Stories from the Sales Frontlines

stickguy

try allstate of all places.

Man, $4,300? I have 3 cars (2 with collision), and a teenage son on the policy, in Camden county (higher than Burlington), and all together we only pay about $2,000.

We used to have liberty, but they wanted to kill us when my son got a permit. Allstate was 1/2 the price. And we have the deluxe, all the options plan.

As to weddings, I continue to try and plant the seed in my daughter's head that eloping to Vegas to go to the Elvis chapel is the way to go, and I will cut her a check afterwards for a % of the savings. Being a chip off the old block, she is crunching the numbers! Either that, or remember plan B (marry a rich guy).

stickguy

My daughter went to at least 1 Bat Mitzvah and a sweet 16 that probably cost more than that. Renting out the mansion for your sweet 16 cannot be cheap.

fezo

Ah! Your food choices explain a lot of cost right there. We had excellent food but I had an in with the caterer....

If you have it by all means go for it.

I've told my daughters I'd buy a ladder for their elopement.

fezo

$2 K? Are you talking a six month policy?

Yeah we have collision on two cars and a 23 and 19 yo drivers on the other two.

stickguy

nope. Full year.

tjc78

I'm in Camden County too (work in Burlington). I'll give Allstate a shot, I always thought they were pricey

Enjoy the game everyone!

stickguy

I thought the same thing until I priced them.

Hmm, I thought you lived in B'Ton and worked in Camden.

verdugo

You should know by now that I would never hire a staff without including both you and Bolivar. I'll need two domestic engineers---one upstairs and one down. How's that?

Most gracious of you. And in that spirit of generosity, I'll let Bolivar choose which floor he wants.

verdugo

No problem....it sure happens to me enough times.

And as a bonus, you got to hear those rare words in this forum "driver, you're right."

:P

verdugo

You too verdugo, we can then be referred to as "The Triumvirate."

We'll be the cool kids club.

cdnpinhead

There's nothing like helping out a bunch of Medicaid patients.

I think similar things (on a much smaller scale, of course) as I stand in line in convenience stores behind people collecting on or buying lottery tickets. They're paying 50 cents on the dollar to play the stupid game, all of which goes to the state. I guess I should be more patient with those who are paying my taxes for me. . .but I'm not.

Blackjack played carefully (that would involve counting) gets a few percent in your favour, craps with double odds only costs 0.7%, but the state lottery is 50% against.

Go figure. Well, of course, none of them does.

driver100

you got to hear those rare words in this forum "driver, you're right."

Yeh, and not only on this forum.

But, it does feel good for a change.

jmonroe

Spend 35K on wedding to save a few hundred on insurance!

That reminds me of what Mrs. j said to me at the end of 2010. "If we buy a garage door now we'll get a $300 energy tax credit for 2010". She was right, but it cost me $1800 to get it. :sick: Gotta love that kind of economics.

Good luck with the wedding. I have a nephew who will be footing the bill for his wedding this St. Patricks Day. His fiance comes from a family of 11 children. The family is not poor but they couldn't do weddings for 9 girls so they told the girls early on that when the day came they would help out but only a little.

jmonroe

driver100

I've been in five weddings and attended plenty. All were great affairs because we made them that way regardless of venue.

Exactly tjc, that's what I was trying to say. Overall cost doesn't matter, it's the place, the food, and the people. The $200000+ wedding that I went to was just for show....no one cared whether the guests had a good time, we were like actors on the set.

If you canafford it and you can do it, then go for it. I would choose a nice wedding over a new bmw too (I think, although I would cry a lot).

stickguy

I would take the BMW!

