Reasons Why I Hate Shopping

Alright it's the beginning of the year and we're getting into some more spending holidays and occasions.Tax season is upon us, not to mention Valentine's Day in a few weeks.  Retail chains nationwide stand to make a grip from many shoppers spending money as their bank accounts are now revived from the post-Christmas frenzy.

Anyone that knows me well knows I loathe shopping. I shop as less frequently as possible, and try to do it all in one day, often at one store if possible.  I'm even like this when I shop for Christmas, holidays, birthdays, or go spending some of my tax refund. 

There are various reasons for this extreme dislike

1. Too time consuming and exhausting

I was raised by two women: my mother and grandmother. My mother didn't shop much and when she did, she limited her time and stores she went to. My late grandma, on the other hand, wasn't the person you wanted to go to the grocery store with. She would turn a 15 minute shopping trip to the local Community Cash into an hour.  It seemed she would always find something else she wanted, plus she would run into someone every minute and would talk and talk and talk.
I may have inherited my gabbing from my grandma, but I got my shopping habits from my mom. I always aim to be in and out of any shopping excursion in 30 minutes or less.  Often if it takes that long, it's not worthwhile to me. When I do have to go do a lot of shopping, it tires me out so easily. 

2. The lines

I have written before about how I cannot stand waiting in long, unnecessary lines. I purposely shop early or late to avoid all of this. Therefore, I don't like huge shopping days such as Black "Whack" Friday, Christmas Eve, and back to school time.   It's way too nauseating for me. Let's not forget the crowds at stores such as Wal-Mart.

3. My frugality. 

Yes I am extremely frugal, cheap, or as I refer to myself "economically sound". I have a hard time handing over my hard earned cash or swiping my debit card. I like to hold on to my money and not frivolously spend, spend, and spend some more. Many people don't seem to have this problem though.

4. Online shopping

It's so easy now to simply buy stuff at the touch of your smartphone, tablet or laptop. You can even buy groceries and order pizza online.  And it's becoming more and more secure, especially with PayPal. You do not even have to leave your house in order to purchase certain items. Many times, this is a great thing.

Shopping is an adrenaline rush, even a sport for many. It's more of a chore for myself, especially for the reasons stated above.

So if you say you're going shopping and I'm with you, it better not be an all day trip. I will respectfully decline.

Gas Wars: The Fuel Game Has Gotten Real

Gas prices have been a major financial discussion and hot button issue ever since Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The BP oil spill then occurred in 2010, putting more emphasis on domestic and foreign oil. Basically, gas has gotten high, almost to a ridiculous level. Now that the economy is improving, I don't see gas going back to $2/gallon anytime soon, if ever.

However, QuickTrip (QT) has thrown a monkey wrench into the gas competition. They are not really based in the South. However, over the past two years, they have been opening everywhere. Their gas was so low that the government made them simmer down because it was causing danger since folks would line up and literally wreck turning into QT for the cheaper gas.

Gas giants such as BP and Exxon are not as relevant now. However, many gas stations have been lowering their prices whenever a QT opens up nearby. They must stay competitive.

Here are four notable gas companies and stations that are giving QuickTrip the best competition.

1. Pilot/Flying J's

These truck stop oriented stations and plazas have some of the lowest gas. Plus I've found when you use debit or credit, many of them will not charge you an extra fee. There is typically a restaurant within these plazas, so that gives them a slight edge. And even the ones that aren't "truck stops" cater heavily to truckers.

2. Wal-Mart/Murphy USA

Wal-Mart is a world empire, and a hallmark for low prices. They want to let QT and any other competitor know that they offer a plethora of services. One of the biggest is their gift cards. If you put at least $25 on one and use it at the pump, it knocks off up to 15¢ per gallon.

3. Kangaroo.

Kangaroo stations seem to be every where and are well established. They bought out Texaco not too long ago, and are usually at convenient locations. Many also have restaurants in their stores, most commonly Subways. Kangaroo is still in it to win it.

4. Marathon

Marathon also offers many of the conveniences listed previously, plus many stations accept Bi-Lo fuel perks. Their convenience and customer service also matches that of QT, and some of their stations are open 24 hours.

Who will win the so-called gas wars? One thing is for sure: it is hard to resist those 49¢ slushies at QT.

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Do They Have Layaway?

