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2nd Job Update

May 15th, 2014 at 01:21 am

So, I spoke to the good Doctor's secretary today regarding my disappointment in not getting paid yesterday.

I expressed my feelings regarding holding up my end of the bargain by providing an honest evenings work for an honest evenings pay. I expressed my feelings toward earning every penny and not having to "chase" what is rightly owed to me.

She agreed completely and stated she had sent the money to the job site and told me the "secret place" it was hiding in.

She also stated how please he was with my work, my word and my trustworthiness. I thanked her for the kind words and reiterated my desire to work long term in this part time capacity but that I will never again be left with my hand out for what I earned.

I will be visiting the jobsite tomorrow to find the "secret place" and grab my pay. I will not be able to work as he has not been able to provide the supplies I need at this stage. I am hoping that at some point he will allow me the opportunity to utilize his account to simply get what I need. I will be missing out on an evenings pay because of his inability to follow through with getting the items I need to continue this portion of the job.

Anyway, I am blessed to have the chance to earn a couple hundred bucks per month and certainly don't want to paint a picture of "poor Jamie". But I will not expend the time or effort to hold up my end of the agreement with him holding up his. Jamie

A Sunny Day in May to Reflect

May 2nd, 2014 at 01:05 am

Sooooo, unfortunatley, I have no Loose Change to deposit today. That's bad for the Loose Change account, however, good in the sense that I spent no cash.

After reviewing April's numbers, it looks as if I truly accomplished a lot:

1. Opened a Duplex Escrow Account
2. Opened an Emergency Fund
3. Opened a Loose Change Fund
4. Opened a Savings Account
5. Reconciled my Operations Account
6. I deposited a total of $205.96 in the Loose Change Account.
7. I was $117.00 under my budgeted auto fuel amount.
8. I was $58.94 over my budgeted food amount (however, Easter may have contributed to that extra spend.
9. I reduced my monthly internet bill by $10.00.
10. I established auto pay on my credit card to earn reward points. Monthly debts applied are auto insurance, refuse, cell phone, propane, dish, netflix, internet (mortgage and electric do not qualify).
11. I reduced my monthly dish bill by $37.16.
12. I found a part time job that should net me ~$200.00 per month without any impact on my time with the girls!
13. Earned a $30.00 reduction in auto insurance for paying the bill in full.
14. I obtained two additional credit cards taking my available credit to $85k
15. Met the Quicksilver reward requirements and cashed out $107.00 which went to the Loose Change and Savings Accounts, respectively.

Phew...what a month...I guess I never really stopped to think how busy it was. I may even be missing a couple things. Oh well, I am on the right side of the dirt....for now....Jamie

Part Time Job Update

May 1st, 2014 at 01:22 am

So, Tuesday evening I started my part time job. You may recall I was hired at $10.00 per hour as a handyman for an elderly MD in a neighboring town. The MD is a kind man who is rather eccentric and scatterbrained. One of those individuals who "is so smart, he's a knucklehead" type of person.....lol.

Well, he has been renovating his deceased mothers house for about....ummmmm....100 years and a portion of the attic is ready for some final dry wall work and painting. I applied a second coat of "mud" to some drywall work that was started but left undone by his last handyman and put up one coat of primer/paint in another section of the attic. The plumber needs to finish the bathroom and then I can hang the rest of the drywall, tape and mud it and paint.

By the looks of the house, I can rest assured part time employment for about.....ummmmm.....100 years. The house is about 2500 s.f. with a new three car garage, four new bathrooms, and renovations started in every room throughout. Nothing is complete and although I feel exhausted for him, I am happy to think I may be allowed to chip away at this job for a long time.

I am humbled by the hourly wage and thankful for the extra income, albeit about ~$40.00-~$50.00 per week. The drive is about 15 minutes from my home and not all that intrusive. In fact, a portion of my travel for my "real job" takes me right by the exit and thus, for example, tomorrow, I will bring my "work clothes" with me, hop off the expressway and put a few hours in prior to going home.

I am going to put 1/2 of the earned income in my savings account the other 1/2 in my Loose Change fund. If I can consistently bring in $200.00 per month minimum, that will be a nice little chunk of change come Christmas time.

