London Oyster card isn't "spending". That's clearly cheating :P
Quote from: Monoriu on October 09, 2009, 08:33:40 AM
Wait. Brazen, don't tell me you thought spending from the London Oyster card isn't "spending". That's clearly cheating :P
It doesn't operate in my zone. I have a monthly travel card which costs the same however many journeys I take, hence it's part of my monthly bills, not discretionary spending :P
Quote from: Warspite on October 08, 2009, 10:15:21 AM
Did you factor in the cost of your time and also the costs of maintaining a kitchen?
I don't think you quite understand the concept of marginal costs. If I were you, I would drop the argument before you go any further into inanity.
Quote from: Berkut on October 08, 2009, 11:11:12 AM
Yeah, I would go with 4, especially since I quit eating out for lunch.
Same here.
Quote from: Caliga on October 08, 2009, 11:22:13 AM
Quote from: Berkut on October 08, 2009, 11:12:30 AM
This is an illusion - my time does not cost me anything - I already own it.
:yes: The value of your time only matters in this case if you are being paid to make lunch, or if making lunch prevents you from being paid for performing some other task.
The value of your time is the opportunity cost of what you give up to spend that time making the lunch. If what you give up is simply watching more TV or the like, the value may not be very high.
Quote from: Neil on October 08, 2009, 10:17:24 AM
Quote from: Rasputin on October 08, 2009, 09:52:02 AM
I fail to see how your packing your lunch saves money once you've factored in the value of your own time and your own energy costs. The restaraunt has economies of scale that don't exist in your kitchen.
Bread is about $1 per week. Lunch meat is about $2-3 a week. Cheese is roughly $2 a week, at most. Margarine is about 10 cents a week. Vegetables will run you $3 a week. Add a granola bar or something for about $3 a week. That runs you at most $12 a week for lunches. Eating the cheapest food around for lunch, you'll end up spending at least $5 a day, which works out to $25 a week, at the absolute minimum.
Clearly, there are great savings to be made by making your own lunch, even if you factor in the five minutes it takes to prepare one.
You chose not to run? :yeahright:
Quote from: Tyr on October 08, 2009, 11:51:55 AM
I'd guess 2 or 3.
I live near a supermarket and aren't the richest or most trusting of people so generally just buy what I need.
It's not possible but it makes people feel productive to reallocate the timing of their spend to create the illusion of a savings.
Quote from: Berkut on October 08, 2009, 11:12:30 AM
Quote from: Warspite on October 08, 2009, 10:15:21 AM
Quote from: Brazen on October 08, 2009, 10:06:28 AM
Quote from: Rasputin on October 08, 2009, 09:52:02 AM
Let me know how that works for you. I fail to see how your packing your lunch saves money once you've factored in the value of your own time and your own energy costs. The restaraunt has economies of scale that don't exist in your kitchen.
Further, I posit that you are more likely to binge spend if you try to refrain and deny yourself than if you always have walking money you know is available for spontaneous use.
Working so far. Today's lunch and snacks totalled around £2. A canteen lunch, crisps, pop, chocolate etc. is usually around £5.
Did you factor in the cost of your time and also the costs of maintaining a kitchen?
This is an illusion - my time does not cost me anything - I already own it.
And I am going to maintain a kitchen whether I bring lunch or not.
Opportunity cost! I may own the farm but if I chose not to grow anything and play in the fields it has cost me a lot to play.
Quote from: Rasputin on October 08, 2009, 09:52:02 AM
Let me know how that works for you. I fail to see how your packing your lunch saves money once you've factored in the value of your own time and your own energy costs. The restaraunt has economies of scale that don't exist in your kitchen.
We've just met, but it sounds like you lack common sense. :(
Quote from: Rasputin on October 09, 2009, 09:37:25 AM
Quote from: Neil on October 08, 2009, 10:17:24 AM
Quote from: Rasputin on October 08, 2009, 09:52:02 AM
I fail to see how your packing your lunch saves money once you've factored in the value of your own time and your own energy costs. The restaraunt has economies of scale that don't exist in your kitchen.
