Oct 6

I hadn't ventured outside this month.  I am really thrown off kilter re: vacation (catching up at work), MH's travels (covering at home), MH coming home sick (which means more covering at home), etc.  But I did make it outside for a walk in the middle of the work day.

This is an area between my work building and the work building where MM(22) interned a few summers ago.  I presume it's the in-between office that puts out bowls of water in the summer and keeps the bird feeders full.  They also set up a little bench/umbrella for the animals.

Note:  It's just a completely random thing that MM(22) ended up with a job in the same parking lot as my employer.  We did not carpool because he was mostly out in the field, working at construction sites.

Oct 5

I really love this corn salsa, but no one else in my household cares for it.  I will give half to my coworker.

I took a picture because it is so colorful.

MH would say I was bougie, buying lemons and limes.  Versus just using whatever juice he has in the fridge.  It was $1.28 for the lime and lemon.

There has never been a time in our lives where we couldn't afford the extra $1.28.  I always say we are backwards because we started out with the dual income in high cost region.  (It's only been down from there.  Less income.) But I respect that MH considered it his job to keep grocery spending very low during our one-income years.  I just roll my eyes at him more now that we make 3x as much as lowest one-income years.  

I run to the store once or twice a week, these days.  To grab my own things.  Sometimes I plan ahead and add to MH's grocery list.  But today I just went to the store.  

On my drive home, I noticed 3 kids (around age 8 or 9) riding scooters and carrying long fishing rides.  I was too slow.  It took me a few too many seconds to realize, "Now that is a picture."  Like the squirrel, they were too fast for me.  They were headed to the lake.  

MM(22) Aug 2025 'Gifted College Fund': $16,075 (+$5K ROTH)

MM(22) Sep 2025 'Gifted College Fund': $14,897 (+$5K ROTH)

Rent is paid through 10/31.

Paying *all* of MM's college expenses out of this account.  Still no idea if it will be enough to stretch through the end of the school year.  

MM(22) told me he is due some money for utilities.  To be reimbursed from past year roommates.  But they are shuffling the deposits around and he will have to pay some for the bigger deposit (less people) for this year.  Whenever he gets that refund, I will let him apply that money to rent. 

I just did some quick math and it looks like we may have enough money in this account to pay rent and tuition through 6/30.  It's almost absurd how down to the penny it's going to be.  Like I said before, not planned whatsoever.  The reason I think we can breakeven is if I count his rental deposit being returned.  Unknowns: Utilities, tax breaks, course fees, etc.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

DL(20) Aug 2025 'Gifted College Fund': $21,488 (+$5K ROTH )

DL(20) Sep 2025 'Gifted College Fund': $23,682 (+$5K ROTH)

DL got his middle class grant refund from the state already.  So I deposited that back into his college fund.  It was 2 months earlier than we have received in the past.  So I was not expecting that.

DL's net college costs Year 3:  $2,700

Now that I have some real numbers... 

Rough future math:

$23,000 Start of Year 4

-$3,000 Year 4

-$7,000 Year 5 (Teaching Credential) ~no financial aid expected

-----------------

$13,000 Left after Undergrad/Credential

Of course, DL might also have some summer school classes and test fees.

It sounds like the Teaching Masters program is ~$15,000.  Which is an absolute no brainer from a cost/benefit standpoint.  The Masters will pay off very quickly re: higher pay.

& he will probably get a couple of more $1,000 checks from MIL.  This could end up being a 'down to the penny' situation.  Stretching further with the Masters Degree, because he is just living at home.

I hadn't run through the math before.  But it sounds like he will have just enough money for all of the above.  If not, DL(20) has a lot of time to save up to cover some of the Masters classes.  (He's saving ~$900/month, at the moment.)

He did ask me if he should put that $1,000 gift into his college fund this summer, when I offered it to pay for his college commute expenses.  I told him it really made no difference.  It will just be fattening up his cash and investment accounts.  It's not like he plans to spend it.

Edited to add:  I am sure I already mentioned, that I have frequently seen enticing financial incentives for teaching degrees (over the past 20+ years).  Of course we will keep an eye out.  Today I saw that the school district we live in will pay 80% of a credential, will provide $12,000 housing allowance (over 12 months) and a $5,000 bonus for math teachers.  The catch is he'd have to teach in this school district for 3 years.  Our school board friend shared this on social media.  When I was digging for more details, I saw they offered the same deal last year.  DL(20) is excited about that. I told him to look up what other school districts (like the one he is working for) offer.

If DL(20) can land a deal like this, he'd have $20K left after his Undergrad/Credential. 

Oct 3

I've got two photos today.  The clouds were beautiful again today, against the blue sky.

& this squirrel was very busy.  He posed briefly on a log and I tried to take a picture, but he was too busy to pose for long.  I noticed when I looked closer that he was carrying food in his mouth and burying it in the dirt.  I noticed him run past my window several times in the morning, sometimes catching glimpse of some bright colored food in his mouth.

I've seen the squirrels hiding food around before, but I had never noticed one running back and forth for hours. 

