Category: What Would You Do?
-
WWYD: Run through your money or plan a respectful death
‘œThis is what I’ve planned all along,’ ‘“ Jack Kevorkian When I interviewed Susie Bright, the well-known author and sexpert for our Ten Money Questions series, she opened up about retirement and indicated that health care (even at her playful age) is a crippling expense. She writes, ‘œI don’t want to live long unless my…
Written by
-
WWYD: Put Up With Lousy Service or Take Your Business Elsewhere?
These days stellar customer service seems few and far between. Even companies with “good” customer service are often more like “acceptable”. While I don’t believe the customer is always right, I do believe if you are paying for a product or service, you should get what was promised and receive reasonable, polite service with a…
Written by
-
WWYD: Indulge, Nibble or Shun Office Gossip?
Whenever someone gives me guff about reading trashy gossip columns, my response is always, ‘œWell, how are they any different from talking about your co-workers?’ The usual responses are 1) ‘œThat’s totally different. I know these people, and my co-workers actually affect my life,’ or 2) ‘œI don’t gossip about my co-workers.’ I concede that…
Written by
-
WWYD: Pay Cash to Get a Discount
‘œThe United States has a system of taxation by confession.’ ‘“ Hugo Black The ethicists at Money Magazine put together a 15-question survey to see how readers stack up when quizzed about money and ethics. After you answer each question, you’re prompted to a screen with the results of that question and some commentary from…
Written by
-
WWYD: Buy or Read in the Store?
As I tighten the budget around my house in ways that don’t affect any measurable means of enjoyment yet result in saving money, I’ve been thinking about some of my magazine subscriptions and book purchases. Do I really need to subscribe to some of these magazines? Do I need to buy books I want? Is…
Written by
-
WWYD: Sponsoring Friends in Charity Events
‘œA society that has more justice is a society that needs less charity.’ ‘“ Ralph Nader I’ve sponsored several friends over the years to pedal in the AIDS Ride or walk for Breast Cancer. A few more than once. They’ve all been gracious in the way they have asked for sponsorship and then thankful upon…
Written by
-
WWYD: Stay In Town, Go Away or Do Nothing for Long Weekends?
Zac and I recently took advantage of a rare moment of serenity for our crowded city. Many San Franciscans flocked to Burning Man, and a major bridge was shut down for the entire Labor Day weekend. We decided to be tourists in our own town, partly to avoid traffic hassles, but mostly because we wanted…
Written by
-
WWYD: Speak Now, Or Forever Hold Your Peace?
Forbes estimates that the average cost of a wedding is $28,000. The average cost of a divorce ranges from $15,000 to $30,000. There are no figures for the LGBT community because we can’t legally marry in most of the U.S and the world. However, it’s safe to assume queers will throw a good party, especially…
Written by
-
WWYD: Repair, Upgrade, or Buy New?
The last two days have offered me several opportunities to meditate upon the question – when something isn’t working as it should do you sink the money into repair or upgrading it? Or, do you just scrap it and bite the bullet and buy something new? It isn’t always as cut and dry and I…
Written by
-
WWYD: Earmark Your Tax Dollars
I remember one of my first conversations with a friend, who quickly became a client. She told me “Honey, I don’t mind paying my taxes. It goes toward our maintaining our roads and our beautiful parks and the great outdoors.” She whole heartedly convinced herself of this. To her it was fact. Her tax dollars…
Written by