The "Say YES to Michigan Game"

[Fierce Critter]

Jon and I had a talk today. We're both at the end of our rope here, and want to start paring down to bare-bones in an attempt to save the $3,000 we need to move asap.

There are other things we need to do before moving, like find Jon (or both of us) a job, line-up a place to live, etc. But most of this stuff can't even be acted upon until we have all, or at least most of that $$ saved.

Admittedly, we both can be bad at holding on to our money. But when we really, really set our minds to it, we can get down and dirty and really do what we need to to achieve a financial goal.

We are doing several things to MAKE money. Including my Ebay sales (been on hiatus for the winter, but ramping up full-speed come Monday), picking up cheap or free lawn equipment that Jon fixes & we sell for major profit, selling belongings at yard sales, Jon can get in some overtime, we didn't factor his recent raise into our budget, etc.

What we need to do is start buckling down and cutting expenses to the bare minimum, as well as find even more ways to bring in extra $$. Thus, we're going to start playing the, "YES Michigan" game. Before we buy/do something or go somewhere, we have to ask ourselves, "does this say Yes or No to Michigan". If the answer is no, we have to either not buy/do it entirely or find an alternative that says "Yes" to Michigan.

For instance, we eat out every weekend. We already pared our spending on that down to $20 total for both Saturday & Sunday. But eating out says "No" to Michigan. We're going to stop that altogether and pick up groceries to cook ourselves.

I need TONS of ideas of how to do this sort of thing. Recipe ideas (or suggestions for "warm-up foods") that are at least nutritious enough to keep Jon's strength up for working a physical job. Tips for saving on utility bills. Extra ways to make money we might not have thought of. Alternatives forms of entertainment that are cheap or free. Etc.

All suggestions are welcome. Our goal is to have the nest egg saved by the end of May. With expected Ebay sales and major tightening of belts, that's entirely feasible.

(Note: One of the most obvious suggestions - Critter, find a job - is on our list of possibilities. For now, with only one vehicle and being in the middle of farmland, that's not all that easy. I'm pretty much stuck working in the same small town my husband works in, so we could ride in together. I've put in applications, but all I've gotten were letters saying they'll keep my resume/application on file. Plus, the pay rates for what I'm experienced in is lower than what I make selling on eBay, so it doesn't actually mean more money - just a different way of bringing home about the same amount or less. Still, I'm keeping updated on the local job boards in case something DOES come up that I can jump on.)

Thanks for any suggestions. The more pennies we can cut from our budget, the sooner we can get the hell out of here.

[Fierce Critter]

I started researching moving truck alternatives today. If anyone has any suggestions for this, I'd appreciate it.

The smallest U-haul truck (10x) seems to be what we need. Total with gas & taxes would be about $635.

The only thing I've found so far that might beat that is a company where you load all your stuff into a sort of box/pod, they move the pod, and you pick your stuff back up from the drop off location. That would mean less space, but run only $400.

Might not be feasible - the closest place is 50 miles away. We'd basically have to move all our stuff out there and put it in the pod. It's not door-to-door.

[torn asunder]

maybe figure out what you can drive up yourselves, and get rid of the rest, if it can be replaced for less than $635 when you get up here - just a thought... furniture, tv, stereo, can all be bought used, when you get the money, *after* you're here!! :grin:

[Fierce Critter]

That's a good tip.

A majority of what we own will be sold before we move. We're whittling 6+ years of "stuff" down as much as we can, with very little nod to sentimentality.

We've got a multi-step plan. First, we'll be selling/getting rid of anything we can look at and say, "I really couldn't care less if I ever see that again". After that, we'll take it a step further - "I kinda hate to part with that, but I'd rather move to Michigan, so it goes." Etc.

We won't know for sure what size truck or trailer we'll need until we get by a couple of those steps. Just trying to see if I can find good prices on things we might potentially need ahead of time. If we can re-adjust the total amount we need to move, that'll change things a bit.

We do have a hitch on our truck, so potentially, we could end up just pulling a trailer. That will depend on the condition of the truck & the size of the trailer we'd be able to tow. The s-10 isn't that big, and we have some issues with it that could make it foolhardy to push it into towing anything.

[fallennon]

That sounds like a really good way to get on track! $3000 may seem like a lot, but you'd be surprised how fast you can raise it when you want to...

[Fierce Critter]

We can raise $3000 in about 3 months if eBay is at peak potential. 4 months for sure.

Barring complications. We haven't factored in EVERY penny of extra money we'll have in that 3 months, so there's still cash not "pledged" to anything leftover from Jon's paychecks.

