I am a Water Snob

A couple of years ago the town put the water and sewer lines down our street. It's not mandatory to hook in, but even if you don't you have to pay an assessment. I was also told that at some point in the future the town may require that everyone hook in to the water and sewer lines.

My husband decided that since we were being assessed for this that we should hook in. He also thought we would save money on bottled water and the savings could be put towards the tax. I'm not sure of the exact amount of the assessment, but I do know that we were spending approximately $36 each month on the 5-gallon water bottles which translates into $432 a year on bottled water. Our assessment may be twice that.

Anyway, here's my story. I was not happy that he wanted me to give up the bottled water. Water is my beverage of choice. I don't drink soda or juice. When I reach for a beverage, I reach for water. I tried drinking the tap water, but I could honestly tell the difference.

I think we hooked into the city water in November. I believe that it takes at least three weeks to begin to change a habit. I gave it until the beginning of March. I just couldn't do it! I considered adding the bottled water to my grocery budget. But I was afraid I'd get the silent treatment if I just showed up at home with the 5-gallon bottles of water. So, I started buying 2-3 one-gallon jugs. When there was no reaction from my husband, I decided I would give him the money and ask him to go buy the 5-gallon jugs of water.

Last Saturday, I put $20 on the kitchen counter and I asked him. He asked me, "What's wrong with the tap water?" I said, "I don't like it." Now, you have to know my husband. He's an extremely calm person. In fact, he's almost comatose. But after almost 25 years of marriage, I can tell when he's not happy, and he had that unhappy look on his face. All he did was take a deep cleansing breath and went on with his day.

When I came home from snowflaking Saturday night, there was a water contraption on the counter. The next day he hooked it up. It has it's own spout for the drinking water. He said, "Here's your filter. Now the water should taste better to you."

I have to admit...the water really does taste better.

A Post Easter Thought

On Saturday at my snowflaking job a coworker asked if I was getting Easter baskets for my kids. I said that I wasn't. Her children are much younger than mine and she remarked that they were excited about Easter because they thought it was going to be a huge gift-getting day like Christmas. My friend said she thought it would be fun to give someone my daughter's age an Easter basket because it could be filled with lip gloss, make up and little trinket types of things. I thought about that for a brief moment, but still was not motivated to run out to get stuff for Easter for C1 and C2.



Even when they were growing up, we never made Easter a huge present-giving day. Because I sold Longaberger, each had and still has a Longaberger Easter basket. I used to put grass in it along with a chocolate bunny and a small toy, for example a stuffed Easter animal or maybe an action figure for my son. Then they would use their baskets to gather eggs at the Easter egg hunt.



I must say that I do think C1 thought I was giving Easter baskets this year. She was shocked when I told her that I wasn't. I'm thinking 22 and 16 and you don't believe in the Easter bunny...no need for the Easter baskets. In the end I did get each of them a chocolate bunny.

What I would do with the money?

Yesterday's Powerball was worth a lot of money. I know it usually is, but this was one of those very, very, very large jackpots. In fact, nobody had all six numbers, so the next drawing is worth $275 million.

The people on the van and I decided to pool our money and buy 5 tickets for yesterday's drawing. There are five of us on the van, so that set each of us back $1. We all know that the odds are definitely not in our favor, but it's always fun to discuss what we would do with the money if we won. Here's what I would do.

First, I would abandon my job. Many people say they would go to work and flaunt their winnings. Not me. I want to know what it's like to just not show up.

Second, I'd change my telephone number to an unpublished number. I just don't want people calling and calling me. No interviews, please!

Third, I'd move to Hawaii.

Fourth, I'd pay down my debt, my husband's debt and my daughter's debt.

Fifth, I'd set up trust funds for each child.

Sixth, I'd invest in long-term care insurance.

Seventh, I'd have my husband figure out how much we would need to live comfortably for the rest of our lives and invest that amount of the winnings.

Eighth, I would earn my master's degree and a doctorate degree.

Ninth, I would consider plastic surgery.

Tenth, I would become a philanthropist. I would set up a trust fund to give the rest of the money to my favorite charities.

Now, if only I would win. What would you do with your winnings if you won big in the lottery?

Teen Drivers

I've been dealing with the challenge of a teen driver. Wow! What a challenge it is. I am all for young people having responsibilities and independence, but it is very difficult to help them understand that there are still limits.

The Governor of our state has assembled a task force to study and make recommendations regarding what can be done to keep teen drivers safe and alive. This is a very serious issue. In fact, this task force is supposed to report back to the Governor by the end of March.

So far this year in this state, there have been seven fatalities involving teen drivers. This compares to 15 in all of 2007. This is very scary when you consider that we are just in the beginning of March.

There have already been several recommendations. One is to suspend the teen's license for a period of time if cited for a moving violation. Another is to require parents to receive some type of driver education if your teen driver gets a ticket.

I was very surprised to learn that in some states the age for a teen to get a drivers license is 14 years old! What about your state? Is teen driving a hot topic where you live? If so, what steps is your state government taking to help keep teen drivers safe?