I asked MH about some credit card charge and it sounds like he had to pay ~$75 to attend the film festival?  He came home sick from the festival and I haven't been in the same room with him for long.  I will ask him more about that later.  I feel like generally that's covered when they show your film.  But anyway, I have to revise the spending for his Arizona trip.  It was more like $250.  & I am still very happy with the cost/benefit aspect of this trip.

Oct 2

I was trying to get a picture of the clouds.  But after looking through my photos later, I was somewhat intrigued by this one.  Yes, I captured clouds.  But there's the birds on the light pole, the shadows on the ground, the old truck being towed (I didn't notice in the moment), etc. 

Edited to add:  I somehow got a cursor in the clouds.  I zoomed in; that is an accidental post edit. 

Oct 1

This is the view from my office.  I probably haven't seen very many clouds for roughly 4 months.  So I was enjoying the show and the contrast of all the different cloud colors. 

PatientSaver mentioned she was considering a 'photo a day' project in 2026.  I decided that sounded fun and would try in October.  The past couple of Octobers I have done daily spending tracking.  I find that diving into the minutiae makes for a lot to talk about and share (when I have no idea where to begin).  But actually sharing every purchase does become overwhelming.  & that was during low spend times (in the grand scheme of things).  Maybe a picture is easier.  A picture does not require words.  & if anyone else wants to join in, I think it would be fun. 

MH's Arizona trip was *amazing*.  He had the time of his life.  The film festival there was clearly A+ when we went together some years ago.  Very small and not much turnout, but the small size was nice and we had a blast.  It sounds like word is getting out a little more, so MH met some bigger names this time.  They also had a tour on the last day, touring some of the places where bigger movies have been shot.  MH showed me pictures of where they filmed some scenes from Three Amigos.  The National Parks there make for dramatic movie backdrops.

Grand Total: $187 (4.5 Days)

$20 hotel (tip), $30 Uber ride (from airport), $137 food

Hotel & airfare paid for with credit card rewards

Mental note to self:  Never discourage MH from doing this trip.  Everything was very last minute re: short notice.  As the charges started to roll in on the credit card, I recalled how low cost Tucson is.  The lower cost was astounding (to me) when we traveled there together some years ago.  I just didn't think about this time, until I started to see the credit card charges.  

The view from our hotel room.  We had a clear sky and an amazing view of the stars on our first night.

The beach was filled with clams.  Which was apparenty unusual (per social media chatter) but never saw a definitive answer as to why there were so many clams.  The birds (and some people) were enjoying the clam bounty. 

On Day 3 we went to the Elfin Forest, which we had to ourselves.  Lots of animals and amazing views (the surrounding hills, the salt marsh, sand dunes, and Morro Rock).

On Day 4 we hiked a preserve that was behind our hotel.   I've been to the hotel several times over the past ~40 years but I don't believe we have ever done this hike.  It's amazing how much forest and shade is hiding behind the brown (summer) hills.  We might have walked 6 miles on this day.  We had some calories to burn off (re: too much good food).

I shared a photo in my last post (from this hike) of a higher up view of Pismo Beach.

On Day 5 we stopped by a little cafe for dinner.  The food was unique.  

On Day 7 we went to Solvang, a little Danish town.  We have been there before, but this time wanted to be there at night and to see the lights.  When we got there the place was packed.  They had some sort of festival going on.  But thankfully it thinned out quickly.  The place is pretty quiet at night.  They had a free concert.  We ate at a great pub with a perfect view of the sunset and then enjoyed some of the music and people watching.

After staying in idyllic beachfront hotels most of the week, we mostly used Santa Barbara as a point to travel from.  So on our last (mostly travel) day we decided we should at least go down to the beach (4 miles from the hotel) and see the beauty of Santa Barbara.  

I didn't know that the beach there was right next to a slough and wetlands.  We were just squeezing in an early morning walk before we left, but saw some incredible birds.

*Not* my picture, but this is an elegant tern.  We saw them dive bombing into the water.  We also saw a heron that we could not ID (too far away).  But it looked like it might have been a great blue heron.  Which is a bird we have abundantly near our house (we live in the wetlands) but that I don't see very often.  This experience tells me that I need to up my bird watching game.  It would take very little effort.

& after that crazy whirlwind of a month...  It's back to reality.

'Big Splurge' Anniversary trip was a success!

It was fairly low key.  The only spending was fuel, hotel, and food.  100% just nature and the great outdoors, otherwise.  But the hotels were expensive.

This trip really narrowed down my focus.  I had wanted to travel and explore the central coast more.  It's always been my happy place.  So...  We expanded and explored a bit.  & nope.  This is the place.  If we redid the same trip over again, I would have just stayed in Pismo for the week.  I do have a renewed appreciation for how special it is. 

We had about 20 miles of coastline completely to ourselves.  Unreal.  

Our trip (distance) was cut a little short re: Highway 1 closure that cut off a lot of our access to Big Sur.  We can save the windy/steep coastline road for a future trip.  I guess the road has been washed out for about 3 years (according to the northern most hotel that we stayed at).  I am sure we have driven that stretch before but we had wanted to stop and do more camping (further north) this trip.  It just wasn't worth the extra time and drive to go all the way around.