I agree that if you are loaded, do what you want. But for people of normal means, I don't see the logic in wiping yourself out, and going deep into hock, to put on an extravagant wedding. No one really remembers the expensive stuff anyway.

not saying to rent out the back room at the bowling alley, but you can have a nice get together on a much smaller budget. As long as the bar is open, the rest is gravy!

sterlingdog

I agree with Houdini. You're a super nice guy and your bride is lucky to get you. If you can hold the wedding costs to $35k, you're doing really well. We've directed several weddings and we have attended hundreds. I've watched the expenses spiral out of control over the years. An old friend of ours has a daughter who finally married last year at age 45. She spent 20 years in an active law practice before finding her chosen mate. Dad spent $250K on the wedding. Fortunately for him, he had opened two savings accounts when the daughter was born---one for college and one for the wedding. Even though the country club came free for the wedding, he still spent all of that money on other expenses---sit down dinner for 300, open bar, a well known band, flowers, wedding dress, photographer, hotel rooms for family members, wedding breakfast for 100, etc. It can really add up. On top of that, the groom's family paid for the rehearsal dinner. There's no limit on what a person can spend. The average couple today would be hard pressed to get out for under $25K for a formal wedding. It's a choice that people make for the memories. Some are happy to get married in a minister's study with just family in attendance. Others want something bigger. Neither type assures happiness. It's the love of the relationship that determines that through mutual respect, compromise, and consideration. I wish it all for the two of you.

Richard

sterlingdog

"As long as the bar is open..."

And as long as it is a CASH bar...

Richard

sterlingdog

"Man, $4,300?"

I only pay $1,112 a year for two drivers with the SRX and the Sebring. I consider myself lucky.

Richard

sterlingdog

"...as I stand in line..."

The lottery tickets are bad enough, but the steaks, lobsters, and name brand toilet paper blow me away. Speaking of lottery tickets, I do wish that these convenience stores would have a separate line for such purchases. I stand behind these people for ten minutes while they purchase various types of tickets. All I need is to hand the cashier two twenties for gas on pump 5. :sick:

Richard

stickguy

there are reasons I want to get out of Nj and move to NC!

Besides car insurance and taxes, I was online looking at colleges today (my daughter is a sophomore in HS now) and I really like NC state, and there is a major discount for in-state tuition.

I keep suggesting she pick something in the south and we will just follow her at least part way!

my son went to freezing snow country for school, so it would be nice to have on go where it is nice in the winter.

nyccarguy

Whowhooooooooooo! All hail the MIGHTY NEW YORK GIANTS! Super Bowl Champions once again for the 4th time in my life!

stickguy

roller coaster game for sure, but fantastic to see them pull it off.

4th since I've been an adult and living in south jersey, and every time it gives me great satisfaction to rub it in the faces of eagles fans.

For those of you not "fortunate" enough to live in Philly land, eagles fans are more insufferable the Phils fans (even though they are often the same people!)

It is interesting down here that IMO (Tom might be able to back it up, being one of them) most people care much more about the Eagles than the phils, as much as they are enjoying this unprecedented run of BB wins, they would trade it all for 1 SB trophy.

bolivar

Downstairs, please. My gimpie left leg has somehow produced a limp out of the ankle. Couldn't do the stairs.

Wonder how much breakage and antique scratching as a 'domestic' I would have to do to be demoted to that 'consulant' job I really want.

tjc78

Richard, thanks for the kind words. We are both very excited and still have lots of details to work out between now and October.

I thought the game was great. I'm no Giants fan but would rather have had them win then the Patriots. I'm still bitter from that Eagles loss to them a few years back in the Bowl.

Eagles' fans in general are a really tough crowd. I'm sure at times I could be one of "them" but I'm realistic and very crititcal when I need to be. We have lots of great times watching the games and that is all that matters.

