I have reached the ultimate in gear scor es

“I was talking to some folks at a few of the gear stores and they were telling me about the deals they get on gear from the manufactures. I couldn't believe it.

So, what did I do?

I grabbed a job app. and filled it out. Got a job at a store where all I have to do is work 1 or 2 shifts a month for like 4 hours a shift when I tell them I can work. So, I work 1 night during the week twice a month and get major deals now.

Example: Lowe Alpine pack retails $139..my cost is $50.

Helly Hanson Jacket. Retail $200 ...my cost is $70

Sierra Designs Clip Flashlght tent...retails $189 my cost is $80


Check out your local gear stores for same kind of programs. I have a great job to begin with but a couple of shifts a month is worth the discount if you buy alot of gear.

I know...it's a disease.”

“i'll be placing my orders through you from now on.”

“It's a healthy one at least! I look forard to the day I can retire from my present job and go back to school and work part time at REI! September 22, 2004 can't come fast enough! =D”

“Good deal!”

“Be looking for the new gear for sale thread....just kidding”

“Sass, you're retiring in two years?? That's a heck of a deal!”

“Just from my first job. ten years in is the goal, so I can get state retirement benefits. I've been paying into them, might as well make sure I can collect!”

“Sass - You might want to see if you can hold off on collect right after your vested. If you can and collect later (I don't know if you can do that or not), you might be better off. That fund you pay into compounds interest monthy, I believe, so it would be worth more later. If I'm wrong, let me know so I can retire with ya (I gots 10 in this year)!!”

“Watch out bbinkley. You have found the paradise of "Pro Deals". Some stores and manufacturers are more strict than others. When I worked at a retail store one summer, there were requirements to use those deals. Such as you had to work so many hours a month and you are only suppose to buy items for your personal use. And as you have probably already noticed, all your paychecks tend to be spent on these Pro Deals. Enjoy it while it lasts.”

“You live in Nashville?

Yeah, they don't have any stips where I work out. It's a free for all as long as the gear is for me.”

“REI is having a garage sale tomorrow. They have 3 pallets of returns and then they got 4 pallets of stuff from the REI outlet.

Should be some major deals tomorrow.”

“Oh yeah That's why I got the job there ,, was so i could use that money for more gear.”

“bbinklely, you have a gear problem!”

“Dang bbinkley, and I thought hpm had a gear problem.”

“Q, I don't plan on collecting when I resign....I'll wait until I actually retire for that. I don't want to use that for anything but it's intended purpose. (did I understand your question correctly?)”

“I worked for a State agency that gets a third off at LLBean for a year and 8 mos. I had a couple of major shopping sprees when I left! :D
I also camped for free at all the state parks, it was great!

Some people work part time at the LLB phone center and get the same discount, but they have to work 3 nights a week - not worth it to me.”

“I don't have a gear problem.

I have a gear hobby.”

“Those are some great deals!”

“bbinkley needs that gear to carry his food! He probably goes through two packs and three pairs of hiking boots a year carrying all that weight.

Yeah, so you work there two nights a month and make enough to buy discounted gear, work there a few months and you're outfitted? Honk Honk! Wake up Geo! (It's too late for that, my friend)”

“REI employees get 50% off all rei items. and 30% off all other items as well as they get the same kind of deals from the manufacturers that I get.

I need to go work at REI.

I love that REI gear.”

“Sass - I know yer on your way already, but yep, you did answer it correctly. I mis read you post. I thought you were going to start collecting now. I gets it. I'm thinking that if I don't get this other job (trying to combine my present job with another), I just might leave and stay home with Max and the new one and work part time at REI.

FYI - The way they (retirement) decides how much your retirement is (part of it any way) is to average the last three years of your pay. If there is going to be a sizable increase in the near future, you might want to work it fer three more, before spliting. Or, wait until your ready to collect and work three years until retirement so your average gets higher. I have the reitement infor around here somwhere. If you're interested, let me know and I'll try to dig it up fer ya.....”