Helping Friends Save Money Can Be Bad For Your Back

What was I thinking?

Instead of taking it easy this Labor Day weekend, I ended up helping a friend and his family move into their new place. Normally I wouldn’t help someone move on a holiday weekend, especially when they live 200 miles away from me. But this time was different. You see, it was I who convinced them to move themselves instead of hiring movers.

Me and my big mouth.

Part of me blames you. That’s right I’m throwing the Happy Rock community under the bus. If it wasn’t for all the positive comments I’ve received about saving money, there’s no way I would’ve been stuck schlepping boxes all day long. Ask around I’m not that nice of a guy.

It started when my friend was telling me how he was going to move like they did last time. Hire movers for the big stuff ($300+) and then make several trips in their car with the rest of it. I then questioned his intelligence and suggested renting a truck and getting a bunch of guys and paying them with pizza & beer.

He loved the idea.

He rented a truck and lined up a crew (some neighbors and three 18-yr old cousins) and informed me that he was excited about all the money he was going to save. He also thanked me for bringing the idea up in the first place.

“No problem”, I told him.

And there wasn’t a problem…until his crew all ducked out at the last second. The guilt started to overtake me. So when my wife could arrange to hold a photo-shoot only 45 minutes away from their town, I sprung into action and told him the good news, I’d be there.

Luckily for us, two of neighbors were able to help (a husband & wife team). And if you think I’m a sucker, get this; they’ve only known each other for 4 weeks. Not only did they help, but the wife organized the whole operation and kept us on target so we’d be done by 4:30 (when the rental truck was due back).

She did such a good job that we got the truck back with 20 minutes to spare. Instead of pizza & beer, we were then treated to a dinner at a Mongolian Buffet.

So instead of spending $300 and making countless trips in their car like they did the last time they moved, my friend ended up spending $68 for the truck and $100 for dinner.

Not too shabby.

Now it’s the time where I ask for feedback. Please share your stories of how you were able to help friends or family save money with your suggestions. I have to admit that most of my suggestions are not taken, so I was flattered when my friend tried my idea out. I guess they’re right when they say flattery will get you everywhere.

Until Next time,

-DD

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