But as I said, there are potential complications. We have to get some maintenance done to the truck before even that can be driven 740 miles. We'd prefer to just tow it, but it's a rear-wheel drive, meaning we'd have to use a full car-carrier, and the cost of that is almost double what gas cost would be to drive it. Might as well put the extra money into doing repairs it needs anyway.

We've gotta get the motorcycle sold, too. That'll free up almost $200 a month, and we HAVE to free that up if Jon's going to be earning the same take-home or less. Holding onto it for now 'cause it's saving us gas money for Jon's trips to work. Also, in case the truck needs major repairs, it's our only other form of transportation. At least Jon can get to work.

Gotta sell it before we move, though. The $$ that'll free up is what we'd tack onto our current rent amount to be able to afford rent up north.

Once we're north, I'll either be getting a job I can walk to, or getting the ebay runnning full-steam right away. So once we get there, $$ won't be as much of a concern. MUCH easier to get a job when you're living in a suburban area - when we lived in Wyandotte I walked to an office job. That was cool.

Anyway, I hope to get more suggestions on things like ways to eat cheap & nutrious. I just wish Jon liked soup - I can LIVE on soup 24/7. He can't stand the stuff, unless it's as thick or thicker than stew.

[torn asunder]

look for a cookbook called "where's mom now that i need her?" it's got a lot of easy, and i think inexpensive, meal ideas - laundry tips, home-health remedies, etc...

[Fierce Critter]

Next time we're at the library or bookstore, I'll check it out. Thanks, TA.

I thought of something, too. I might start making my own soup to eat myself. Just 'cause Jon won't eat it doesn't mean I shouldn't. I can whip up a big pot of soup for myself, and make something else for Jon. Hell, I can't touch pot pies after having to live off them when we were in poor states in Florida. But Jon can probably still eat them. If he can, they're something like .50 cents a piece at Aldi's.

[gothicmom]

Thick chicken soup

chicken thighs

carrots

celery

onion

noodles

chicken gravy dry mix

salt

papper

dried parsley

boil the chicken and debone. Add meat, veges, half a bag of egg noodles and gravy mix. I add lots of salt, pepper and dried parsley. Allow to simmer all day. I start mine at about 11 in the morning and put it in the crock pot all day. The noodles and veges fall apert and creates a very thick stew type food. There is no room for crackers and 1 bowl fills me up. Everyone I've made this for loves it. I think Jon will like it.

[gothicmom]

Grandma's goulosh

1 1/2 ground beef

2 c. macaroni

2 small cans tomato soup

1 small can vege soup

cook macaroni according to package directions.

Brown the ground beef. I like to add a bit of onion. Drain

Add soups and macaroni. Mix thoroughly.

Place in a 9x13 dish and top with cheese. (shredded cheddar, cheese slices, whatever you have on hand)

Bake at 400 until the cheese is melted and bubbly. about 20 minutes

[gothicmom]

I call this one

noodles and sausage

1/2 bag cooked noodles

1 can sourkraut, drained (size depends on what you like)

pepper to taste

1 large can cream of mushroom soup, I add this gradually until it's the consistancy I like.

polish sausage, keilbasa which ever you prefer, cut into bite size pieces

place all ingredients in a 9x13 baking dish. Add 1 cup water and mix. Bake at 350 for about 45 minutes. I like to stir it halfway through.

[Fierce Critter]

GM - I would be willing to cook and eat ALL of those. FANTASTIC!

I can't wait to make the thick chicken soup. I love using my crock pot, but can never seem to branch out beyond beef stew & chili. And chicken thighs are always cheap down here.

Thanks so much - and if you have any more, please keep them coming.

[Ginevra]

I never thought to ask you, FC . . . . do you have a store called Big Lots (or Odd Lots it's called in some locations?) If so, check them out for limited groceries. Some of them even have a frozen's section. While they're not the greatest, most of the stuff is economical and nutritious. They do have name brands often.

With it getting ever closer to spring (unless, of course, you're like me), start cutting back the heater a little. Not a whole lot but even 3-4 degrees can make a difference. (I like it a little warm in my home so this idea never works for me.) And, of course, as the weather gets warmer, keep cutting back the heat.

Are there any little luxuries that you permit yourself like bubble baths and things like that? If so, buy some now/stock up and then don't get any more after that. Does Jon shave daily? If so, while it's not the greatest alternative, disposable razors can help cut down on the expense of the costly (insert brand name) replacements.