Bread is about $1 per week. Lunch meat is about $2-3 a week. Cheese is roughly $2 a week, at most. Margarine is about 10 cents a week. Vegetables will run you $3 a week. Add a granola bar or something for about $3 a week. That runs you at most $12 a week for lunches. Eating the cheapest food around for lunch, you'll end up spending at least $5 a day, which works out to $25 a week, at the absolute minimum.
Clearly, there are great savings to be made by making your own lunch, even if you factor in the five minutes it takes to prepare one.
You chose not to run? :yeahright:
What?
Quote from: garbon on October 09, 2009, 09:59:13 AM
We've just met, but it sounds like you lack common sense. :(
He will make a great addition to the Languish family. :yes:
one or two days most weeks. Always a weekday though. If I bought groceries on Monday I likely won't spend any money til wed at the earliest.
Quote from: Caliga on October 09, 2009, 01:05:24 PM
Quote from: garbon on October 09, 2009, 09:59:13 AM
We've just met, but it sounds like you lack common sense. :(
He will make a great addition to the Languish family. :yes:
If it is who I think it is, then no.
I prefer the Boney M song.
Quote from: Brazen on October 08, 2009, 12:00:49 PM
To make people aware of just how easy it is to spend money arbitrarily on unplanned and unnecessary stuff every single day.
Independent of this day, which I solely included as an illustrative phenomenon, I was just trying to think when I'd last gone a day without buying odd bits and bobs. Thought I had one and remembered the Coke. Reminded me someone thought it was important enough to have a day for. Simple as.
If you include spending money on lunch, then I spend money every working day. If you dont then the only days I spend money is on the weekends when I am out and about with my family.
Quote from: Ed Anger on October 09, 2009, 01:20:18 PM
Quote from: Caliga on October 09, 2009, 01:05:24 PM
Quote from: garbon on October 09, 2009, 09:59:13 AM
We've just met, but it sounds like you lack common sense. :(
He will make a great addition to the Languish family. :yes:
If it is who I think it is, then no.
Bite me ...or at least send me some pr0n.
Quote from: garbon on October 09, 2009, 09:59:13 AM
Quote from: Rasputin on October 08, 2009, 09:52:02 AM
Let me know how that works for you. I fail to see how your packing your lunch saves money once you've factored in the value of your own time and your own energy costs. The restaraunt has economies of scale that don't exist in your kitchen.
We've just met, but it sounds like you lack common sense. :(
I cannot help it that this forum is teeming with those who view their time as having no value. I ought to send you a tuition bill.
Quote from: Caliga on October 09, 2009, 01:05:24 PM
Quote from: garbon on October 09, 2009, 09:59:13 AM
We've just met, but it sounds like you lack common sense. :(
He will make a great addition to the Languish family. :yes:
:)
Quote from: Armyknife on October 09, 2009, 01:52:37 PM
Quote from: Rasputin on October 09, 2009, 01:49:33 PM
Quote from: garbon on October 09, 2009, 09:59:13 AM
Quote from: Rasputin on October 08, 2009, 09:52:02 AM
Let me know how that works for you. I fail to see how your packing your lunch saves money once you've factored in the value of your own time and your own energy costs. The restaraunt has economies of scale that don't exist in your kitchen.
We've just met, but it sounds like you lack common sense. :(
I cannot help it that this forum is teeming with those who view their time as having no value. I ought to send you a tuition bill.
You're assuming time can only be valued in monetary terms. ;)
No; one can value time however one wants. I am instead assuming (correctly I might add) that a person's time has an intrinsic monetary value and that there is therefore an inherent opportunity cost to any non money making pursuit. That cost may be worth it for some reason subjective to the person spending the time, but it is still an objective opportunity cost to anyone capable of productive labor.
Quote from: Rasputin on October 09, 2009, 09:40:50 AM
Quote from: Tyr on October 08, 2009, 11:51:55 AM
I'd guess 2 or 3.
I live near a supermarket and aren't the richest or most trusting of people so generally just buy what I need.
It's not possible but it makes people feel productive to reallocate the timing of their spend to create the illusion of a savings.
Nah, its not that. Its just what I feel like eating varies.
I don't decide a week in advance 'next Thursday I shall eat pizza', I just get to Thursday and my body tells me 'pizza....nom nom nom'. It gets me out of the house a bit too, I'm hardly lacking for free time right now.