Finally, my dad who is back from his summer home in Florida has again promised me some side work this summer with him. That is about $12.00 per hour and although much more physically demanding (my dad is a retired plumber who just can't let go of the grind), he will take great care to get me as many hours as possible.

All in all I am so very blessed! I have a great job. Great employees. Great peers and hopefully growth opportunities. And now, I have some earning opportunities that will not infiltrate my time with my children. Little by little I hope to rebuild my nest egg. Finding new ways to save without sacrificing fun and reaping the benefits of my labor is so exciting to me. Maybe someday soon I can start contributing to my retirement again. In any event, slow and steady wins the race an maybe the nice guy won't finish last anymore. Jamie

Allstate Insurance

April 30th, 2014 at 11:16 pm

So yesterday I reported that my internet company saved me $10.00 per month by removing some dumb 911 package that I no longer needed.

Today, as I prepared to pay 1/2 of my automobile insurance, I was told that if I paid in full, I would save $30.00!

I jumped at the chance and feel great in the fact that I continue to save little by little! Jamie

Totally Shocked!

April 28th, 2014 at 05:20 pm

So, on 4/23/14 my internet went down. The DSL light was on the modem but no connection. After numerous calls, help desk visits, etc., it was determined that the modem should be replaced.

Now, asking my mother to sit at my house all day with baited breath waiting for the repair man was troublesome enough...then, to find out that there were other outages and may delay my repair again, was beyond frustrating.

Suddenly, out of nowhere, she calls me and says the repair is at the house! He replaced the modem, check connectivity and all is well!

I call my service provider to ask for a credit for the time I was out of service. She puts me on hold and returns a moment later saying a 1/2 month credit was applied to my account (I only needed five days) AND.................that I have been paying $10.00/month for a 911 service that no longer exists, and as such, will be getting a credit on my bill next month and a $10.00/month reduction thereafter!

All in all I saved $120.00/year on my internet service, obtained a brand new, high speed, great connectivity modem AND have service again all because of a few phone calls.

Totally Shocked! Jamie

That Was Fast

April 15th, 2014 at 07:25 pm

Wow......for some reason, I thought it would take three billing cycles to earn my Capital One Quicksilver $100.00 cash reward. However, I just checked my account and poof, there it is. I quickly hit "redeem" and ordered the delivery of my check in the amount of $107.53. The $7.53 equates to the 1.5% I earned on all of my purchases.

As I blogged yesterday, the Quicksilver is laying comfortably in my safe, tucked away for a long summer's nap. But now I am wondering if I should search for yet another great rewards card, open my 4th account, use it for my mulch and other summer yard supplies and tuck it away when done?!?!?! What say you? Jamie

Takes Getting Used To

April 15th, 2014 at 12:22 am

So you may recall my blog from this afternoon suggesting what I was going to do with the funds from my movie sale. I mentioned gas and my contribution to the easter dinner. Well moments before I pulled into the gas station it hit me......USE YOUR CREDIT CARD!! Stick to the plan. Build those reward points. So, now I am going to put $20.00 in my pocket for tolls and parking. I will put $45.00 in my operation account to pay the gas charge from today, $50.00 for the easter dinner groceries I will charge on Wednesday and the balance, $75.00 will go into the Loose Change fund.

Building those rewards points responsibly is the name of the game. Jamie

More DVD Sales

April 12th, 2014 at 04:30 am

So, as I blogged yesterday, in my bid to reduce some of the DVD's I have collected over the past fifteen years or so, I was able to sell off $110.00 worth this morning.

Well, I am happy to announce the same buyer has also selected $35.00 more!

$145.00 in DVD sales in less than one hour! Not too bad. I thought my local flea market would be the place to sell some off, but am finding the intimacy of a couple buddies getting together to talk trash works just as well....and no overhead!

Sunday evening I am going to actually go through and write down the title of all of the reamining movies I am willing to sell. Then I can give them to him and another buddy who has voiced his interest and let them submit their "order".