Stir fry meals can be kept cheap if you buy the meat in bulk but stay away from prime cuts. Don't mind cutting skin and fat off the chicken? Good, it's cheaper to buy it that way and then do it yourself. One chicken breast diced up can be spread between two people. A half can of peas, a half can of corn with some soy sauce for flavour and fried rice is just waiting to happen.

I know you've mentioned on DGN before that you've discussed with Jon about getting rid of your cable TV access. You can get movies from Netflix for a flat fee of $17.99 a month. I'm sure that would be less expensive than what your cable is costing. Blockbuster is only charging $14.99 a month, however, with the recent lawsuit that's cropped up in New Jersey, I'd read the fine print carefully before signing up with them.

Do you and Jon still go to parks and such? As icky as it might sound, recycling bottles and cans could be helpful, too, as well as any bottles that you use in your home. (IE pop bottles, beer bottles, etc.) And there's another expense that could be cut back on, as well, is use of alcohol or anything other than soda, milk or water.

Bleh, I'm tapped for ideas at the moment. Hope these are helpful, FC. I'll catch up with you probably next week sometime.

[SpidersMoment]

Two words: Ramen Noodles

It seems you have your hea don straight, you know what to cut and how to sell it. Maybe you could take a few under the counter jobs? Like snow-shoveling, or tree trimming...or whatever. Old People are very generous when it comes to tipping the nice young people.

Have you tried pop bottle collecting/depositing? Walk along the stree and collect them? I know it sounds a little.....Hobo-ish, but how do you think they can afford all that booze-wine?

Oh and does your local radio station, have a "classifieds' hour? you can advertise your ebay shit there...as well as everywhere. Whore it up, sell that shit.

[gothicmom]

Here is another fav I like to fix thats cheap and yummy

Bean Borritos

10 inch flour shells

1 small can refried beans

1 small can chili beans

1 can enchillada sauce

shredded cheddar

1 can diced chilis-if you feel like splurging!!! :>

Heat up the beans until they soften up and are easy to stir. Add chilis.

Put a spoonful on a tortilla with a spoonful of enchillada sauce a handful of cheese and a pinch of onions. Fold up the sides and place seam side down in baking pan.

When the thats finished pour the rest of the sauce over the borritos, cover with remaining cheese.

Bake at 400 until the cheese is melted.

Top with sour cream and/or salsa or hot sauce

For the 4 of us I use a large can of refrieds and all 10 shells, baked in a 9x13 baking pan. We usually have 1 or 2 left over.

[Fierce Critter]

Under the counter jobs: I've actually considered asking my landlord, who is pretty much my only neighbor, if he needs any help on his "farm". He doesn't really "farm", just lets about a dozen cows graze here and there, and then slaughters one once in a while when one of the calves grow up. If the eBay doesn't pan out, that's on my list of "plan B's".

Bottle deposits: NC doesn't have deposits. We'd be all over that if they did. As I mentioned in another thread, there was a time in Michigan when we brought in an extra $20 a week or so doing that.

Making money isn't the biggest problem. That'll start this coming week when my eBay busienss ramps back up to full-time. Got a room full of "stock" ready to be listed. And in a few weeks, we'll be yard saleing again - and if last year was any indication of how we'll do, that $$ will come quick.

One thing we'll be cutting out is buying for ourselves on our yard saleing trips. True, a lot of what we pick up saves us probably thousands in the long run. But the stuff we find we'll find again - once we're stable in Michigan.

We have Big Lots. And we avoid it like the plague. We can't seem to leave that store without spending near $30 every time. We practically call it "the $30 store". Ours does have food, but not a frozen section. I've just about got the prices of Wal-Mart's entire food section memorized, and Big Lots doesn't save us any. Plus, we have Aldi's, which even beats Wal-Mart. But that is a good suggestion, especially for people just starting out - they have some GREAT furniture, cookware, etc. If you check out the "Pictures of You" game in the pictures forum, there's a picture of our bed. Our quilt and jersey sheet sets came from there, and each cost something like $20 for King size. LOVE THAT STORE. :grin:

Heater: Jon fights me at night, (his circulation isn't as good as mine) but I keep it down to a chilly 69 degrees. I just plain sleep better in a cold house with lots of blankets on and a sweetie to cuddle with. During the day, we open windows blinds and doors so the sun can warm the house a bit. So can't do much better there - though that's always a good suggestion.

Bubble baths/assorted luxuries: I picked up a gigantic cucumber & melon bath set from a yard sale last summer for $2.50, and a similar set of vanilla for .50 cents. I still have a ton of that left, so if I need it, it's there and I won't be buying any more.