Chris Rock once described layaway as one of the best things ever, especially when you're financially strapped. Most folks, including myself, have forgotten about layaway as an option to buy things that you need but don't have the cash all at once for.
Layaway is typically popular around Christmastime, but one can utilize layaway year round. It works better than credit in that little to no interest is required, you can set up a reasonable payment schedule, and you don't feel as financially strapped. Wal-Mart had layaway for years, but discontinued it. Currently many stores such as K-Mart and Sears still have layaway.

Obviously you have only a limited window in which to take something out of layaway, often 60 days or less. You can risk losing your money paid and that item if you do not have the full amount paid in time. This turns many folks off right there. However, if you budget your money carefully and your payments, it can be very effective. Of course you shouldn't put something on layaway that's beyond your means. For example, you shouldn't put a $4000 television on layaway if you only have 2 months to pay it off and you only net $2000/month income. That's insane right there. Layaway, again, helps you get things that you can save for in a quick time, NOT live beyond your means and keep up with the Joneses.

I personally only used layaway once in my life, 8 years ago, to purchase a leather jacket. I plan on using it on a couple of items I need in the near future. I believe in paying cash for whatever you get unless its a house or a car. However, like a vacation or saving for college, we need some thing that cash on demand do not cover.

So next time you need a new TV, washer/dryer, etc, don't panic! Consider layaway.

I plan on a financial assistance blog in a few weeks so consider this the introduction. Layaway is a great start to getting the things you need and even some you want.

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ATMs: Are They Really That Convenient?

It goes without saying that most, if not, all folks (at least those with a banking or credit union account) has a debit card. I use mine a lot, but not too much. I keep some cash on hand, especially for purchasing gas.  I rarely pay at gas pumps that charge me additional fees. Many stations, and my bank charges me up to $3 extra/time at the pump. This means more frequent trips to the ATM.

 

ATMs are usually the most crowded on paydays (1st and 16th if each month, and Thursdays and Fridays) . Once upon a time, this was a rapid way to get some quick cash from your account without having to actually see a live teller or banker. Plus they are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, unlike banks and credit unions.   Now it seems some people have no respect or etiquette for others in regards to ATMs. Often at the drive thru, people will take the longest time! They will literally be balancing their checkbooks right there at the machine.  If not that, they are making multiple withdrawals, deposits, and the like. I believe that if you're going to do this, go inside and see the teller. These devices are for quick and easy withdrawals and deposits. One should have in mind how much money they have in their account first of all, and make an appropriate withdrawal or deposit. This doesn't have to be rocket science, especially now with online banking.

 

I normally have to plan ahead when making an ATM run just because of folks that make it inconvenient and time consuming. I don't even want to get started on the smaller banks that only have one machine at their location. During peak times (and other times), at least two are necessary. I don't think this is asking too much.

 

Often I will get cash when I pay with my debit card at Wal-Mart, Walgreens, and other such stores. I avoid fees, plus it is actually pretty convenient. I usually won't ask for large amounts for the simple fact that I know that many registers don't keep a lot of cash on hand. They are stores and not banks.

 

I usually always have a good ATM story every week as crazy things never cease to happen. I'm sure this week will be no different. Now if only my bank had an automatic teller in the local Wal-Mart. There's one in the local Prime Outlets Mall (the Yellow Mall), but I don't frequent that mall. Hence, another inconvenience for a machine designed to revolutionize how we receive and deposit monies from our accounts.

 

Black (or Whack Friday): is it REALLY worth it?

Thanksgiving is almost here, which means the morning after (or in some cases, the night of) is Black Friday, one of the biggest shopping days of the year. I commonly refer to it as "Whack" Friday because it's a huge, violent, crazy, adrenaline-rushed mess.

Black Friday has gotten way out of hand over the years. Stores release their catalogs a month or two in advance so folks can see all of the specials available on that day. People will leave their families full from turkey, dressing, gravy, collards, and rolls, and often even camp out in front of shopping malls, Wal-Mart, and other stores, ready to shop as soon as the doors open. And it often gets so insane and cut-throat. People fighting over $10 Blu-Ray players, $50 laptops, and other brand-new items marked considerably down. I hope this isn't what our society has come to? Willing to risk jail time, sleep, and your life just for significant discounts? It doesn't seem worth it to me.

I've actually been out on a couple of Black Fridays, although I've usually come as late as 7 or 8am once the crowds have cleared some. The crowds usually peak around 4-5am. By 6:30am all of the heavily-discounted items are typically gone and it's like a regularly crowded Friday at the stores. You would have to guarantee that I would save a bundle, plus pay my gas money and an extra fee to get me out of my warm bed on Black Friday. You can take that to the bank.