As I blogged yesterday....I plan on using the money to put together this years easter baskets. I think I can do my three girls for about $25.00 per basket and another $25.00 for DG's little girl. That's $100.00 total. Sounds like a lot of money, however, it's well worth it to me. Any additional funds will go into the Loose Change account with it's path leading to its demise in the mortgage principal pre-payment catacombs!

Next up.......the construction of the Easter Basket!

Selling Stuff

April 11th, 2014 at 02:14 pm

Okay....so....I counted and have well over 1000 DVD's!

This morning, I sold $110 worth to a co-worker. This money instantly takes care of the three Easter baskets I have to build next week! And with a bit left over, I am going to add it to my Loose Change Account!

Happy to Spend $500.00

April 10th, 2014 at 01:55 am

Okay...so as you know, I got the new Capital One Quicksilver credit card. This is the one whereby if I charge $500.00 in the first three months, I get a $100.00 cash reward!

So today, after much shopping around, negotiating, pitting one dealership against another and refusing to pay anywhere close to full price, I bought four brand new tires for my car, mounted, balanced, old tires recycled and tax for $320.00! I am so proud of myself! I have struck some pretty good deals in my life kibbitzing, wheeling, dealing and sometimes, pestering to the point of exhaustion, but to get four brand new tires for the price of 2 is something to write home about!

I whipped out the new Quicksilver, swiped the card with glee and headed off to the gas station to fill up my tank for $40.00 which should get me through Sunday as my travel for the next four days is very limited! Because I didn't use cash/debit, I paid full price for the fuel, but hey, the tank is full!

After that, I thought the girls would like Taco's in a Bag for dinner so I headed to market. $30.00 later, I was all set and ready to go!

I have about $110.00 to spend and bam.....$100.00 cash reward earned (after two billing cycles..lolol). This weekend I am going out to dinner with friends and may do some Goodwill Hunting as the weather is gonna be awesome!

I'll pay the card off in full by the end of April and ultimately, make $500.00 worth of purchases for $400.00.

Once my rewards hit, I will cash out and plop it in the old mortgage principal pre-payment jar! Hooooray...Jamie

So, I have to spend $500.00 in 3 months....

April 10th, 2014 at 01:06 am

I got my new Capital One Quicksilver credit card. After updating my spreadsheet, I decided to put my Chase card away and utilize the Quicksilver in order to earn the $100.00 cash reward once $500.00 is spent within the first 3 months of activation.

Well.....today was a pretty big "spend day". But I am very pleased with the path taken. Check it out:

I went to my local Ford dealership to get an oil change and tire rotation. While there, I asked the service man to provide me a quote on the top five tires from cheapest to most expensive. I told him I was about due for new tires and this would help me determine what tire I would purchase and also to shop around (they promote shopping their prices around).

The man was very rude. Almost like me giving him my money was a bother to his day. He was short, direct and project body language that said, "why do you need this information when all you have to do is let me sell you the tire I think is best for the price I think is fair and move on".

Well, that did not, nor ever would fly with me. To a fault, I suppose, I have no patience for companies, individuals or others whose job is to provide a service, yet, feel entitled to my money without leading with said service.

I tried to work with him and continued my line of questions regarding the quotes he reluctantly printed off for me.

Finally, I laid the quotes on his counter, smiled and said, "you may very well have just cost your dealership this sale, but before I leave, I think your boss may want some feedback on my time hear today."

So into the bosses office I sauntered! Twenty minutes later, I was the proud owner of four brand new tires, at cost, without the balance or mounting fees, tire recycling fee, valve stem replacement fee or any other fee they tack on. I paid cost plus tax. Total charge to the Quicksilver: $313.00/four tires!!!!!!

Of course upon returning home, I googled the tires and found that the cheapest retail price, via Monro Muffler was $675.00 plus tax!

I GOT FOUR TIRES FOR THE PRICE OF TWO! Now, do I think bitching to get something free is ethical or wise. No, I do not. But trust me when I tell you, although I have no problem paying $50.00 for a steak dinner, I better darn well get what I pay for, with a smile and good service to boot.

I then dropped about $40.00 in gas to fill 'er up, $30.00 on groceries since the girls wanted tacos in a bag, leaving about $120.00 left to charge in 3 months.