Jon has an electric razor as his main shaver, so we only buy blades on a semi-monthly basis for touch-ups. A nearby Winn-Dixie went out of business a few months ago, and I stocked up at 70% off. So we're set on that for a while. I have wondered if disposables were actually money savers, though...

Heh. We got rid of the satellite many months ago. Way ahead of you there. Been living with 7-8 network channels for a while. Netflix is something we'll probably get into once we're settled and stable up north, though. For now, we stick to the .99 cent shelf at the nearest video rental. We also have this huge box of VHS films to get through. Jon saw a guy throwing them out at the local dump, and asked him if he could have them. Turns out they're "Screeners" - the guy owned a video store and these are sent out by the studios for store owners to view before deciding which movies they want to carry. Once in a while, a "if you bought this video or rented it call this number 'cause that's illegal" message comes up on the screen, but otherwise, they're full-fledged films. Also, the local library is good about getting in pretty recent DVD's - they just got in Alien vs. Predator, Master & Commander, etc.

Already cut out the booze buying (even though we're not big drinkers), and we use tap, not bottled water. We get Chek soda, which is $2.00 a 12-pack and sometimes on sale as cheap as $1.25 a case. No deposits here, so soda is a cheap buy. Chek is going to be one of the VERY few things I'll miss.

Just because I've got a lot of these suggestions covered doesn't mean I don't appreciate them. If anything, it helps me know we're on the right track. And PLEASE don't let it deter anyone from giving me more ideas. I can't have thought of everything. :

[Ginevra]

I've mentioned it previously in another thread, but sometimes food pantries will exchange volunteer hours for food services. This could be another low-cost way for you to obtain nutritious food. I'm no real advocate of it because I did it for so long myself, but Ramen can be a good way to save money as well. Look at some of the recipes here and here. Some of the recipes can get kinda expensive, especially when it calls for eggplant and the like, but that could always be changed to taste and/or finances.

Shutting down unneeded electrical appliances before going to bed can be helpful with the electric bill.

I know you already go to the library so I don't need to say "borrow books rather than buy"

Is there anything with your furry brood that you could cut back on without damaging their quality of life? For instance, does the vet do housecalls to your landlord's place? If so, would s/he be willing to combine visits to see one of your critters rather than charging you for the office visit? Could you administer any needed medications, short of actual vaccinations, yourself?

You & I havse already talked about pet food and litter, so there's no need to go there.

Using vinegar and other natural compounds can replace the use of store bought, sometimes more harsh, chemicals. Sometimes you just need the store bought stuff, but often vinegar can do the trick nicely provided you can deal with the odour of it.

Of course, buy clearance when possilble. It can make a great deal of difference. I recently found a small bath set with 4oz of bath gel and 4oz of lotion (both scented cucumber and melon) with a poofy sponge and a carrying case on clearance for $2.50 at Target. It was originally $10. I just can't say enough about it.

I know you really like Wal-Mart, but please keep an eye on the actual prices of things from one week to another. I've heard more than one story about how they bait and switch on the price. IE An item has been a certain price for months, they do a roll-back and then it ends up being higher priced than what it was before. There are other examples at this website that you might be interested in.

When you get ready to move, and you get rid of excess clothes and belongings. . . . .anything that doesn't go at a yard sale/E-bay, donate it but make sure to get a receipt from the place you're donating it at. You can use that receipt for a charitable donation deduction on next year's tax return. (Yeah, I know that doesn't help you now.)

Start getting things together for your trip now. You already know that you're going to need water for everyone on the trip. Would you rather rely on roadside rests or will you be bringing water with you? If you decide on bottled water for the trip, get it now and save the expense from cropping up later when the move is actually taking place.

Obviously, going as light as you can with your belongings will help you save on gas with whatever rental vehichle you decide to go with.