Here's What's in My Wallet

Yesterday morning when I got to work, I decided to splurge on a cup of coffee at the little coffee shop in the lobby. In order to pay for it, I had to put down my three bags (purse, lunchbag, and tote) and get my wallet out of my purse. I pulled my $1.33 out of my wallet, paid, set my wallet on counter and put the lid on my coffee. Then I slid all my stuff to end of the counter so I could organize my bags and coffee and head towards the elevator. As I was preparing to go, I looked at my wallet sitting on the counter. I thought to myself, "If I left my wallet here and someone picked it up, would I know exactly what's in it?" I put it in my purse and was on my way.

Later in the day while perusing the blogosphere, I came across Mrs. Micah's post. She asked the same question: "What's in your wallet?" I took this as a sign. It must be time to purge my wallet and make a record of its contents. With that task completed, here's what's in my wallet.

1. My debit card.
2. Discover card. I only use this to purchase gas for my car.
3. My snowflaking job credit card. Using the card is the only way to get the employee discount. I am learning how to charge my purchase and then come home and pay the bill on line immediately.
4. A cash card for my savings account. I have a savings account at a bank far, far away. I call it my short-term spending account. I guess it's like a mini emergency fund. I transfer money into it every payday. I use it to pay for sports registrations for C2, clothing or small Ninja Bills, if necessary.
5. Driver's license.
6. A Victoria's Secret gift card that I got for Christmas. Unfortunately, I missed the big semi-annual sale.
7. Health insurance cards: medical, dental, and health allies.
8. Discount cards for Famous Footwear, Aerosoles, my favorite spa, and The Body Shop. The Body Shop card wasn't free. I'm pretty sure it was an impulse purchase on a credit card. I don't think I've used it since.
9. $6.25.

It's a good thing I did this. I had expired and obsolete cards in my wallet. I bought this wallet several years ago. I paid $20 cash for it. I like it because it's a small tri-fold wallet. If I decide to switch to a smaller purse, I don't have to worry about changing out my wallet. I'm not a big purse changer, but I guess that's a post for another day. Perhaps the real question is: What's on my key ring? That's where I keep all the scan cards.

By the way, what's in your wallet?

Hind Sight is 20-20

Last week as I was perusing Money Blogs Smart Spending on MSN Money, I came across an inspiring post from doughroller entitled 10 things I know at 40 that I wished I knew at 20. That got me thinking. Since I just turned 50 last Tuesday, what do I know now that I wished I had know earlier?

1. When I was a junior in college, I told my roommate that I when I graduated I hoped I could find a job that paid at least $10k a year. She told me that wasn't a lot of money. She was right. So I wish I had understood and appreciated that.

2. I got my first department store credit card right after I graduated from college. In those days the major banks weren't chomping at the bit to give college freshmen credit cards. That was a good thing, but according to my dad I needed a credit card to establish credit. So I got one. I actually wished I had...

3. ...got a co-signer for a car loan and paid it off in six months to establish my credit. I had a friend who did that. I was in awe. Unfortunately, I didn't think I could do it too.

4. I wish I had know the value of delaying gratification. Up until now, if I wanted something or thought I needed something, I would buy it even if I didn't have the cash to pay for it. There was never a plan or a budget. I am truly paying for this now as I am learning to delay gratification and budget.

5. Along those same lines, I wish I had been a bigger thinker. If I wasn't going to delay gratification, I wish I would have at least bought bigger, investment type things. For example, a boat or real estate. That way when I finally came to the realization that I was in way over my head, I could have sold something and applied the money towards my debt.

6. I wish I had been financially independent before getting married.

7. I love my husband dearly, but I wish I had realized that his financial understanding was as remedial as mine. We've come a long way. Although we have different approaches to financial freedom, it is a mutual goal. He's very cerebral about it. I'm more tangible. He understands that the credit card is a tool. I'm deathly afraid to use it. For me it's like opening the flood gates.

8. I wish I had taught my children personal finance when they were pre-school aged just as I taught them their manners. It's really been in the last year or so that I finally understood that personal finance and money management is a fundamental. One thing I know is that the best time to teach children is when they're young. This way they develop good habits.

The last items are my mantras. I wish I had always...

9. Spent less than I earned and

10. Earned, saved, invested, and gave to charity.

Perhaps this isn't a monumental birthday for you, that is, one that ends in a 5 or a 0. But what do you wish you had known sooner or what habits have you changed to put yourself in a better financial position?

Easter, Christmas, and the day after New Year's Day

Have you ever noticed that on Easter and Christmas church is packed? It is truly standing room only! If you don't arrive an hour before the service starts, you're not going to find a seat, let alone a parking space.

That same phenomenon occurs the day after New Year's Day...at the gym. Beginning today and for the next four to six weeks, the gym will be wall to wall people. If you go, your cardiovascular workout will be from your car to the gym door because you will have to park your car in the boonies of the parking lot. Once inside every piece of equipment will have a line of at least five people deep. All of the regulars will look at each other, shake their heads and remark, "Things will be back to normal come Valentine's Day!"

So, what causes this phenomenon? I haven't quite put my finger on why this happens at church, but I think I know why it happens year in and year out at the gym. All of the new faces are those well-intentioned New Year's resolutioners. Don't get me wrong. I'm glad that they are trying to get healthy. As you well know, I'm a huge fan of fitness, nutrition, health and wellness.

The point of my post is this: Please, please don't be a New Year's resolutioner this year. Make this the year of behavior changes. If you were at the gym today, I say, "Kudos to you!" Decide that not only will you be there for the rest of the week, but come Valentine's Day you'll be considered a regular at your gym.

All I want for Christmas is...

After closing at my snowflaking job yesterday, one of the associates asked me what I was getting for Christmas. I replied that I didn't know because I didn't ask for anything. She's a young woman and seemed surprised that I had no Christmas gift requests. Then she asked me what did I want for Christmas. I said world peace. She thought that was funny.

I've been asking for world peace since my children have had means to purchase gifts for me. I really don't want them to spend their money on me, but I do understand that they may derive pleasure from shopping for a present for their mother.

Anyway, that got me to pondering. What would I like for Christmas? World peace would be phenomenal! But that aside, debt freedom would be an awesome gift. So would traveling to Hawaii or Florida or a Caribbean island. I would love to have the money to set up trust funds for my children or be in a position to go to school full time and work towards my master's degree.

I guess I don't feel the need for stuff anymore. If I want something I can buy it myself. Do you thing that's how I got bound by these shackles in the first place? :-)

Anyway, to all of you who read my blog, thank you. I appreciate you stopping by. I wish you all a very, very Merry Christmas.

A Snow Day

We're expecting a huge snowstorm today in New England. It's not supposed to start until mid-morning, but schools are closed. The interesting thing about this storm coming today is that our department Christmas party is scheduled for this afternoon from 1-6 at a restaurant about 30 minutes from my house. I decided to work from home this morning because it will be easier for me to drive from my house to the party than to drive to work and then drive to the party. Basically, I would have had to take my own car to work rather than get on the van.

So here I sit blogging rather than working and hoping that the party gets canceled. We're supposed to get 8-12 inches of snow. I would prefer not to drive in that.

What is a discretionary fund anyway?

Really? What's the purpose? I mean, I have one, but I'm not sure why. Before I had one, I would go to the ATM every time I thought I needed money for something and take out $20. I probably took $60-$100 each week. I think I visited the ATM 3-5 days a week. However, I couldn't tell you what I was buying with that money. Well, maybe I can. If it were a Sunday, I would go to the ATM after church, withdraw $20 and spend it on coffee and donuts for my family and me. Other than that, I can't think of another reason I frequented the ATM.

In November, which was my first month of tracking my spending, I took $100 each pay. That meant I had $50 a week for discretionary spending. The first week I spent the $50 on groceries. Hmmm. That doesn't seem discretionary to me...that seems like grocery money. Last week, I thought I would buy myself a coffee. I didn't need a coffee, but I had the money in my discretionary fund!

I wonder if the discretionary fund is like a mini emergency fund. Maybe you forget to budget for dry cleaning, but you need something to wear. So you have take an outfit to the cleaners and take the money from the discretionary fund.

I don't know. I'm still trying to figure it out. I don't really think I need $50 per week for discretionary spending. Money seems to put a hole in my pocket. If I have cash, then I spend cash.

What about you? Do you have a discretionary fund? If you do, how do you use it? If you don't, why don't you?

Remember to Tithe

Tithe. My first memory of the word is as a little girl in church. Whenever we would visit our family in the south, we would go to church. I loved going to church in the south. It's so lively. There's lots of singing and praising. The minister is very enthusiastic. It was from his mouth that I heard "tithe". After he would say it, the collection basket would come around, and I would dutifully put my tithe (probably 25 cents) in the basket.

Although I am constrained by the debt shackles, I still contribute my tithe. It's not actually a tithe, but I do have a budget for giving. I think it's less than 1 percent right now, which is pitiful. What's even worse is that (and I'm ashamed to say this) sometimes when I'm reviewing my budget I look at it and think, if I cut that out of the budget I can put it towards my debt. Then I come to my senses and think, "NO WAY"! There are still people who are much worse off than I am. And giving needs to be a habit so that when I am debt free I can increase my tithe to 10-15 percent of my income.

There is a bible story. I don't know where it is exactly in the bible, but Jim Rohn talks about it on one of his tapes (cds). It's about a time when Jesus was in town and people were doing the tithe thing. A rich man came up and gave a boat load of money. Then a poor woman came up and gave two pennies. I believe the story goes that Jesus was eternally grateful to the woman for giving two pennies. When she left, one of the disciples asked Jesus why he was so grateful to the poor woman when she only gave two pennies and the man before her gave a bunch of money. Jesus told the disciples, "You don't understand. She gave all that she had."

My point is that it doesn't matter the how much you give. Even though you are bound by the shackles of debt, please remember to tithe.