No problem. I will then send in my check for $500.00, paying the balance to zero, earn my $100.00 cash reward and throw that sucker toward my mortgage pre-payment goal.

Phew...what a spendy day. But hey, $500.00 worth of charges for $400.00....works for me...Jamie

I was LIED to

April 7th, 2014 at 07:56 pm

Well, not actually.....in fact, here is the story/update. So, as many of you know, one of my financial goals was to increase my available lines of credit. My pre-goal picture looked like this:

1. Personal Banking Line of Credit - $40k
2. Personal Credit Card Line of Credit - $15k
3. Total Available Line of Credit - $55k

My goal tasks were as follows:

1. Obtain two additional credit cards and increase my overall available lines of credit

2. Determine no end date to the banking lines of credit

Outcome (including the LIE)

1. Personal Banking Line of Credit - $40k revolving with no expiration/loan mandates

2. Obtained a Capital One Credit Card - $15k

3. Obtained a Personal Bank Credit Card (was told it was for $10k)....upon receipt, I found out it was for $15k!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

4. Existing Credit Card of $15k

Now, was it really a lie?!?!?! Nawwwwwwwww....an educated guess I suppose. But that said, I now have access to $85k in credit....again....just in case. Jamie

What is the Minimum you Apply to your Mortgage Pre-Pay?

April 4th, 2014 at 12:33 am

So, as you all know, my loose change is going toward my mortgage principal. My question is: what is the minimum you apply to your principal? Should I wait until I have $20.00, $25.00, $50.00???

I know every penny counts, truly I do, however, do you have a minimum amount?

Once Again...Thanks RTW...WOW!!!!

April 3rd, 2014 at 04:15 pm

Soooo....after reading RTW's Home Warranty blog and after much deliberation, consideration and thought, I decided to contact a Home Warranty company regarding a free quote. Below is the covered items for my policy quote......

Covered Items
Air Conditioning System
Heating System
Electrical System
Plumbing System
Plumbing Stoppage
Water Heater
Whirlpool Bathtub
Refrigerator
Oven / Range / Stove
Cooktop
Dishwasher
Built-In Microwave
Garbage Disposal
Clothes Washer
Clothes Dryer
Ductwork
Garage Door Opener
Ceiling and Exhaust Fans
Limited Roof Leak
Stand Alone Freezer
Well Pump
Septic System
Sump Pump
Septic Tank Pumping

Total Price for 13 months: $600.00
Total Deductable Per Call: $45.00

UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks again RTW

Ok, so call me stupid but..CAN SOMEONE TELL ME WHAT A SNOWFLAKE IS?

April 3rd, 2014 at 03:39 pm

I have seen it used so often since I returned to SA and I am finding it hard to identify what it truly means. I am probably pretty dumb to not know this but hey, there is always the ignorant one in the family right?!?!

Final Act of Leverage

April 1st, 2014 at 11:46 pm

Good evening SA Family.

As I blogged last night, it was a very busy financial day. Opening another account, applying for my second and third credit card and verifying the standing of my lines of credit and setting up auto bill to my credit card to start earning cash back rewards/gift cards (I am hoping to use it like a nice Christmas Club account)

Today, I am happy to report that I was approved for my final credit card! I received the email this afternoon! I am now the proud holder of $75k in available lines of credit.

God forbid, but If I ever need access to a large sum of money, albeit temporarily, I have the peace of mind knowing I am all set. Thanks Retired to Win for the support and encouragement! Jamie

Any Decent Honest Online Survey Sites to Earn From

April 1st, 2014 at 12:51 am

So. It seems no matter how hard I try...I cant get a straight answer pertaining to an on line survey site whereby I could earn some extra income. So here is my challenge. For every recommended site I visit that turns into passive income...I will mail the blogger an autographed 8x10 black and white of me. No strings attached. I'll pay shipping and handling.

Busy Financial Day

April 1st, 2014 at 12:26 am

Busy Financial Day for Jamie.. here is what I accomplished

1. Opened a duplex escrow account whereby 1/2 of the rental income will go for taxes and insurance. This will keep my operational and savings accounts more clearly defined

2. Finalized the applications for my second and third credit cards. Both maintain moderate interest rates, exciting rewards and combined with my first card, gives me $34k in avaliable credit. Great power!