Meh, I'm tapped again. I'll think on it more

[Lilith]

All those things we tend to throw away and get new try to re vamp them

wash your shower curtain when it get moldy in the shower versus buying an new one a little bleach and the gentle cycle normally does the trick for me once in a while I will get a tear and have to buy a new one

Those scrubby puffs we get to keep us all exfoliated wash those, it cuts the germs and saves $$$$

also your kitchen sponges if they are in good shape but you have to have a new one cause it may be germ infested wash it as well

When you have to buy something check on line and in the paper for coupons, or cheaper prices

i assume you have veggie fruit markets ie road side or store like, veggies are usually always cheaper there, as well as Bread outlets like a hostess store or something similar

Of course keep your eyes open for garbage finds that cost you 00000 that you can resale on eBay... i get the best stuff out of the garbage

as for moving costs see if any one may be moving this way you can split the costs of the moving van ets.... it might be cheaper to get a larger truck and split the cost with some one else

If you have a local humain society they usually cut deals to pet owners i once got all my pets (2 cats 1 dog) vaccinated checked out n heart worm pills for $30 as our income at the time qualified

Would the land lord be willing to sell you some of the beef he has at a cheap price??? See if you can split a whole cow or half a cow with some one else as it is often cheaper

Adjust the temps in your fridge a little lower, this save on electric bills i have two fridges and i cut the one off for half the month as my food stock gets lower.

Keep light turned off even at night if you are watching TV why have the light on

your bottle may not have a deposit but if you get aluminum cans they can often be turned in for cash at a recycle center also keep your eye out for broken, un useable aluminum, brass, metal (in the trash side of the road etc....) these can all be turned in for cash often a few cents on the pound but it can add up. Also all those mufflers, hub caps etc... ya see on the side of the freeway are often worth allot to the right place.

Also out here we have charity place like St. Vincent DePaul who often look for peps to use there own phone and schedule pick ups of things peps donate you might be able to get a job doing something like that

also (this is a long shot but ) i have heard of people getting thing like there entire wedding free buy advertising for free. Is there any thing you can think of that you might be able to host some free advertising with your eBay stuff maybe some one might "donate” vehicle repair, food etc....... in exchange

Check out local internet providers see if some one else has something cheaper to offer

This is cold but out of your crew of critters is there one ya don’t care for very much but you know of some one else who would love to care for it....... I hate to suggest it as i know i could not part with my pets but i have had to occasional pet that i just did not like for some reason, and i gave it up to a friend or another person and the pet got way more love then it ever got from me. Also if you are not able to bring them all with you north it might be better to find them a new home now just to save you a bit of money.

When you head to town ( i assume you have a long drive ) try to combine allot of errands at once to save on gas I.e. You pick one day a week to take all your eBay sales to the post office take it all in one trip versus many different trips

use cheaper versions of things you have to buy i.e tampons/ pads, laundry supplies, shampoo, etc...... Also if you are not doing anything important skip the make up and perfume i often save allot of money a year buy doing this, as a matter of fact i have not really bought much make up in the last 8 years by saving it for special occasions and work.

Cut social occasions to visit at other people homes or your own switch off hosting with your group of friends one week at your place the next at there’s, play cards, do a pot luck dinner, brain and i really enjoy these cheap/free ways of fun

Adjust the way you use things, often people use to much of a product and it does not last. try to cut the product used down to half and see what happens example if you use a cup of laundry soap see if using 3/4 or 1/2 cup soap will clean just fine

Use cheaper gases if the vehicle can handle it, do your own oil changes,

Do you get your nails done???? try learning to do this for your self, i buy all the supplies for around $50 and i have stuff to do my nail for like 6 month a far cheaper price then paying for some one else to do it

if you have a lazy day, and you are the kind of person who does not get stinky easy then skip a shower ever so often this can help cut water bills also if you have a bbq use it instead of the stove as it can be cheaper

Eat your left over, or make something new with your left over. I often make a huge roast one night and have tacos or something the next night with the left over meat

make a big pot of something and freeze it make up a variety of things and then you have ready made meals that you switch up a bit, spaghetti sauce, soup, stews, etc are all good for this ( my mom ( single) who worked like 80hr a week when i grew up would make a big pot of something on Sundays and that would be our meal for the week it sucked eating the same thing every night that is why i suggest doing a few different thing so you have some variety)

Use handy things around the house to cut out drafts put a towel in front of the door to block and draft coming in from underneath etc.....

Do get your pets groomed??? Try doing it your self not only can it be cheaper but often more rewarding for you n the pet

things you normally "spring for" ( like a dinner for the parents/ friends once a month) cut them out or talk with those people and let them know your plans most are more then happy to help pitch in and cover the cost of there own things, if they know you are working toward a bigger goal.

