The real challenge is to live the life without breaking the bank...

[rsnoble-im-back]

the local goodwill store. I've bought several Italian suits for $10.00 in like new condition and go get them fit if they are close. I have a gay neighbor that gets me $40+ bottles of wine for cheap. I rarely drink it and really don't even know what I have. When people come over I let them pic what they want + the wife is always running around with a wine glass. I can't seem to put down my Miller Lite bottle.

 

[SgtSlaughter]

Andre Spumente ("sparkling" wine)

I dislike the overly dry "top self" champagnes.

As far as spending money on clothes or some other things... I belive it's worth it, because I've had some quality things I've shelled out the dough for years upon years.... versus wearing out some clothing or a watch that I didn't feel like paying for quality. IMHO it depends on what one feels like they need in the momment.

I'm going to have to try some of the reds mentioned here. I started with whites a year ago, but I recently had a red reccomended to be paired with a fine steak I ordered and it was amazing!! Hence, my newly found interest.

Are there any reds that are smokey and not tooooo, tooo dry?? Any input or things to look out for would be appreciated! Thanks!

- SGT

 

[fortunatesun]

I might be a tad behind the times, but there's still good values in New Zealand wine. They're very similar to their becoming famous Australian mates and a bit undervalued. I picked up a Spy Hill Sauvignon Blanc for $15.00 that was more than satisfactory.

 

[yoop33]

I found a sweet looking pair of sneakers at Wal-Mart that look like the classic adidas that I plan on buying for $13.99
Does this count?

 

[solidspine]

heres something... A good classic outfit, that makes you look like a million bucks, is cheaper than a hip/popular brand outfit.

This I agree with,

Also old clothes that are well taken care of, and still fit are still in style,


Have a Burberry overcoat that must 25 years old, still looks good


Love cigars,



But for wine, since I am a real coinsurer, living in California

I don’t mix red & white (in the same glass) very much at least in a restaurant, and I try not to drink a lot of wine on the rocks,

And I don’t let people see me add 7-UP or Coke to wine, some people have a problem with that, what are they thinking give me a break.

Also I have found when people give you wine, it is considered polite to first freeze it, then you can drink it or eat it with a fork, yummy

 

[solidspine]

PS,

When we have company, don’t let the company see you drink wine out of the bottle, most like it in a glass,

In fact you may have read there are companies that make “wine glasses”

I am not kidding,


So put the Styrofoam away and break out real glass, glasses, or at least a coffee mug.


PSS

Wash the coffee mug first,

 

[solidspine]

Oh yeah,


Don’t thank me for the free advice,

Living in California you just assimilate this upper class sensation

 

[curvymommy]

the local goodwill store. I've bought several Italian suits for $10.00 in like new condition and go get them fit if they are close. I have a gay neighbor that gets me $40+ bottles of wine for cheap. I rarely drink it and really don't even know what I have. When people come over I let them pic what they want + the wife is always running around with a wine glass. I can't seem to put down my Miller Lite bottle.

Well said about the Goodwill...ok, before everyone laughs me outta here let me tell you a little story.

I became an Ebay powerseller flipping all kinds of highend stuff that I found at Goodwill. It all happened by accident but I got addicted to finding Tommy Bahama silk shirts for $5, flipped it on ebay for $70. I don't do it as much now but it is really a high to find those things.

Let's see what else...ok, maybe this is not fit in with conversation about fine wines, cigars, yachts and such. BUT, assuming most of us are normal people striving to do something extraordinary in life or at least look like it, I'll share this. I have had excellent luck studying fashion, hair, decorating, trends online. Then I decide on a budget and look for bargains elsewhere. Marshall's, Ross, Nordstrom Rack, factory outlets, ebay, craigslist, even garage sales in highend neighborhoods. Most people walk into my house and think I bought everything at Pottery Barn. Really, I just get inspiration from their website and buy elsewhere or get junk for free from the side of the road.

To top it all off...I learned most of this from a multi-millionaire worked for a few years ago before becoming a stay at home mom. I would help her shop for deals all the time! Everything from clothes to throw pillows for thier private jet. We were always looking for hot deals. Just goes to show you that you don't get filthy stinkin' wealthy by being a poor steward of your money.

It's a fun topic to me.

 

[JjohnMN]

The real challenge sometimes is not to be like others. If you have enough money to afford a brand new Lexus, and decide to keep it, and invest in a house to rent it, then this is a tough challenge. To me at least.

I recently wanted to buy a Harley and now that I have the money, I just look at all the possibilities. Drives me nuts. I'll just keep my Toyota echo that I bought 3 years ago for 5000$, does the job... And buy a house that I'll rent to 3 students to pay my mortgage. Might not be very fun at first, but I think this is a wise move, and will be rewarding later on!