3. Verified all information is current on my $40k unsecured line of credit through my bank. This along with number 2 above secures $74k in available credit. Great power!

4. To leverage my reward programs, I ordered all but two monthy bills be applied directly to my credit card per month. The only remaining expenses are my mortgage and electric bills. I will do the mortgage tomorrow and have to speak with my electric company as all the information online suggests they use a third party billing company and charge $7.50 per credit card payment transaction.

Doesnt sound like much but I am very content with my actions today.

Only My Second Credit Card in 20 Years

March 31st, 2014 at 01:27 am

Well, in answer to the advice of Retired to Win and following along a path I have been considering for a few months now, I just signed up for and was approved for my second credit card. In fact, this is the only other credit card I have has in 20 years. My first one is a Chase Platinum....$15k line....9% fixed...decent reward system. I have always been very happy with this card, the customer service, the security and rewards. The newest member of the family is the Capital One Quicksilver. Why you ask...well, $100.00 cash back bonus if $500.00 is charged within the first 3 months....no annual fee.......$10k line.....1.5% cash back on all purchases....I don't have to deal with rotating reward options (which isn't that big of a deal but I thought reducing the thought process was healthy at this stage in my life). The only "gripe" I have is the interest rate!!! What is going on???? Between 12 and 22%??? And this for a card that required an Excellent Credit Score????!!!! Well, since I never carry a balance, it really doesn't affect me but still....WOW! Is this normal? What say you!

Much Needed Advice

March 27th, 2014 at 03:19 pm

Hey Folks,

So, my sister went through a break up two years ago. She had no place to go and thus, I offered up my home. At that time, I chose not to charge her rent of any kind and also allowed her to house her two cats. Two years later, she is still here, not a penny has ever been paid or offered, her cats have caused about $500.00 worth of damage to the carpets and furniture and frankly, with her graduation from college scheduled in May (yes, she was a very late collegiate bloomer), I believe it's time she takes on some fiscal responsiblity. Thus, I have drafted the following email:

As of May 1, 2014, I will begin charging you rent. The breakdown is as follows and my expectation is that this amount is paid on or before the 1st of each month:

$10.00/month for land line phone usage (if there is an overage of minutes, I will let you know. To date, there has been none and with rollover minutes accumulated, I don't anticipate this being an issue)

$10.00/month Netflix/Sat

$50.00/month Electric/Air

$50.00/month Heat

$10.00/month Garbage

$20.00/month Internet

$150.00/month Base Rent

Total Due per Month: $290.00

I believe after two years, this expectation is fair. I also believe it is much less than you would have to incur if you were living on your own, which I tried hard to consider when making this difficult decision.

Just reply accepting these terms so I know you have received this email.

If you have any questions, please let me know as I would be happy to discuss this with you.


So, what say you? Let me provide one caviate....my parents suggested I do this two years ago.

For the most part, she is no trouble at all. However, it "feels" to me that she views my home as a flop house. A place eat, sleep, do laundry, shower, keep her cats safe, study and keep her belongings.

One expectation I have is that she will reply - "I can't afford it so I'll move out". Therein lies a very sticky feeling for me. First, if she moves out, she will simply just mootch off someone and continue to ride this wave of poverty as long as she can which unto itself, really is not my business. But worse than that, it would confirm that it really only has been a flop house for her and how dare her take on monthly rent elsware versus paying it to her brother.

I know, a lot to digest. But hey, I figured you all would guide me along a fair and commesurate path. Thanks a ton!

An All Encompasing Thank You Letter

March 27th, 2014 at 01:18 pm

Dear SA Family,

I have been part of this family, albeit somewhat missing for a couple years, since 2007! I have read about the highs and lows of my SA families. I have witnessed great accomplishments and seen some terrible situations unfold. I have followed stories of children, extended family and everything in between! Through all of this, I am extremely grateful for the guidance, support, advice, suggestions, prayers and otherwise, friendship. I am thankful to each one of you and for each one of you. As I sit here in Rochester, NY, freezing my backside off, I am reminded that the trials and tribulations I face are the very same ones faced by those of you between Austrailia to the Napa Valley, CA. In an odd way, that makes me feel much less alone. Thanks everyone! - Jamie

Talk About Motivation....