Try to make homemade gifts for b-days and stuff

If you smoke choose a cheaper brand/ and limit your self to those time you really need one

Often buying bulk is cheaper

Support each other in not spending money

Umm if you have a need for birth control check you options to see if there is a cheaper way for now, i.e. see if it would be cheaper to use condoms versus the pill or something. If you only have sex say once a week a $5 box of condoms are way cheaper then the $30+ you spend on the pill

i have heard a shower is cheaper then a bath or uses less water or something like that any how

Fill a jug with your tap water keep it in the fridge that way you don’t have to let the faucet run to get cold water

Look at everything you throw away think if you can use it to save you money

Do you use allot of candles???? If so save the scraps and make new candle out of them they sell wicks at local craft stores, you can melt the wax on the stove in a double boiler and perhaps use old soup cans as the holder....

also for your leather idea for your coat maybe see if the local resale salvation army have a coat you can cut up and use for cheap

Are there bad habits you want to change????? Make a Jar bank and every time you do the thing you want to quit you have to pay X amount to the jar out of your fun money not a way to make money but a good way to kill two bird wit one stone

Do you send thank you notes???? trying not using nice decor paper, use plain paper or even email it not to personal but it conveys the though none the less

Keep you monitor turned off while you are not in front of the puter monitor use allot of electricity

This is totally ghetto but i have had to do it........ Your vacuum bags, well empty them out and reuse them if possible, i used to cut the top off empty it in the trash and duct tape the top closed all cause i could not afford to buy new ones

Skip car washes here n there

Maybe if you have friends here in mi and they might be on vacation out your way maybe they can take some none necessary stuff up with them and store it till you get here

All over the counter meds you buy usually have an equivalent but cheaper version buy those instead

Is there away way you can lessen you housing costs for the remainder of your stay there???

Ok i am tapped if i think of anything else i will add it

[Lilith]

i know this kinda sucks but we have to do it all the time.... with your b-day comming up ask for $$$$ not gifts and putthis $ away for moving, or living expenses also if you have any other " holidays" comming up where you get things tell every one just to send you cash

[Lilith]

do you have to pay for garbage removal????

A friend of mine lives in JAckson MI and they do not offer garbage pick up, they make you hire an out side comapny that will only pick up like 2 bags a week for some high price

any how they had there dad talk with his work and they let them throw all there trash away in the dumpster , and then anything safe to burn they burn, or for things like egg shells they use it as compost often just burring it in with the flowers.......

[Fierce Critter]

Thanks so much for all these great ideas.

We think alike. I've probably got 90% or more of the above in effect already. I'll investigate the rest to see if it's viable in our situation.

Sigh. Truck alternator died today, so there goes more $$. Let's go eBay!!!

[Lilith]

Thanks so much for all these great ideas.

We think alike. I've probably got 90% or more of the above in effect already. I'll investigate the rest to see if it's viable in our situation.

Sigh. Truck alternator died today, so there goes more $$. Let's go eBay!!!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

the part it self nomrally run from $40 to about $100 you can lessen your cost if you change it your self........ i have had to do it and all in all if you can rember what you took off and where it was you shold have no problem doing it and also the library should have manuals you can borrow

also check at junk yards and on rebuilt ones they rebulit ones are just as fine and usually have a one year warranty not to bad as i have many rebulit parts outlast the actual car i was fixing.

[Fierce Critter]

Got the part for $118 and Jon was able to change it himself right in the Advanced Auto Parts parking lot. :grin:

Much better than the $300 it would have cost at the repair shop (I called).

Still, a small setback. But one that's much easier to make-up than if we'd have had to take it to a mechanic.

Jon does our oil changes, too. With parts & oil from Wal-Mart, it costs about $8-$10 per change. BIG savings.

And I did the research and did most of the work in changing the hinge pins on our saggy driver's side door.

Some things, however, are best left to professionals. Sometiems the risk of farking up something worse by trying to do it yourself isn't worth it.

[Marblez]

Some things, however, are best left to professionals. Sometiems the risk of farking up something worse by trying to do it yourself isn't worth it.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

My thoughts exactly. Critter, I know I proposed something like this to you before but I would like to purchase your ebay services. My uncle requested that I put up some things on ebay for him - literally $5000-$6000 plus worth of seemingly new Hydroponic Greenhouse equipment. If I forwarded the pictures and my ebay account (or you could use yours) would you list it for me for 10% of the sale? Let me know today and I will get you a list of the items and my account info.

[Lilith]

hey thtat was a great idea mrblz i had never thought about that befor.......

FC once you guys are back in MI it might be worth checking into offering your sevices to other for a small fee, i have many road blocks that stop me from useing ebay to sell things nad if i could let some one else do the "dirty work" i owuld love to sell some thngs..... ofcourse this would all have to wait till you got here but till then it might be worth checking out and devloping some type of plan so you culd start asap when ya got here......