The SO Crap Box #4
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hey...me city gal too!!! =P talking about driving, i finally went to take my learner's permit test and passed. can't believe it's so easy here...only 25 MCQ! have been driving around town for practice. i thought i'd have difficulties adjusting to the left hand drive....but it ain't too bad actually. aim to take my practical test within the next couple of months.....
while i'm quite interested to buy a house...i'm pretty hesitant as well. my spouse is the one who's more set on buying...and he has been actively looking around. i think he's very keen to stay here for good...but the main concern is his job...whether or not they'd extend his contract into a long term one.
but meanwhile...we are sticking to a very short investment horizon of just 3yrs. so pricing has to be very good value for money and at a budget that we are very comfortable with keeping it beyond 3yrs if we can't sell it without incurring a loss.
anyway...i told my spouse that if got really good deal than buy...if not, just forget it and rent. so we'll just work on that basis.
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hey jetta,
i found the gloves at joann's like u've said! but so sad...only got 2 pairs left...and both are white. any other suggestions where i can find cheap gloves in different colors & prints? i'm making glove animals.... =) my neighbour said she does a craft sale during summer every year and that i should join her....so i'm thinking what to make....any suggestions (i know you've got experience in this area)?
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Originally posted by lostintransition:
hey jetta,
i found the gloves at joann's like u've said! but so sad...only got 2 pairs left...and both are white. any other suggestions where i can find cheap gloves in different colors & prints? i'm making glove animals.... =) my neighbour said she does a craft sale during summer every year and that i should join her....so i'm thinking what to make....any suggestions (i know you've got experience in this area)?
Try Walmart. Or visit joann.com for more. You could also try dyeing the glove with fabric dye. Good luck.
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Originally posted by jetta:
Try Walmart. Or visit joann.com for more. You could also try dyeing the glove with fabric dye. Good luck.
guess wat...i found some gloves (kid size) at target...2 pairs for $1. not bad at all. but yes....i think i can try dyeing the gloves too....thanks for the idea! -
Originally posted by lostintransition:
guess wat...i found some gloves (kid size) at target...2 pairs for $1. not bad at all. but yes....i think i can try dyeing the gloves too....thanks for the idea!Hope you sell lots and lots but be prepared if you don't. Being a crafter is a hit and miss affair. So don't make too many. When I taught preschool, we'd make glove puppets as Christmas ornaments.
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Originally posted by jetta:
Hope you sell lots and lots but be prepared if you don't. Being a crafter is a hit and miss affair. So don't make too many. When I taught preschool, we'd make glove puppets as Christmas ornaments.
i'm just making them for fun for now...and for giving away to friends. haven't really thought of what to make for the craft fair which'd only be next year during spring. anyway...i can't make a lot as i've to hand stitch everything....am thinking of buying a sewing machine....but well....not sure if i really want to invest in one so soon. -
Originally posted by lostintransition:
i'm just making them for fun for now...and for giving away to friends. haven't really thought of what to make for the craft fair which'd only be next year during spring. anyway...i can't make a lot as i've to hand stitch everything....am thinking of buying a sewing machine....but well....not sure if i really want to invest in one so soon.If and when you do get a machine, do your homework first. Ask yourself what you'd like the machine to do for you. Since I'm on the machine almost everyday, the machine I've had for the past almost 15 years just wasn't doing it for me. I'm now on my fifth machine. I have dedicated machines for certain tasks. Also, you may want to click on www.etsy.com. It's a site for crafters. Check out what you'd think may sell. Have fun and good luck.
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i used to use my mom's singer sewing machine...it was those meant for factory production...super powerful. one gentle press with my foot...and it goes zoooooooom across the fabric...ahhh, i miss it.
anyway...previously we got rejected by sovereign bank & BOA on our credit card applications...then we applied through my hubby's union and got rejected as well. then we applied for yet another secured card with wells fargo and got rejected again.
geez...what does it take to get a credit card over here....i mean, these are secured cards that we applied for!!! such a joke. anyway, we've got enough of their sh*t for now...so have decided to go creditcard-less! not like we'll die of not having one...really. i just don't understand.........this and the telco company billing!
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Originally posted by lostintransition:
i used to use my mom's singer sewing machine...it was those meant for factory production...super powerful. one gentle press with my foot...and it goes zoooooooom across the fabric...ahhh, i miss it.
anyway...previously we got rejected by sovereign bank & BOA on our credit card applications...then we applied through my hubby's union and got rejected as well. then we applied for yet another secured card with wells fargo and got rejected again.
geez...what does it take to get a credit card over here....i mean, these are secured cards that we applied for!!! such a joke. anyway, we've got enough of their sh*t for now...so have decided to go creditcard-less! not like we'll die of not having one...really. i just don't understand.........this and the telco company billing!