March 24th, 2014 at 05:53 pm

If you ever need motivation to reduce spending and increase savings, read any one of the blogs posted by Retired to Win! Wow. I just had shivers run up and down my spine. So, what have I done to join forces with the Great and Wise One (new name for Retired to Win)....well, I have:

Reduced my Satellite TV bill from $60.00/mo to $10.00/mo by electing to go with local TV only and supplementing my viewing pleasure with a $7.99/mo Netflix account - Net savings = $42.00/mo (this is ~84% of my monthly mortgage principal payment of $50.00 right off the bat)!

I have replaced every single incandescent light bulb in my house with with a compact fluorescent replacement! The new rule....if you don't need the light, turn it off!

With three daughters, saving money has always been tough at the grocery store, however, we have an Aldi's type grocer about 4 miles away from us (Save A Lot) that I have been using almost exclusively....I have not taken any steps to do a firm cost comparison, however, I seem to get four cloth bags full of food for about $30.00 less than six plastic bags (each plastic bag holds about 1/3 of what my cloth bags do) worth at one of the big box grocery stores. Outside of a few items I insist on in my personal diet (Greek, Non Fat PlainYogurt, Sardines in Water, Vitamins), I honestly can't think of anything it doesn't offer! Their meat selection is out of this world and the girls have not complained at all.

Finally and most importantly, I do NOT feel as if I am sacrificing happiness, need or want! Thanks Oh Wise One! I consider myself your Jedi mentee!



Work From Home Ideas

March 7th, 2014 at 01:10 am

Man, I suppose one could beat a dead horse with this topic, however, I pose it with all sincerity. I have some extra time in the evenings. When the children go to bed or I am lounging around after a long day at the office, I would love to utilize this time to earn some extra money. My thought is to ramp up my mortgage pre-payment goals, of which I am going to use 1/2 of my 52 Week Challenge to do so as well (thanks to some great feedback from last nights blog). I am not looking to get rich quick of course and simply would like to earn $300.00 to $500.00 per month, at my own pace, from a reputable organization. I welcome any thoughts or experiences and look forward to my Saving Advice "family" for guidance.

It'll be four years in 23 days

March 5th, 2014 at 12:44 am

Wow! In 23 days it will have been four years since my last blog. So much has changed in my life. The company I started in 2001 is no longer in business. My wife and I have divorced and my dream of retiring by age 45 will not be met. Now for the good news! My three girls are doing great. My ex wife and I are working hard to become devoted parental partners and I am finally on the road to financial recovery. A new normal in almost every aspect in my life! I have been blessed to work as an executive for a global corporation where everyday is different than the last going on three years now. I have managed a modest savings account but today, which sparked this visit, I took a huge step in startig a 52 Week Savings Challenge. Nothing fancy. Nothing crazy. My saving goals have changed drastically of course and my ability to save at the rate I once did no longer exists. But....I am blessed beyond words, I am slowly finding happiness and I am beginning to feel that "savings burn" deep in my soul, the one we all share, starting to flicker again. It sure does feel good to be back!

Heading to Libertyville Illinois Tomorrow

October 15th, 2009 at 11:44 pm

I am blessed to travel to Marytown, the National Shrine of St. Maximilian Kolbe, founder of the Militia Immaculata.

This weekend is the National Convention for all of the Knights of the Immaculata to attend.

I am so excited and blessed to be going! Please say a prayer for me in my travels and growth in faith.

God bless.

Spare Change Anyone?

October 11th, 2009 at 01:05 am

So, as many of you know, I LOVE using my own little forced savings practice. As a reminder, this is where I round my checks and deposits. If I write a check for $46.00, I make my registry entry for $50.00. If I deposit $200.00, I make my registry entry for $150.00.

As of last week, and as I reported on my blog, I "saved" over $2500.00 thus far this year.

Well, another thing I do is save all of my spare change, including the change I am constantly picking up off the ground/floor wherever I go. Tonight I exchanged them and to my pleasant surprise, saved $93.76!