Quote from: Rasputin on October 09, 2009, 01:56:53 PM
Quote from: Armyknife on October 09, 2009, 01:52:37 PM
Quote from: Rasputin on October 09, 2009, 01:49:33 PM
Quote from: garbon on October 09, 2009, 09:59:13 AM
Quote from: Rasputin on October 08, 2009, 09:52:02 AM
Let me know how that works for you. I fail to see how your packing your lunch saves money once you've factored in the value of your own time and your own energy costs. The restaraunt has economies of scale that don't exist in your kitchen.
We've just met, but it sounds like you lack common sense. :(
I cannot help it that this forum is teeming with those who view their time as having no value. I ought to send you a tuition bill.
You're assuming time can only be valued in monetary terms. ;)
No; one can value time however one wants. I am instead assuming (correctly I might add) that a person's time has an intrinsic monetary value and that there is therefore an inherent opportunity cost to any non money making pursuit. That cost may be worth it for some reason subjective to the person spending the time, but it is still an objective opportunity cost to anyone capable of productive labor.
This assumes that most people have the ability to transalte random moments of free time directly into income. I know I do not, and I don't think too many other people do either.
Therefore, the "opportunity" cost is likely very mininal - so minimal that it cannot outweigh the actual monetary cost of going out to lunch.
This is an argument people make to justify blowing a lot of money on eating out to lunch every day, and considering that eating out to lunch probably takes a LOT more time than making lunch, it is utterly spurious.
Berkut, your argument has two parts, one very valid, one not so... if you say eating out actually does take more time on average than making lunch, that's a very interesting observation, and I tend to agree with you although, of course, the time employed would vary a lot between persons.
But even if you can't convert your free time in money, that free time has a value for you. It's not that economist assign a monetary value to free time, but rather that they assign a non monetary value to money, i.e. they consider persons as rational beings that try to maximize their satisfaction, and in order to achieve that maximum satisfaction every one assigns a value to reading time time, money, exercise, sleep, etc, etc...
Quote from: Rasputin on October 09, 2009, 01:56:53 PM
I am instead assuming (correctly I might add) that a person's time has an intrinsic monetary value and that there is therefore an inherent opportunity cost to any non money making pursuit.
You would be wrong. Time has no value. Labour, however, does. You know, it's young punks like you who figure that your time is worth something right there and that I should pay them for just standing around who really irritate me.
Quote from: Armyknife on October 09, 2009, 02:00:51 PM
Quote from: Rasputin on October 09, 2009, 01:56:53 PM
Quote from: Armyknife on October 09, 2009, 01:52:37 PM
Quote from: Rasputin on October 09, 2009, 01:49:33 PM
Quote from: garbon on October 09, 2009, 09:59:13 AM
Quote from: Rasputin on October 08, 2009, 09:52:02 AM
Let me know how that works for you. I fail to see how your packing your lunch saves money once you've factored in the value of your own time and your own energy costs. The restaraunt has economies of scale that don't exist in your kitchen.
We've just met, but it sounds like you lack common sense. :(
I cannot help it that this forum is teeming with those who view their time as having no value. I ought to send you a tuition bill.
You're assuming time can only be valued in monetary terms. ;)
No; one can value time however one wants. I am instead assuming (correctly I might add) that a person's time has an intrinsic monetary value and that there is therefore an inherent opportunity cost to any non money making pursuit. That cost may be worth it for some reason subjective to the person spending the time, but it is still an objective opportunity cost to anyone capable of productive labor.
Might I suggest you get your nose out of economic theory books and get more real world experience of how others live. ;)
I'll enjoy my ivory tower; you go make a tuna fish sandwich for lunch.
Quote from: Berkut on October 09, 2009, 02:32:04 PM
Quote from: Rasputin on October 09, 2009, 01:56:53 PM
Quote from: Armyknife on October 09, 2009, 01:52:37 PM
Quote from: Rasputin on October 09, 2009, 01:49:33 PM
Quote from: garbon on October 09, 2009, 09:59:13 AM
Quote from: Rasputin on October 08, 2009, 09:52:02 AM
Let me know how that works for you. I fail to see how your packing your lunch saves money once you've factored in the value of your own time and your own energy costs. The restaraunt has economies of scale that don't exist in your kitchen.