There are many other ways to save money and get huge discounts around the holidays. First off, there are discounts throughout the year, especially online. Shopping online will save you tons of money in the long run and you don't even have to leave the house. Plus the Monday after Thanksgiving is a good alternative to Black Friday, commonly called Cyber Monday. Many stores will post specials online that you can purchase. Best thing besides not leaving the house and wait in the cold November weather? No lines or fighting! Now that's cool with me. And then of course there's eBay, Craigslist, etc. Hey don't feel like you're too good to utilize these outlets. There are many quality, almost brand-new items at unbelievable prices.

I believe many people just love to shop, period, it's almost a sport and recreation to them. And Black (Whack) Friday is like the Super Bowl to them. I know folks that are prepping their outfits and agenda for that day. Really, are you kidding me? Well, I'll be laughing at you from my bed and couch while I hear of you going through all the unnecessary stress, heartache, and freezing just to save a few bucks.

So don't expect to see me at a Black Friday sale in the near future. I just don't see how it is worth it, literally resorting to violence and danger just to save money.

Feel free to shop away, complete your holiday shopping. Just don't expect me to accompany you, or even support the fact that you're going out on this cold, crowded, dark day.

 

Happy Whoreish Halloween!

Halloween is this weekend and of course that can mean a variety of things. For children it means trick-or-treating, gathering up enough candy to last until Valentine's Day. For many grown-ups, that means haunted trails, and going to Halloween costume parties.

Halloween parties take on a different meaning for females. Males simply try to be creative and may dress as a ghoul, a superhero, or even a celebrity. For females, this is the one time/year where they get a pass to dress like a whore or slut without fear of judgment. Many women wear catsuits, tight leather, or simply lingerie. Some of the more popular female costumes are police officers, naughty nurses, devils, cats, rabbits, and superheroes such as Wonder Woman, Catwoman or Storm from the X-Men.

As a male, I personally enjoy looking at women dressed scantily clad. I usually attend at least one party that I pay admission to, and then go to a free party or bar/lounge to check out the eye candy. I then log onto Facebook and for two straight days look at the various pictures that have been uploaded it. It sounds perverted, but it's a joyous occasion.

I believe it enpowers many women to be able to express themselves sexually. Many women feel shy about showing off their bodies, especially for fear of judgment or folks (especially men) thinking they're easy and are saying "come and get it boy". Halloween, everyone is neutral.

Masquerade balls and parties are a happy medium. Women and men dress up, but often the women aren't looking extra sexy or whoreish. It's more of an alternative to the typical adult Halloween parties. I've attended these before, but I believe I prefer the Halloween parties where the women have it all hanging out. Don't judge me please.

Men and women will pay upwards to even $100 for that perfect, sexy outfit. They are getting together their outfits as I type this blog. Personally, I plan on having a clever, creative outfit, but well under my budget. I don't judge others, but I cannot see the purpose of paying more than $30 in this economy for an outfit you probably will only wear once or twice. Costume shops are making a killing around this time of year. I utilize my own clothing collection, Wal-Mart, thrift shops, Goodwill and Salvation Army to assemble a quality Halloween costume. Can't wait to see how it turns out.

So ladies, I'm looking forward to the Halloween fashion show. Of course I'm not expecting you to just be ready to sleep with any man based on your attire. It's Halloween weekend and you're exempt from the usual rules of society. That is, until November 1.

Until then, Happy Whoreish Halloween!

Checkout line etiquette: rudeness, hypersensitivity, or both?

This topic was inspired by one of my Facebook status updates a while back.

 A couple of years ago, I went to a store and I picked up an item really fast and went to check out. This lady with a buggy full of stuff turned around, saw me with the single item, and then turned back around. She did not say "You can go ahead of me, sir". I also did not ask if I could go ahead. However, that was not the point. Some folks can be rude, insensitive, and/or just inconsiderate and unaware of what is really going with other folks.

Basically, when one is at the checkout line, it tends to make better sense if you allow someone with one or two items to go ahead of you. It's polite, it's cool, and it will come back to bless you.

When I updated my status on Facebook, telling this story, I was met with a bevy of answers. All of them ranging from "that woman was rude", "Drew, you're just sensitive, people don't have time to let everyone with one item go in front of them", "You should plan better if you're in such a hurry", and "It's different with women. We have children, housework, etc., on our minds".