Don't be disheartened. I know it's difficult but if you think along the mindset that you're not in Kansas anymore, it'll be easier on you. My guess is that you haven't built up enough of a credit history for those institutions to know how responsible you guys are, financially. Give it about a year. Pay all your bills on time, etc and soon enough you'll have a clean credit history. But remember, you each have establish your own credit history. You can't ride on your hubby's since each person's history is judged separately. Since you don't have a job right now, it's hard to do that. Make sure you have an ITIN first. Tax time is already here. Deadline for filing is April 15. Since this will be your first time, hire a tax person to assist and guide you. JHMO. If you would prefer to talk over the phone, let me know? I can always pm you my phone number.
In the interim, please don't go applying for credit again. This only hurts your credit. The more you apply for and get rejected, the more red flags on your credit report, the more red flags, the more rejections, the lower your credit score. It's a vicious cycle. If you really want to know your current credit score, you can pay to find out on www.annualcreditreport.com. Scores between the 750 and 850 range is what you should strive for. You'll enjoy lower interest rates on credit cards, loans, etc. Which is fair if you ask me. Unlike in Sg, where everyone pays the same interest rate on credit cards. (I could be wrong since I've been away a long time.)
Re: commercial machines. I have one, by sheer chance. It has a walking foot which I l was looking for. A crafter I know sold her almost new one to me. I've had it for almost a year now and I have yet to touch it. (note to self: touch said machine). That thing is so powerful!
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thanks for the encouragement....not dishearten or anything la...just too lazy to do anymore =P and the stubborn fact that i don't believe i can't get by without any credit history/cards.....
and thanks for the offer...will get your contact when i really need help.....
shucks....now we need to worry about taxes (both singapore & US)....geez...i hate all these stuffs
will try to get the ITIN without the stupid bank's help....at first they say they need it and now they don't....WTF
arrrrrghhhhhh...
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Originally posted by lostintransition:
thanks for the encouragement....not dishearten or anything la...just too lazy to do anymore =P and the stubborn fact that i don't believe i can't get by without any credit history/cards.....
and thanks for the offer...will get your contact when i really need help.....
shucks....now we need to worry about taxes (both singapore & US)....geez...i hate all these stuffs
will try to get the ITIN without the stupid bank's help....at first they say they need it and now they don't....WTF
arrrrrghhhhhh...
You don't need the help from any bank to get an ITIN. Try going to www.ssa.gov and see where that takes you?
CCs are important here in the States. Without one, you can't make a room reservation, car rental reservation.... No matter what, you really really need to establish a credit history. Go to www.experian.com and see if there is any advice on how to get started? Good luck. We're here if you need help.
And in other news... oops I did it again. I'm back at Sears starting mid January. Wish me luck and a boot to the head.
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Originally posted by jetta:
You don't need the help from any bank to get an ITIN. Try going to www.ssa.gov and see where that takes you?
CCs are important here in the States. Without one, you can't make a room reservation, car rental reservation.... No matter what, you really really need to establish a credit history. Go to www.experian.com and see if there is any advice on how to get started? Good luck. We're here if you need help.
And in other news... oops I did it again. I'm back at Sears starting mid January. Wish me luck and a boot to the head.
about the credit card....actually i've had no issues using my debit card for all the reservations, online payment etc as i can pay by either debit or credit....so do i still need a credit card in that sense? it's not like i need to get a loan or something in future. i suppose i can go apply for one of those poor credit history card but i'm just not too happy about the fees that i have to pay to get one of those.
ohhhh....u r going back to sears!! congrats!! let us know in advance of any huge discounts. hee hee...i'm looking for a microwave and sewing machine.
ya...i know...one way to obtain the ITIN is to get the bank to write a note....at least they do the work not me....but the damn bank is just so damn non-responsive. think we are gonna move our money somewhere else soon...their loss not ours. so i'll have to obtain the ITIN via another way....
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Originally posted by lostintransition:
about the credit card....actually i've had no issues using my debit card for all the reservations, online payment etc as i can pay by either debit or credit....so do i still need a credit card in that sense? it's not like i need to get a loan or something in future. i suppose i can go apply for one of those poor credit history card but i'm just not too happy about the fees that i have to pay to get one of those.
ohhhh....u r going back to sears!! congrats!! let us know in advance of any huge discounts. hee hee...i'm looking for a microwave and sewing machine.
ya...i know...one way to obtain the ITIN is to get the bank to write a note....at least they do the work not me....but the damn bank is just so damn non-responsive. think we are gonna move our money somewhere else soon...their loss not ours. so i'll have to obtain the ITIN via another way....
