Hey all,
I am getting ready to drop my cell phone coverage. Here is how I am getting around paying $100 for a cell phone. This system wouldn’t work for everyone. I am typically either at work, at home or in transit. When I am on a gig or at a recording session, I can’t really talk anyways…
- I use a google voice for a primary number which will route my calls to the phone I am nearest to.
- I just downloaded the magicjack app on my iPod touch and tested it – now I have an iPhone without the high carrier cost. As long as I am on a wifi network, I can place and receive calls right on my iPod touch.
Matt frugality magicjack app
Check out the google homepage today. It’s a tribute to Freddie Mercury. Today marks what would have been the great performers 65th birthday. This is one of the most elaborate google art pieces to date. very cool!
Matt Uncategorized Freddie Mercury, Google
For the few that follow this - which is not many… Here is what I’ve been geeking on lately:
I’ve been reading up on some the concepts of “stuffitice” and “consumerism”. I’ve also been studying time management techniques and reading a lot of personal finance blogs. So, my challenge for myself from now until the end of the year is to gain a more streamlined lifestyle. It all ties together like this: the more hobbies that require stuff, the more stuff I collect. Each piece of “stuff” eventually requires time and money, thus taking me away from spending time with the two most important kids in the world - Jonny and Molli. So, do I want the stuff? Guess not. Time management & personal finance goals accomplished in one shot.
Since collecting “stuff” had become a way of life for me, I am determined to set forth on a different path. Here’s the short term plan:
- I own 4 guitars. I am a drummer. Why? Selling my Tacoma dreadnought, Fender Strat, and Martin Backpacker to fund one Art & Lutherie “Ami”
- I’m selling the super beetle. ok, this is my dream car. But, why have two cars? I have realized I don’t have the time to spend restoring it, nor do I want to spend the money. I can already tell, this one’s gonna hurt a bit :(
- I own 3 complete drumsets. EEK. I have plans of sending one to my parents house, but they have “stuffitice” worse than me. At least one kit has to go.
- Lots of CDs - trying to import them into iTunes has become a chore. A big chore! Once done, the CD’s are going to a used CD place.
- which to keep - Piano or Keyboard? not sure yet…
- recognizing duplicate items in my life and getting rid of them
My inspiration:
Last time I was out in Phoenix visiting family, my brother-in-law got me reading www.getrichslowly.org which led me to www.earlyretirementextreme.com. The latter blog is more severe, but like many Catholics (a corrupt empire which I have long since abandon), I am picking and choosing with the viewpoints.
Stay tuned and I will try to give some updates as I take action!
Matt Uncategorized consumerism, personal finance, stuffitice