The latter response was especially interesting.  However, a couple of other women (one that's actually a cashier at a retail chain store) and one that's a mother of four understood where I was coming from. If it's just one person behind you with ONE or TWO items and you have a buggy full of items, it won't hurt you or delay your schedule if you let them in front of you.

I even asked the cashier (and tested my theory when I went into her store a few days later) how long does it take the average item to be scanned, 30 seconds or less? She agreed. Therefore, what's half a minute out of your schedule, people?

Personally, if I see a person (notice I didn't say people) behind me with way less items than me, I let them go ahead of me. Whether I'm in a hurry or not is hardly the issue here. It's about caring about others and being considerate. That seems to have gone out of style along with cassette tapes, pay phones, and leather football helmets.

Of course you are not necessarily rude if you choose not to do this, nor are you hypersensitive if you think one should let them go ahead in line. It's just a matter of common courtesy and respect. I believe it's all in how you respond to it, though. If you say something in the nature of "sorry, I don't care if we're the only two in line, I don't have time to let them pass. They should have gotten there faster", I would say that sounds rude, and rather childish. Especially for those that have children of their own and they see this. Granted I'm not a parent, but I was raised with morals, consideration and manners. If you are too insensitive to consider letting someone in front of you at the checkout line, well you may want to take a second look at yourself and others.

Also, you should not also complain or expect others to let you in front of them when you only have one item and they have a buggy full. Granted it is the right thing for them to do. However I feel you should act the way in which you want to be treated.

My belief is it rarely (if ever) hurts to be nice to someone and do a good deed. You never know what the person on the other end is thinking, or undergoing. Your act of kindness could make their day, keep them from in turn being rude to someone else, and actually make you feel good. So why not do good folks?

Just take a look next time you're in the supermarket, Wal-Mart, Dollar General or even in a department store. See how many folks actually practice what I've been talking about. My guess is not very many will. However, you may want to take a special look at the few folks that actually do.  It may actually make you feel good about yourself. 

 

DA PROMOSEUIR

I go hard all the time, far as promoting stuff, things, causes, etc. I am also a connoseuir of fine movies, dining, events, and the like. Someone named me "The Promoseuir" a while back, and I affectionately accept that title.

Here are a list of things/places/causes that I promote (for free and for $$$$)

-The Good Ole Boys radio show
- Your Best Body Fitness Center and Day Spa
- Daddy Joe's BBQ and Grill
- Papa G's Restaurant
- Winthrop University
- Alltel
- Blackberry
- Droid (yeah I know I don't own this phone but it's a nice one, gotta admit)
- Playdate Charlotte/Unique Affairs
- 2DaRealness Entertainment
- Wee Print Tees
- The J-Dub Show
- Yahoo Sports
- Blogger (gotta shout you guys out)
- 2010 Blacksburg High School Black v. Gold Alumni Football Game
- Jay Batista the semi-professional wrestler (returning in October 2010 or sooner!)
- The Twisted Spur
- DJ Dawk
- DJ Billy
- R Elegance Event Planning Services
- Green Sky Radio (next best thing to the Good Ole Boys radio show)
- Mellogroove
- Louis Jones photography
- Gentry's Heating and A/C Service
- Rapper E-Clipz
- MAZ Entertainment
- Elliot's Lawn and Garden Service

And here are some things/businesses/causes that I'm a connoseuir of

- Broncos restaurant
- Courtney's BBQ
- Papa G's restaurant
- Daddy Joe's BBQ and Grill
- Gaffney Entertainment
- Coldstone Creamery
- Texas Roadhouse
- Copper River
- Gamestop
- Blackberry
- Good comedies (Friday, Half-Baked, 40 Year Old Virgin, Hangover, etc)
- The NoDa arts district in Charlotte, NC (The Wine-Up, Evening Muse, etc)
- Charondas Restaurant
- Friday Night Lights
- The Boondocks
- Little Brother
- REAL ILL Hip Hop (check the previous blog and the playlist currently playing)
- Sunnydale (best meats, especially for grilling)
- Aldis
- Chevrolet Motors
- Wal-Mart (may as well have them do a auto-draft from my check each week)
- Xbox 360
- ESPN
- Carrabas Italian Grill
- Buca de Beppos (another great Italian place)
- Braza's Brazilian Grill
- Eagles' Nest Restaurant




I'm sure there are others that I'm missing. If you can think of any and you're reading this blog, just let me know. I'll be sure to add them later.

OK on to promote another good cause and watch some Boondocks!C