crappy jobs, Wal-Mart and links

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This week I came across a couple of articles that I had something to say about, and a couple I simply enjoyed for reading pleasure – plus a bunch of others that might be useful to you or that just caught my attention for one reason or another.

I’ve gotta say…

Two articles are going to prompt a few comments from me. First came Life’s Too Short for a Crappy Job. I wrote a fairly lengthy comment at the end of this post, so hop over there to read it, but the gist of my comment (and the post) was this: do not kill yourself for a job. Work hard, sacrifice, fine. Endanger your health, your sanity, or your mental stability? Never. Times are tough – I’m having a terrible time with my consulting business – but don’t assume that a job that is going to hurt you in the short term, or the long term, is something you need to pursue.

The other article was “Wal-Mart Saves You Money Even if You Never Shop There.” Well, of course it does. It depresses local communities so buying power is lower. It uses near-serf labor from developing countries for many of its goods. It doesn’t respect unions, or help with health care costs like most major corporations. It’s a bargain. I’ve come all the way from being a Wal-Mart shareholder – I made a lot of money off their stock in the 80s and 90s – to refusing to shop there. Companies like these simply can’t be the future of American capitalism. Don’t shop there for the holidays. At least shop at their marginally more responsible big-box competitors like Costco and Target (and of those two, Costco is far better).

And then a few more comments…

Using a Health Savings Account to Lower Your Medical and Health Insurance Costs: Health care costs are on the rise. Learn how a Health Savings Account can help you save money.

Should I Use a Debit Card or Credit Card? Frugal Dad examines the pros and cons of both credit cards and debit cards.

I’m switching to e-bills and e-statements: No more paper for this guy!

Best Small Business Credit Cards - Have a small business? Consider one of these cards to help provide the cash flow flexibility to meet the needs of your growing small business. Provide purchase protection and earn rewards too.

6 Things To Consider When Moving For A Job. Moving for a job can be a bad thing, or a great thing. Make certain you make that decision with your eyes wide open.

What Is Peer to Peer (Person to Person) Lending? - A description of what peer to peer lending is and how it works. Best Military Movies Giveaway. Share your favorite military movies and enter to Win $100 in Amazon Gift Cards!

And lastly, the grab bag:

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3 comments

  • Craig
    2010-12-17 19:59

    Thanks for the mention Steve!

  • Money Smarts Blog
    2010-12-18 20:30

    Thanks for the mention.

    It’s hard to draw the line when it comes to spending money. On the one hand, I would like to support small, local business - but some of them are extremely expensive. On the other hand, I don’t want to encourage slave labour (ie Walmart), but the prices are much cheaper.

    Airlines are a great example - everyone bitches about the service, delays, small seats, extra charges etc. But we also tend to buy tickets based on price alone!

    Mike

  • Steve
    2010-12-18 21:32

    Well, one way or the other, if you shop at the big box retailers you’re supporting China and destroying local labor. I don’t like it either - I’m trying to be frugal and Wal-Mart’s clearly the most frugal choice all the time but the simple fact is - at the end of the day - it is hurting our countries. Full stop. Counterargument? i save money in the short term. It’s a hard sell for me. I just don’t want to play that game anymore.