Stick, it is certainly true how in Philly the Eagles are certainly the "top" team. Right now its not deserved at all. The Phils have been playing great baseball in a totally spectacular park. I am really excited for them to start playing. They have given us more to hope for than the Eagles in the last few years.

jipster

1) The Patriots choked.
2) The Giants got lucky. (recovered two of their own fumbles. Pats recover just one it's the game)
3) Giants and Eli made the plays they needed to make to win. Pats recievers dropped critical passes. Brady threw too many poor passes.
4) Two of my least favorite teams... I think they both suck.
5) Without the Dallas Cowboys this was a boring Super Bowl.
6) Pats deserved to lose as Bill Belichick's wardrobe looks like something a homeless person would dig out of a dumpster. I mean grey hooded sweatshirt cut off at elbow???
7) My brother had tickets on the 40 yard line in an executive suite... while I had to work.

driver100

Without the Dallas Cowboys this was a boring Super Bowl.
I mean grey hooded sweatshirt cut off at elbow???

What great observations......you should apply for color commentary on the games. Call it "The Jipst after Game Comments".

driver100

The lottery tickets are bad enough, but the steaks, lobsters, and name brand toilet paper blow me away.

I agree with everything you said, except for the name brand toilet paper.

My wife selected the cheap brand this time and I told her never to buy that stuff again. I think it should be labelled "like fine sandpaper".

I said, just buy the kind with the bears on it.....it's worth the extra few cents!

jmonroe

All I need is to hand the cashier two twenties for gas on pump 5.

I can see that you didn’t take my advice the last time you complained about standing in line to use cash at the gas pump. One more time…USE A CREDIT CARD. Can you see it now? I can’t remember the last time I used cash for a gas purchase. In fact, I can’t remember the last time I used cash for anything. :surprise:

jmonroe

jmonroe

What great observations......you should apply for color commentary on the games. Call it "The Jipst after Game Comments".

I wouldn’t say that at all. That sounds like crying but Cryboy fans are good at that.

FWIW, I enjoyed the Giants win yesterday too. I guess Belacheat couldn’t sneak cameras onto the Giants practice field during Super Bowl week; too many people watching for that trick these days with him.

jmonroe

Kirstie_H

Well jmonroe, you really defy the odds using only debit/credit cards within your age/gender demographic.

If I'm getting in line at the grocery store and one of the lines has a man 60+ years old that I can get in line behind, that is the line I choose, and I'm almost always correct. Older man at a grocery store by himself almost ALWAYS means few items and cash payment.

roadburner

I only pay $1,112 a year for two drivers with the SRX and the Sebring. I consider myself lucky.

I pay @$2800 for 5 cars and one motorcycle. Three people, no accidents/tickets. My 17 year old is primary driver of the 1975 2002, so that saves us a bit of money.

nyccarguy

What great observations you've got to be kidding, right?

I'm with jmonroe on this. I'm going to bite my tongue & just enjoy the fact that my GIANTS just won the SUPER BOWL! YEAH Baby!

nyccarguy

how can I get a hold of you offline?

Kirstie_H

A reporter is hoping to find someone who recently bought a new car and took out a car loan for the first time in a few years.
Please respond by Tuesday, February 7, 2012 with your daytime contact information and a few words about your experience.

jmonroe

Eagles' fans in general are a really tough crowd. I'm sure at times I could be one of "them" but I'm realistic and very crititcal when I need to be.

Since you said you are “realistic”, I’m sure you have to agree that unless a genie jumps out of the turf and helps Vick while he’s lined up under center, the Eagles are not going to win it all with him and probably not with Andy Reid either for that matter. Why the Eagles gave Vick the contract they did, after just a few games, when he came back after his dog brutality sentence a couple years ago, I don’t know and now they don’t know either.

jmonroe

tjc78

I personally think this year is "do or die" for Reid. IMHO his time has passed here in Philly. He had a lot of good years, numerous playoff appearances and a shot in the Bowl. He has come up empty so far, and has failed to bring the trophy home.

Vick is a question mark, but, if they can't protect and support him they are doomed.

jmonroe

how can I get a hold of you offline?

I understand that there is a way to do this here at Edmunds. Something called “friends” (I think) but I don’t know how to use that thingy.

jmonroe

ray80

The friends thing went away, now one has to check the profile of a person to see if their email addy is listed (or private)

driver100

Older man at a grocery store by himself almost ALWAYS means few items and cash payment.

And little old lady is cash too, but they will count out every last penny to get to the right amount......faster behind the guy with the credit card.

Kirstie_H

Correct - you have to edit your community profile (link near the top on the right-hand side of the page) to make your email addy public. You can change it back and forth as many times as you like, if you only want it to be public for a short time.

In any case, it's an anti-spam measure - only registered members can see other members' profiles, so even if a spammer were trying to build a spammy spam list for spamming, they'd have to click on each profile individually, copy email, close, lather, rinse, repeat.

driver100

I pay $2800 for 5 cars and one motorcycle.

Do you tell them you are racing cars around a track?

[Deleted User]

Hi Kirstie. I'd be happy to speak with the reporter regarding my purchase experience using financing. I sent you an email with my cell phone and email address.

-Ty

Kirstie_H

Merci! I know they were still looking for consumers for that request, so hopefully you'll be quoted and famous soon.

mako1a

I'd be happy to speak with the reporter

It's a pretty good deal. They sometimes reward you with an Edmunds Tshirt or some other little trinket. It only takes 5 minutes and there is zero spam for your efforts.

driver100

I'd be happy to speak with the reporter regarding my purchase experience using financing.

If I recall correctly, your case could be interesting, I think you were going to pay cash or get a bank loan, but Suburu had a special deal on the financing that made that the better option.

When you are rich and famous don't forget the little people who got you there.

driver100

A friend who I hadn't seen for 40 years has ordered a 2012 Maserati. We grew up on the same street. When we first got together he was driving a 2008 335 Cabriolet. Then one day we are going for our weekly coffee and he drives up in a 2011 750. Now less than a year later he emailed me he has ordered a 2012 Maserati (about $130,000!!!!). One thing is, he won't take a big loss on the 750 because the Maserati dealership and the BMW dealership are owned by the same owner.

No matter how much money I had, I wouldn't spend $130k for a car. But, I told him I hope he has it when I get back because I would love to go for a ride in it.

He's the same age as me, 64, but his parents have had troubled health for a number of years and he has had some relatives die or have health issues so I think he wants to enjoy everything as much as he can while he can.

Personally, I couldn't do it....I wouldn't even want to be stared at by every one. He got in on the ground floor in a business which did well, and he got bought out of the business. I am not judging, if he wants it, he should go for it, but, I have no desire to try to keep up.

explorerx4

Richard,
It has been a busy few days, and now i find out I have a new job on the Internet?
It makes me feel kind of famous. :surprise:
I was holding off responding, hoping there would be no jobs left, and I could just be a 'layabout'.
My second choice was 'Pool Boy'.
That could be some work, as I might have to work my 12 pack into a 6 pack.
Even better would be "Pool Boy' with no pool.
How about this? I'll just rotate around being everyone's apprentice.
It will make them feel real smart.
Now let's talk about the signing bonus. :shades:

roadburner

Do you tell them you are racing cars around a track?

It's not racing, and my agent knows I instruct at HPDEs. It's a moot point since my policy excludes any track events(as do 99% of all personal auto policies). I buy stated value track collision coverage through Lockton Affinity for around $70 per event.

verdugo

6) Pats deserved to lose as Bill Belichick's wardrobe looks like something a homeless person would dig out of a dumpster. I mean grey hooded sweatshirt cut off at elbow???


My wife said "wow, he dressed up for the Super Bowl. He didn't cut off the sleeves."

verdugo

I agree with everything you said, except for the name brand toilet paper.

My wife selected the cheap brand this time and I told her never to buy that stuff again. I think it should be labelled "like fine sandpaper".

I said, just buy the kind with the bears on it.....it's worth the extra few cents!

I think it's time we introduce driver to the concept of TMI. (not that I don't agree with your post.)