We all have far more things to keep track of than we did 25 years ago which take time away from family, friends, or relaxation. It has become tiresome and has likely contributed to the meltdown we're now experiencing. It would be nice if there was some regulation to keep things simple.

(games + tv + console - pants) / hours = value

This pisses me off.

This is, I think, one of the real divides in our society.

I find it amusing that some of the same people who claim to be "pro-family" (or at least ally themselves with same politically) think I should spend all my free time searching for bank rates, deals for my cell phone, deals for my cable TV, checking the fine print in my health insurance... all time I have to take away from my kids.

The rub being that if you get screwed by any of the above, its your fault for not paying closer attention. Maybe some of us want a society a little less complicated and some regulation to protect us to make sure we're not gonna be totally screwed if we miss something?

Although another good one would be "update your resume and always be looking, if you get lazy about that, not only are you costing yourself money by not knowing/being able to take better opportunities, but also if something were to happen (layoffs), you wouldn't be prepared to move quickly"

If I had any money I would keep it in my gun safe.... If I had a gun safe.

:-)

L4D(PC) Original price of about $50/115 hours play time so far = $0.44 per hour of entertainment.

TF2(PC) Original price of about $50/250 hours play time so far = $0.20 per hour of entertainment.

Normal theater movie price here = $7.50/2 hours max entertainment = $3.75 per hour of entertainment.

Bar charges (low estimated) $3 cover, $20 drinks -> $23/4 = $5.75 per hour of entertainment.

I know I'm leaving expenses off that I would be paying for anyways like internet, electricity, PC, car, gas, tires,... but you get the general idea. Also I'm not saying that I never go to movies or bars. ;)

Not having to wear pants Priceless.

Not Bothering to Negotiate a Better Deal: I do not want to go into retail stores and beg them to lower the price. Not wanting to do something you consider in bad taste is not lazy either.

DOWn, baby, DOWn!

The good news is I now know the quality of Forbes' articles and would never waste money on their magazine. So the Consumerist saved me some cash there, not that I ever wanted to buy Forbes in the first place.

@oldtaku:
I am impressed, I'm glad my 19year old doesn't have your ability to reason! You are spot on in many regards, the go go type A personality/life sucks up a lot of resources, and resources = money. I'm going now to take a nap.

When I get off my ass and head out to specialty stores I spend hundred of dollars on fine cheeses, breads, wines, beer, music, you name it. When I'm lazy I buy cheap healthy stuff in bulk at Costco. More savings! You know how you make something work better? Give it to a lazy person.

My interpretation of the above summary is that they are trying to use guilt to boost the industry they are related to in said article for self-preservation.

Cancelling that Forbes subscription will save you money spent on an unneeded luxury too.

@dohtem: @B: Good to know. I guess the system's changed a bit since last I checked. On your other point, I agree not having immediate access to the money is better for saving-just not so hot if that money is your short term emergency fund.

Thanks, AIG et al, for ruining my dreams of a Ferrari in a few years.

Of course, the first thing I did after receiving it was cut it up. If I have that kind of access to my long term savings I tend to spend it.

Huh, Forbes?

One thing with most online banks-you can't get immediate access to your money. It's only a matter of a few days, but if you need the money for something like a tow truck, you're screwed. At least a few hundred should be no more than an ATM away.