Something I've noticed about not only my family, but others that have done it as well.
For the most part, most people move away from Long Island due to the high cost of living.
Then they move down to a place with a lower cost of living, and with FAR LESS consumerism.
Then they reminisce about New York/Long Island, and many want to return like myself. Why? Because Long Island looks more affordable now that you've adapted yourself to an area where people are not so worried about accumulating MORE STUFF. Now you have more money, but no longer care about spending it as much.
Some people jump right back into the consumerism, others learned during their time away that there are much more important things in life. For instance, when I moved down to PA, there were a few possessions I wanted but never purchased. I wanted a BMW Suv for one. Now that I've been away from the status conscious, all I want is a vehicle that is PAID OFF
. I would rather put my money away for the kids education/retirement/rainy day/etc.
I miss the simple pleasure of walking the boardwalk at Sunken Meadow, instead of fighting for a parking spot at the Smithaven Mall. I would rather see the Rockefeller Ctr tree lighting ceremony, than worry about putting big ticket items under the tree. I'd rather a visit to the stock exchange, than stocking my closet with expensive clothes. BMW only means "butcher my wallet" to me now.
I wonder what is going to happen when I get back up there? Will it gradually seem less and less affordable because I will want more and more stuff? Or will I keep my respect for life, and forget about the pursuit of credit card debt?
My advice to anyone thinking of leaving. Try NOT going to Starbucks. Anyone who pays that much for a single cup of coffee is nuts. Figure out how many times a year you go to the mall, and cut it in half. The next time you buy a car, don't get the navigation system or the dvd player. If you have broadband AND a wired line, you're wasting money, get Vonage. Do you really need a separate fax number? Why do you spend $1.40 for a bottle of soda at lunch when you can bring a can from home for 30 cents? I did it once, here in PA. I looked at all the monthly costs from phone to credit card interest.
I switched to Vonage, called the cc companies and negotiated much lower rates for the debt I do have, killed my Amex gold (not worth the membership fee), and negotiated a lower price for my broadband connection. I also started shopping differently for food, buying more stuff online at lower prices, and skimmed a few other odds and ends. When all was said and done, after about a weeks worth of work, I found almost $220.00 a month I was wasting, and reclaimed it. Thats about $2500 a year, and I didn't miss ANYTHING I had to trim. If you did the same thing, I bet those property taxes would'nt look as bad.
In fact, I'm due for another "personal audit". I think maybe sometime in the next few weeks I'll have to get out the spreadsheet and start fat trimming again.
Some hints....
1. If you have a balance, call the credit card companies and ask if you need to do anything with them in order to transfer your balance to another card. Watch how fast you get routed to a "competitive offers" department to get your rate lowered. Don't settle for a 6month/1 year deal. When they offer it, say "Amex offered me a fixed rate of 2.9% for the life of the balance transfer". They'll come back with something better, if not a match. I could BS those bloodsuckers all day long when negotiating rates, with absolutely no remorse. It's like a contact sport.
2. Call your cable company, and tell them it looks like you're switching to dish. Tell them you want to know if someone has to be home in order to shut the cable off. Again, hold on to your hat while you're routed to a competitive offer department. You usually will not get better than a 6 month deal with cable, but take a shot.
3. Same cable company, but for broadband. Tell them you are getting DSL, but they havent given you an install date yet. Ask them if they require notice to shut off your cable modem, or will you get prorated to the day you call to shut it off. bang-zoom competitive offer department.
The list goes on. Just don't be afraid to lie like your life depends on it. Thats what they do to us under the guise of "marketing" and "customer service".
The key to all of those conversations is giving them the impression that you HAVE made the decision already. That puts them in a position to win you back, rather than just retain you. It has MUCH more of an impact than just calling to complain about their rates and prices.
Best of luck, and stay home.
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homeward bound too
I Agree....