You never know what the future holds since you say you'll be here a while. Fees are inevitable. Welcome to America. Since you bank with a credit union, start there. Forget regular banks. Their fees are way too high. Before you move your cash to another institution, have a sit down with Customer Service first. Tell them you'll do it only if they help you get an ITIN. I love making deals.
Sidenote: since you want to buy a house, you guessed it, you need good credit. Re: appliances. Check online. Remember that many stores will meet and beat each other's prices. Just bring in the competitor's ad with you.
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Originally posted by jetta:
You never know what the future holds since you say you'll be here a while. Fees are inevitable. Welcome to America. Since you bank with a credit union, start there. Forget regular banks. Their fees are way too high. Before you move your cash to another institution, have a sit down with Customer Service first. Tell them you'll do it only if they help you get an ITIN. I love making deals.
Sidenote: since you want to buy a house, you guessed it, you need good credit. Re: appliances. Check online. Remember that many stores will meet and beat each other's prices. Just bring in the competitor's ad with you.
yeahh...maybe i'll try applying again in another 1/2yr....even store cards like those of sears, target, tjmaxx would require a credit history check isit?
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Originally posted by lostintransition:
yeahh...maybe i'll try applying again in another 1/2yr....even store cards like those of sears, target, tjmaxx would require a credit history check isit?
Yup. Anytime you apply for a CC. And the first thing they'll ask you for is a SSN or ITIN.
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got this in an email from a friend....not sure how true but always a good reminder to stay alert
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As you well know, the U.S. Government conducts a Census every ten years
during the year each decade begins. It's now the year 2010 so here is
some useful information you should know about the upcoming Census.
2010 Census to Begin
WARNING: 2010 Census Cautions from the Better Business Bureau
Be Cautious About Giving Info to Census Workers
With the U.S. Census process beginning, the Better Business Bureau (BBB)
advises people to be cooperative, but cautious, so as not to become a
victim of fraud or identity theft.
The first phase of the 2010 U.S. Census is under way as workers have
begun verifying the addresses of households across the country.
Eventually, more than 140,000 U.S. Census workers will count every
person in the United States and will gather information about every
person living at each address including name, age, gender, race, and
other relevant data.
The big question is - how do you tell the difference between a U.S.
Census worker and a con artist? BBB offers the following advice:
- If a U.S. Census worker knocks on your door, they will have a
badge, a handheld device, a Census Bureau canvas bag, and a
confidentiality notice. Ask to see their identification and their badge
before answering their questions. However, you should never invite
anyone you don't know into your home.
- Census workers are currently only knocking on doors to verify
address information. Do not give your Social Security number, credit
card or banking information to anyone, even if they claim they need it
for the U.S. Census.
- REMEMBER, NO MATTER WHAT THEY ASK, YOU REALLY ONLY NEED TO TELL
THEM HOW MANY PEOPLE LIVE AT YOUR ADDRESS.
- While the Census Bureau might ask for basic financial
information, such as a salary range, YOU DON'T HAVE TO ANSWER ANYTHING
AT ALL ABOUT YOUR FINANCIAL SITUATION. The Census Bureau will not ask
for Social Security, bank account, or credit card numbers, nor will
employees solicit donations. Any one asking for that information is NOT
with the Census Bureau.
- AND REMEMBER, THE CENSUS BUREAU HAS DECIDED NOT TO WORK WITH
ACORN ON GATHERING THIS INFORMATION. No Acorn worker should approach
you saying he/she is with the Census Bureau. Eventually, Census
workers may contact you by telephone, mail, or in person at home.
However, the Census Bureau will not contact you by Email, so be on the
lookout for Email scams impersonating the Census.
- Never click on a link or open any attachments in an email that
are supposedly from the U.S. Census Bureau. -
Okay, imagine my disappointment...I ordered an iPod Nano from the Apple Store(online) and received an email confirming the order and then another saying it's being shipped. When I tracked the shipment(Federal Express) I found out it's coming from Shenzhen, China!
wtf!?!
Don't we make anything anymore? There's nothing wrong with it coming from China but I had totally expected it to to be U.S. made. As much as it costs I assumed I was paying American labor rates.
I need to wake up and smell the coffee!
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Originally posted by skid:
Okay, imagine my disappointment...I ordered an iPod Nano from the Apple Store(online) and received an email confirming the order and then another saying it's being shipped. When I tracked the shipment(Federal Express) I found out it's coming from Shenzhen, China!
wtf!?!
