Debbie Clay

Comments:

• 1. Buying a timeshare in the Bahamas. Was on vacation, having great time, let sales talk me into purchasing. Years of increasing maintenance fees and we never even went back to stay there. Could not even give the timeshare away, ended up having to pay them more $$ just to get out of the agreement.
  2. Buying 3 acres of land an undeveloped community. Didn’t read the HOA covenants that were super restrictive on building and other lot restrictions. Of the 100 lots that were sold in one day, 15 years later only 8 lots were developed into houses.After trying to sell the property through many real estate firms over the years, just sold this year for far less than appraised value and only received 10% on my original investment.

  Post: What do you consider your greatest financial mistakes?

  Link to comment from September 17, 2022

• Q-tips brand ear swabs. I know it sounds crazy, but they are the only brand that I have found that provides enough material to comfortably remove moisture from my ears after a shower.

  Post: What items would you happily buy even if they were twice the price?

  Link to comment from July 9, 2022

• Gift cards that sell less than face value. Retailers are betting the entire balance will not be used and forgotten or expired. I like Lowes and Home Depot and look for bargains from people who are selling them less than face value…some received as gifts and others need the cash more than the merchandise. The higher denomination, the more savings. Always buy from reputable sites though….ones that offer a full guarantee. I like eBay and Card Bear. Some of my favorite restaurants offer a free $10 gift card if you buy a gift card from them for $50 or more. These are popular around the holidays, and I use some for myself or gift them to others.

  Post: What everyday purchase do you consider a bargain?

  Link to comment from June 18, 2022

• My Dad told me to never use credit cards unless I had the cash to pay the balance off every month. I have never had credit card debt and never paid interest or late changes.

  Post: What financial lessons—good or bad—did you learn from your parents?

  Link to comment from August 7, 2021

• We grew up with regular chores that were expected and compensation with money was not provided. My first jobs started with a paper route and then babysitting for neighbors. However my parents understood that until we were mature and responsible enough to hold these type jobs outside the home, we wanted to make some money to buy things at a much younger age. They would provide us with opportunities to make a little money with non-routine tasks that they could supervise.

  Post: Should children be paid for doing chores?

  Link to comment from July 24, 2021