We've just met, but it sounds like you lack common sense. :(
I cannot help it that this forum is teeming with those who view their time as having no value. I ought to send you a tuition bill.
You're assuming time can only be valued in monetary terms. ;)
No; one can value time however one wants. I am instead assuming (correctly I might add) that a person's time has an intrinsic monetary value and that there is therefore an inherent opportunity cost to any non money making pursuit. That cost may be worth it for some reason subjective to the person spending the time, but it is still an objective opportunity cost to anyone capable of productive labor.
This assumes that most people have the ability to transalte random moments of free time directly into income. I know I do not, and I don't think too many other people do either.
Therefore, the "opportunity" cost is likely very mininal - so minimal that it cannot outweigh the actual monetary cost of going out to lunch.
This is an argument people make to justify blowing a lot of money on eating out to lunch every day, and considering that eating out to lunch probably takes a LOT more time than making lunch, it is utterly spurious.
Not necessarily, I typically have my lunch (and my breakfast and afternoon tea for that matter) brought to me on business days and work through lunch.
When I go out to lunch, it's typically with a business colleague to talk business or strengthen a relationship. It would cost me a fortune to make my lunches.
Quote from: Neil on October 09, 2009, 03:12:53 PM
Quote from: Rasputin on October 09, 2009, 01:56:53 PM
I am instead assuming (correctly I might add) that a person's time has an intrinsic monetary value and that there is therefore an inherent opportunity cost to any non money making pursuit.
You would be wrong. Time has no value. Labour, however, does. You know, it's young punks like you who figure that your time is worth something right there and that I should pay them for just standing around who really irritate me.
Nobody pays me to stand around and do nothing. I get paid to solve problems. That takes time.
Quote from: Alatriste on October 09, 2009, 02:53:14 PM
Berkut, your argument has two parts, one very valid, one not so... if you say eating out actually does take more time on average than making lunch, that's a very interesting observation, and I tend to agree with you although, of course, the time employed would vary a lot between persons.
But even if you can't convert your free time in money, that free time has a value for you. It's not that economist assign a monetary value to free time, but rather that they assign a non monetary value to money, i.e. they consider persons as rational beings that try to maximize their satisfaction, and in order to achieve that maximum satisfaction every one assigns a value to reading time time, money, exercise, sleep, etc, etc...
Rasputins argument is that you do not save any money by making your own lunch. That is patently false. The actual monetary value of my time at 7am is purely a matter of theory - I will not earn another dime if I forgo making my lunch, if anything I might sleep in a little more. That might be valuable to me, but I won't have any more money as a result of it.
And to the extent that my time is valuable, eating out takes a lot more time than eating the lunch I bring. If I eat out, that is generally an hour. Eat at my desk, it is maybe 10 minutes. Then I can spend the other 50 minutes going for a nice walk in the afternoon, and that has a value as well.
His argument is bunk, from start to finish. Eating out costs more money, and take more time.
Quote from: Berkut on October 09, 2009, 03:25:55 PM
Quote from: Alatriste on October 09, 2009, 02:53:14 PM
Berkut, your argument has two parts, one very valid, one not so... if you say eating out actually does take more time on average than making lunch, that's a very interesting observation, and I tend to agree with you although, of course, the time employed would vary a lot between persons.
But even if you can't convert your free time in money, that free time has a value for you. It's not that economist assign a monetary value to free time, but rather that they assign a non monetary value to money, i.e. they consider persons as rational beings that try to maximize their satisfaction, and in order to achieve that maximum satisfaction every one assigns a value to reading time time, money, exercise, sleep, etc, etc...
Rasputins argument is that you do not save any money by making your own lunch. That is patently false. The actual monetary value of my time at 7am is purely a matter of theory - I will not earn another dime if I forgo making my lunch, if anything I might sleep in a little more. That might be valuable to me, but I won't have any more money as a result of it.
And to the extent that my time is valuable, eating out takes a lot more time than eating the lunch I bring. If I eat out, that is generally an hour. Eat at my desk, it is maybe 10 minutes. Then I can spend the other 50 minutes going for a nice walk in the afternoon, and that has a value as well.
His argument is bunk, from start to finish. Eating out costs more money, and take more time.
I weep for you. :cry: