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Been a slow couple of weeks lately.
I missed out by 5 minutes on a 2003 VW jetta in good condition for only $1000. My brother in law works on VWs all the time so I think I could have sold it to him or easily doubled or tripled my money to a stranger.
Hope everyone else is finding some items they can use.
Coming back home from Longview this morning, I stopped by a yard sale and picked up a current issue military, new looking Goretex 5 piece modular sleep system (MSS) for $ 40.00! Hell the bivi bag (s) are worth that alone. This is one of the best bugout/camping/sleeping system combos out there for all weather. Good from summer down to -60°F wearing the proper sleeping clothes.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modular_Sleep_System
This is one of the new ones that have better ratings..
Hi govcheetos. You sound like what I am also doing with tools and materials. Today I was picking up 35 bales of hay in a trade. Cost about $1 per bale. On the way home we stopped at that thrift construction material store to pick up some pressure treated lumber I had paid for a while ago. The guy I usually deal with wasn’t there but his helper was. After I loaded the lumber I noticed a pile of drain pipes and a cleanout box; I got all of it for $11. I plan to put in a drain for winter rain runoff and will need it.
I have an address book that has many connections as well as a business card folder that holds several professional people that I can call upon when needed. I also include the names and phone numbers and what they are capable of doing for me. Now just having this information is not enough; They also must have the qualities of honesty, fairness, competence and reliability. Paying others is expensive and I need their work to go smoothly. Sometimes I can save a considerable amount by trading with their work and/or helping set up the materials and some of the labor before they finish the job.
Your tool buying when the prices are bargains is wise. American made and German made tools will be more appreciated and valued through the years.
Last Friday I went to a few garage sales with a couple of friends. I got a large Stihl chain saw for $150; he wanted $200 but I stuck to my guns. I have 3 smaller Stihl chain saws and may sell one of them for what I paid for the large one. I may even get more; I don’t know at this time. Isn’t it wonderful to have these types of decisions to make. Trading up for something more needed and not having to pay out money is sweet indeed. When I was much younger I did that with cars, all kinds of cars.
I also got a couple of shovels, one with a fiberglass handle, for $2 each. A new in the bag pair of pajamas for $1. A dolphin musical globe and a dolphin lamp for $3 each, both for my niece. A brand new Tommy Hilfiger designer ladies wallet for free.
A friend I met through the free fruit and veggies giveaway told me about a community garage sale that is to take place a week from this Friday. About 30 homes in an upscale neighborhood will participate. Should be a goldmine.
And the middle of next month there is the annual swap meet at the town park. I already have it on my calendar.
Sorry to hear that you missed the 2003 VW Jetta for $1,000. These relatively larger deals have the potential to rocket your finances ahead in one burst. The profits from such a deal can then used to pyramid a fortune. I’ve seen it happen many times and it is like Christmas morning.
Here is a most informative thread over at Timebomb2000 :
http://www.timebomb2000.com/vb/showt...-will-do-when&
Ben Franklin said that a penny saved is a penny earned. Well, with taxes taking half of our money, a penny saved is two pennies earned.
Tuesday I had our cable TV turned off; I will save $115 per month. I am keeping the high speed internet and the phone because my only alternative is satellite which has limitations. This savings will make finances easier. Also free ranging our 24 chickens which will save about $60-70 per month in feed. We will have to buy feed in the winter. But still some savings to be had there.
Longer term I am switching from electric stove, dryer and hot water heater to propane. Since I have wanted to do this for a long time, I bought a beautiful almost new gas stove for $25 and an almost new Maytag dryer for $125. The hot water heater I will probably buy new. Yesterday I was checking out a tiller for a neighbor and met a man there who was visiting who can do electric, gas lines and carpentry work. He comes highly recommended.
As you can see, I’m cutting the fat out of the budget. A cheaper per month cell phone is also a possibility.
It’s after midnight and I gotta get my beauty rest. That’s right, beauty rest because everyone says that if I don’t get enough sleep I get ugly.
Best wishes,
Agnut
The Second Amendment is all about goon control
Agnut
“A civilization that expects to be ignorant and free, expects what never was and never will be”.
Thomas Jefferson
"when you put the clowns in charge, don't be surprised when a circus breaks out"
Found a few deals today after a brief slow spell.
Picked up a Kim Lighting 400 watt flood light for $5. This thing is HUGE and probably weighs 60 lbs, the housing is made of aluminum, and is made to mount high up on a pole. It uses a 400 watt high pressure sodium bulb and will be used to light up part of my property. If it doesn't work, I could probably make my money back at the scrap yard.
Picked up a 7 piece boxed end wrench set for $2. It was missing the 7/16 wrench, but a buddy of mine found one laying in the street last week and gave to me so now it's a complete set. Funny how God works sometimes.
Found a shovel with a fiberglass handle. The guy had it marked for $7 which is a good deal already. My wife bought a stack of coloring books for her niece for a $1 and paid with a five. The guy joked that he didn't have change and that she'd have to buy something else to make up the difference. I said how about this shovel for $4 and he said deal!
Saw a few generators for sale, more than usual. All were priced too high for me, $300-375. I have three already so I'm not really in the need for one, but if I find a decent one for less than $200 I will buy it. You can resell them on craigslist for $350-$400 usually. I've loaned one of mine out to neighbors during a 4 day power outage and you thought I saved their life! Something big enough to power up the frig, a few lamps, and a window unit a/c is all that's needed for emergency use in my opinion. I've come into three of the window units in the last few years and didn't have to pay for any of them. The one I keep for my self is a 10,000 btu unit which just about cools the house down as good as my central unit. The other two are a 5000 btu and a 6500 btu. Something to keep in mind for emergencys, you can find these for $25-$50 and stick them out in the garage, shed or attic until you need it.
Hope everybody else finds some good windfalls!
Hi Dogman. The Gortex military outfit sounds like an absolute steal. You know, the government spares no expense in procuring their gear (especially since it is not their money they are spending). Maybe this is a way of getting some of our tax payments back.
This morning I was going to 3 or 4 garage sales but the first one was exceptional so it was the only one I went to today. A wonderful couple who I could hardly get away from.
I got two 21 speed offroad bikes for $20 each with gel seats and the original seats new in a bag that I didn’t notice until I got home.
A dehumidifier for $25; I have been looking for one for a long time and had almost given up looking.
7 Chicago Cutlery knives for $15; I pick this brand up whenever I can.
A 6 foot long pirate ship kite with skull and crossbones all over the sails for $8. My son seemed excited when I showed it to him. Now that several hundred yards of woven kite string I got for free last year will come in handy.
And last but not least a power management system for my 12K diesel generator and 24 battery pack. I will be able to switch off the line coming in and switch to either home system (generator or battery pack) when commercial power fails. It costs about $600 new but I got it for $30.
The seller was so nice and helpful as well as extremely knowledgeable that I was overwhelmed. As I have written before, the people we meet are the real treasures and should never be overlooked. I now have an address book packed with connections in so many ways that I still can’t believe it. Since my truck was still full of fruits and veggies the seller offered to drive to my place and drop off what I had bought. I thanked him and gave him some beefalo meat, His wife even printed out a recipe for me.
I bought a lot, learned a lot and met the nicest people. What more could anyone ask for ?
Best wishes,
agnut
P.S. Now the truck is empty so we are leaving to pick up another load of fruits and veggies. The above seller likes hot peppers and I get lots of them so we will be connecting again soon. By the way, look into hot peppers for digestive health. Ever heard of a Mexican with digestive diseases ? There are some good articles on this but I can't find them right now.
agnut, your story mention of the address book reminded me of a MN native success story: Harvey Mackay. I read many of his books in years past & his wisdom is echoed in your philosophy, especially @ the contacts/address book.
Be well & thank you.
Hi govcheetos. That 400 watt lamp may not seem to be needed right now but if you have the space, it is always wise to sock away these items for use or trading in the future. As Ponce is fond of saying “everything will be like gold someday”.
Regarding your box end wrench set, isn’t it funny when we acquire something that the missing piece later shows up somehow ?
And you can’t have enough shovels, especially the ones with the fiberglass handles. My favorite kind. Aren’t they about 20 bucks at Home Depot ?
I’m glad to hear that you are looking at generators as a profit making potential. However, your own personal generator should be one that is made to operate for many years and continually if necessary. I have 5 generators. One is a 1K that is used on the back of a motor home. Another two are 5.5K for backup and in need of carburetor service (mea culpa). One is a weird belt driven unit on wheels that I may play with when time permits. Maybe wood gasification. And the last is the 12K Lister diesel unit to run the whole household and battery pack. Sometimes I think it is overkill but I may well need it for the 220 volt well pump.
A combination of generator, wind power and solar power may be the best combination for keeping the battery pack charged. At least that is what I would like to have for the future.
I should have taken your advice and bought this 5,000 BTU air conditioner for $40. I am looking for a 10-12,000 BTU unit to cool the house and hadn’t considered the smaller unit for the fruit and veggie building. I should call my friend and see if it is still available. By the way, he called me while he was at a garage sale and said that he saw a deep fryer, an Italian model made by DeLonghi. He picked it up for $12. I had told him that I was looking for a deep fryer a few weeks back and he remembered. It’s just like MNeagle’s post wherein she quotes :
Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. ~ Matthew 7:7
Huh ! Funny how that works.