Don't we make anything anymore? There's nothing wrong with it coming from China but I had totally expected it to to be U.S. made. As much as it costs I assumed I was paying American labor rates.
I need to wake up and smell the coffee!
hahaa..just go to the mall and check all the labels to see how many items are actually made in the USA. i bet you can count them with your fingers! -
Originally posted by lostintransition:
hahaa..just go to the mall and check all the labels to see how many items are actually made in the USA. i bet you can count them with your fingers!yeah I should have realized that....I guess I was just hoping.
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Originally posted by lostintransition:
got this in an email from a friend....not sure how true but always a good reminder to stay alert
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As you well know, the U.S. Government conducts a Census every ten years
during the year each decade begins. It's now the year 2010 so here is
some useful information you should know about the upcoming Census.
2010 Census to Begin
WARNING: 2010 Census Cautions from the Better Business Bureau
Be Cautious About Giving Info to Census Workers
With the U.S. Census process beginning, the Better Business Bureau (BBB)
advises people to be cooperative, but cautious, so as not to become a
victim of fraud or identity theft.
The first phase of the 2010 U.S. Census is under way as workers have
begun verifying the addresses of households across the country.
Eventually, more than 140,000 U.S. Census workers will count every
person in the United States and will gather information about every
person living at each address including name, age, gender, race, and
other relevant data.
The big question is - how do you tell the difference between a U.S.
Census worker and a con artist? BBB offers the following advice:
- If a U.S. Census worker knocks on your door, they will have a
badge, a handheld device, a Census Bureau canvas bag, and a
confidentiality notice. Ask to see their identification and their badge
before answering their questions. However, you should never invite
anyone you don't know into your home.
- Census workers are currently only knocking on doors to verify
address information. Do not give your Social Security number, credit
card or banking information to anyone, even if they claim they need it
for the U.S. Census.
- REMEMBER, NO MATTER WHAT THEY ASK, YOU REALLY ONLY NEED TO TELL
THEM HOW MANY PEOPLE LIVE AT YOUR ADDRESS.
- While the Census Bureau might ask for basic financial
information, such as a salary range, YOU DON'T HAVE TO ANSWER ANYTHING
AT ALL ABOUT YOUR FINANCIAL SITUATION. The Census Bureau will not ask
for Social Security, bank account, or credit card numbers, nor will
employees solicit donations. Any one asking for that information is NOT
with the Census Bureau.
- AND REMEMBER, THE CENSUS BUREAU HAS DECIDED NOT TO WORK WITH
ACORN ON GATHERING THIS INFORMATION. No Acorn worker should approach
you saying he/she is with the Census Bureau. Eventually, Census
workers may contact you by telephone, mail, or in person at home.
However, the Census Bureau will not contact you by Email, so be on the
lookout for Email scams impersonating the Census.
- Never click on a link or open any attachments in an email that
are supposedly from the U.S. Census Bureau.This happens all the time. Not just with this exercise. Scammers are always on the hunt. You never know when so, always shred unwanted correspondence with your name and address on it, never put your SSN on your checks, never have your SSN on your driver's license, etc, etc. ID theft is very real and growing.
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Actually, in UK 'cloning' of debit/credit cards is also getting very common... i got bitten once.... and quite a number of frens here genna also... one of them even got a call from her bank asking her if she is in Canada as they just detected her debit card being used in Canada! something about they don't use 'Chip and pin' in Canada and so her card was 'cloned' and used in Canada?
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alamakkkkkkkkkkk.........moments ago, we got news that the group is moving OUT of finance and INTO governance!!!! and i HAVE TO move to another location!!!!! WTH....WTH....WTH........
but heng ah..........still get to work from home THREE times a week. God is good~~~~~ thank you, Lord!!!! :)
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erm......i need/want to get a new lappie for gaming purposes (primarily). do u tink acer aspire netbook is good enough? :oops:
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Originally posted by littlestream:
erm......i need/want to get a new lappie for gaming purposes (primarily). do u tink acer aspire netbook is good enough? :oops:
What type(s) of games? Are they graphics intensive?
I seriously doubt the current generation of netbooks have the horsepower to run graphics intensive applications and games since they give up power for portability, but some of the higher-end notebooks and laptops, especially those touted as desktop replacements, should be able to handle gaming applications.
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Funny you should ask. I was just at Best Buy. They have a free magazine which I was leafing through. One of the articles was on netbooks and gaming. They say that netbooks aren't made for gaming. Do you have a Best Buy in Canada? I bought a cheapie Acer lappie for gaming several months ago. Only cost me $298!