Now, what to do with the money? I think the girls and I will take a trip to the store and use it for the local food pantry. Ironically enough, in the bulletine at Mass tonight they listed some needed items for the pantry being Jell-O, Peanut Butter, Soup, etc.

PS - My mortgage pre-payment plan is moving along nicely. How about yours?

Spare Change and Forced Savings

October 7th, 2009 at 05:39 pm

Although it has been a long time since I have blogged, the time has come to rejoin my SA friends. Great to see all of your efforts and stories.

My spare change container is full. Before the weekend is out, I am going to take it and the girls to the store to have them counted and turned to paper money. At that point, I think this time around we will use it to purchase some non-parishable items for the local food pantry.

Also, as you know I am a HUGE proponent of forced savings via my checkbook. To date, by recording a check written for a greater amount and by reducing the actual amount of my deposits in my register, I have saved over $2,000.00 in ten months! This is going into my cash reserves, although, a nice mortgage pre-payment may also ensue.

God bless and again, it's great to be back!

Need Help with a Side Bar Ticker

February 3rd, 2009 at 01:51 am

Hello SA Family,

I would really like to put a side bar ticker up to show the progress I am making with paying off my mortgage.

I thought it would be easy to do, but, I am not really good with computer things (always had my secretary or IT Department do it for me).

If someone could give me a step by step tutor, I would be very grateful. God bless.

You may have seen this before, but I had not so I thought I would share

January 29th, 2009 at 01:50 pm

Slow Dance

This is a poem written by a teenager with cancer. She wants to see how many people get her poem. It is quite the poem. Please pass it on. This poem was written by a terminally ill young girl in a New York Hospital It was sent by a medical doctor - Make sure to read what is in the closing statement AFTER THE POEM.

SLOW DANCE

Have you ever watched kids

On a merry-go-round?

Or listened to the rain

Slapping on the ground?

Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight?

Or gazed at the sun into the fading night?

You better slow down.

Don't dance so fast.

Time is short.

The music won't last.

Do you run through each day

On the fly?

When you ask How are you?

Do you hear the reply?

When the day is done

Do you lie in your bed

With the next hundred chores

Running through your head?

You'd better slow down

Don't dance so fast.

Time is short.

The music won't last.

Ever told your child,

We'll do it tomorrow?

And in your haste,

Not see his sorrow?

Ever lost touch, Let a good friendship die

Cause you never had time

To call and say, 'Hi'

You'd better slow down.

Don't dance so fast.

Time is short.

The music won't last.

When you run so fast to get somewhere

You miss half the fun of getting there.

When you worry and hurry through your day,

It is like an unopened gift....

Thrown away.

Life is not a race.

Do take it slower

Hear the music

Before the song is over.
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FORWARDED E-MAILS ARE TRACKED TO OBTAIN THE TOTAL COUNT.

Dear All: PLEASE pass this mail on to everyone you know - even to those you don't know! It is the request of a special girl who will soon leave this world due to cancer.

This young girl has 6 months left to live, and as her dying wish, she wanted to send a letter telling everyone to
live their life to the fullest, since she never will.

She'll never make it to prom, graduate from high school, or get married and have a family of her own.

By you sending this to as many people as
possible, you can give her and her family a little hope, because with ever y name
that this is sent to, The American Cancer Society will donate 3 cents per name
to her treatment and recovery plan . One guy sent this to 500 people! So I know
that we can at least send it to 5 or 6. It's not even your money, just your time!

PLEASE PASS ON AS A LAST REQUEST.

Dr. Dennis Shields, Professor
Dept of Developmental/Molecular Biology
1300 Morris Park Avenue
Bronx, New York 10461

Got my Juicer

January 27th, 2009 at 01:08 am

I finally did it! As I blogged a few weeks ago or so, I was in the market via Ebay, etc., for a juicer.

After much research, I decided on the Juiceman versus Jack Lalanes Juicer.

The Juiceman ran me $52.00 including tax, no shipping, right from Target.

The other juicer was $99.00 plus tax at Target.

I tried it out this evening (four apples and two carrots). WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't wait to play with this "toy" some more.

If anyone has any juicing receipies, please share them. Thanks and God bless.


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