A few friends were visiting yesterday and we made chicken tenders. They were by far the best I’ve ever had. One of our friends didn’t know how hot or how long to fry them so she called another friend who said that 12 minutes at 300 degrees would make them greasy. Two and a half minutes at 350 degrees and they turned out beautiful. See, it is wonderful to have a network of friends to call upon. They are coming back today to try French fries and fried sweet potatoes and whatever veggies are in the back of the truck. All the while a friend has his 4X4 Ford truck jacked up on the cement outside while taking the transmission out to replace the clutch. I’m just trying to show a little of what it like around the agnut household. Here is another favorite quote (ugh ! Not another quote agnut) :
"There is only one success....
to be able to spend your life in your own way."
Christopher Morley
Yesterday I went to pick up 64 Styrofoam 4 X 8 sheets. They are about 2 inches thick and will provide great insulation for the fruit and veggie building I need to have constructed. By the way, these sheets cost one dollar each; I don’t know what they cost new. I’m supposed to trade some of my backhoe work for carpenter labor in constructing this building. In the back of my mind I know that the weekly ton of fruits and veggies deal we get won’t last forever and the room could be used for storage or as a workshop. Or perhaps as a temporary shelter for someone in need. It’s all good. Having found everything else used, the only material I need is plywood. I am looking around and plywood is the only item that I may have to buy new, which is so expensive. But since there is plenty of time until I will need it, I can keep looking with the fiat paper sword of Damocles hanging over my head. Yup, paper cuts hurt. Especially the fiat kind.
In cleaning out the loft in the barn for the Styrofoam sheets I found many items that I can and should sell. I guess that’s the nature of having loads of items stored away. Reminds me of the time that friends were helping me organize the barn and one friend said “What are these ?” There was a bag with 50 antique single diner sterling salt and pepper shakers that I had been looking for for years. I had actually given up on them and written them off. So as a thanks I let her pick out a pair for herself. Coincidentally, it was her birthday. A day to be remembered.
Best wishes,
Agnut
Hi Mneagle, I appreciated your post so much that I didn’t want to respond until it had the chance to be seen by as many as possible.
I did look up Harvey MacKay and read his philosophy of collecting information on his clients. This made me look back over the decades I had owned one business or another and this is what I did on a comparatively disorganized way. The difference was that I kept all I heard and saw in my head and when a client called I had to remember all I knew about him or her. As my businesses grew it became overwhelming; I never made the wise transition that Harvey MacKay had made. And now looking back, this one thing kept me from being a great success rather than a mild success. At one time I had far more clients than I could handle and was overwhelmed.
Even in this bad economy with all the unemployment, I believe that the businesses that will sprout up and succeed will need to employ Harvey MacKay’s philosophy. An era of dealing on a personal basis is upon us. Haven’t we all experienced and read of how people are getting more rude and uncaring ? Well, in my mind, this creates a basic need. The need to be listened to and appreciated and treated like a fellow human being. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
We can only hope and pray the America returns to its Christian values and once again understands that we ARE our brothers’ keepers.
Your two biblical quotes are music to my heart. Thank you.
Best wishes,
Agnut
P.S. Isn’t it oxymoronic (emphasis on the moronic) to read of Harvey MacKay’s gathering information on his clients for success while our government gathers information for their success ?
Nobel invented dynamite. It was used to mine and open mountains for the betterment of mankind. It was also used by governments to blow up the enemy.
Nuclear energy was discovered and used for energy creation as well as a multitude of other uses. It was also used by governments in the making of nuclear bombs to blow up the enemy.
See any parallels here ?
the owner of the local metal shop gave me a lawnmower that i guess someone gave him.
it was a Lowe's cheapo Poulan/ something.
i put it in the back of my truck & took it to the local hardware store. there's a few guys there that are real knowledgeable tradespeople, but one in particular, who is also a Vietnam vet. he showed me this lever thing, a clutch/ safety thing, that gets stuck.
that's why people go through these things. you go to the Amazon website, and all the comments are about what a piece of crap it is.
all i did was to remove the spring holding the clutch, just disconnected it.
pulled the starter rope and ARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR - etc. that's sort of the sound it makes.
functional lawnmower ! first time i ever cut my grass - it was getting kind of long !! :)
so all i did was to haul away someone's junk/ accepted someone's generosity.
then asked a friend for help.
BINGO ! functional el cheapo lawnmower.
problem is, i can't turn it off. so i un-plug the spark plug connector, then it stops running.
It's been a slow month on deals. I have come across a few though. Picked up another come along at a sale for $3. Got a garden cart with pneumatic tires for $10, this thing was probably $100-150 retail. Was given a Toro mower for FREE. The previous owner said the self propelled tranny went out and would cost $250 to fix. I took it apart and found it had a wood chip stuck between the belt and the tranny pulley. This mower was easily $300 when new. I then gave one of my other mowers to a friend going through hard times who's lawn mower had recently died. Always good to pay it forward when you can.
Hope everyone is doing well with their endeavors!