Too far north (absolutely gorgeous but no wifi or cell service):

Too far south:

Pismo Beach:

I paid for the trip when the hotel charges posted to the credit card. I sent $1,200 to the restaurant/fuel card.  (We ate *very* well).  & sent $2,500 to the travel card to pay for the hotels.  That should cover it. 

That reminds me, we did expand our horizons and try some new food places in Pismo.  Realized why we always go to the one place.  (Which is somewhat a cost thing because the cost is unreal/low, in addition to the amazing food).  But we tried some things.  & then we just ended up focusing on all the best places we always go to.  (Lots of amazing Italian food.)

So yes, we seemed to fail on all fronts, as to trying new things.  But hey, at least we tried.   I suppose that's not totally fair.  We enjoyed the northern notel we stayed at, and discovered we had the coastline to ourselves.

Grand Total:  $3,700

Note:  We took out MM(22) for a handful of extravagant meals, so it wasn't just the two of us.  We spent most of the week just a few miles from his college campus.

This was probably our biggest 2-person domestic splurge.   We came in slightly under our 2017 Europe trip (that we did soley because it was an incredible deal).  & I mean, the $3,850 Europe trip was far more extravagant as to how many places we went and things we did.  The non-stop flights were unreal (something like $500) and the exhange rate was very favorable at the time.  I paid for all the tours (different cities/countries) with credit card points.

The obvious thing I would do to redo this trip is camp on the weekend to save $800.  I mean trading out a very ho hum (but the most expensive) hotel in more out of the way city and trade it for camping in a cabin with a full bath and kitchen, on a lake.  We had planned to do that anyway but it was a 2-night minimum.  & I didn't want to stay that long. Hindsight 20/20, I'd make that switch.  I'd also eat out a lot less and just eat more leftovers.  

MH's movie has been released!  It's on Amazon!

https://www.amazon.com/placeholder_title-John-Doe/dp/B0FP6N4LBB

If you click on the link (er, copy and paste the link) and click on the icon that I highlighted in yellow, you can see the movie preview.  It's a horror comedy. So be forewarned, if horror is not your thing.  

Picking up where I left off...

So we are still working on getting the financial backers their swag and their first look at the movie.  Dealing with some hiccups on the discs that most the backers are going to receive.  

I guess the distributor asked for some artwork recently and MH asked if that meant things were moving along.  As he recounted to me, the main producer scoffed and said, "That's not how it works."  The best ETA they have is late October.  The film is still going through QC, which is expected to be a long process. 

So fast forward a couple of days..  & MH texts me that his movie is on Amazon Prime.  What!?  It took me a minute to process this.  This was my work from home day.  The same day we were expecting discs and planning to see the movie at the micro theater. 

So I ran to the TV and found it!

Some of MH's friends had told him that you never know when or where your movie will show up on streaming.  But...  We interpreted this as more of a 'once you get the final go ahead' thing.  We were not expecting it to show up 6 weeks ahead of the last ETA.  What!?

One other thing I heard was that Amazon was the most picky about QC.  So it sounds like it could show up on all of the other streaming platforms.  We were expecting it to show up on Tubi.  I don't know what specific platforms will stream this kind of movie.  I think Amazon and Tubi were the big ones I've heard thrown out.  & also sharing if you are curious but don't want to pay to see the movie.  There will eventually be more options.  

If you do watch the movie, keep in mind that it's a micro budget film.  Most of the short 10-minute movies I have seen at the festivals had a similar or bigger budget.  Most of the feedback we've gotten to date was responded with, "Yeah, we wish we had the budget for that".  The vision was more Gremlins re: the waffle balls (which are marketing genius).  But...  Those had to be CGI and there's only so many hours in the day.  The main producer did all the CGI work.  If we can make the money to do a sequel.  Yes....  That's obviously what we would want to deliver.  We need more than $50K to bring that part more to life. 

This movie took 2 years from the first crowdfunding to the first distribution.   The movie was filmed in 3 weeks in early 2024.  Post production took about a year.  We screened the film for the first time in March.  We have been working out the distribution deal since that time, making some final adjustments to the film, etc.

We will get a small cut of the proceeds, after dividing many ways.  I don't expect it to amount to much but will see how it goes.  I don't expect any money or further information until 2026.

MH is planning to go to the Arizona film festival again.  I was able to pay for the flight and the hotel with credit card rewards.  I was extra pleased because Capital One gave me an extra $250 travel credit re: booking through their travel site.  I've already looked up hotels at least 4 times already.  They never have the hotel or the room type that we want.  I guess the 5th time is the charm.  It's nice I was able to actually use that credit.

I think we can easily pay for the balance of this trip, and the balance of his Austin trip, with MH's income.  I was intially eyeing DL's 'college rent fund' for our big anniversary trip.  But we've actually been able to build up some cash this year.  (Knock on wood).  I will probably just more view the DL fund as a secondary emergency fund.  & will just see how it all lands at the end of the year.

On Wednesday, MH was able to show his movie at a small micro theater.  They have about 25 seats.  

MH wasn't sure who was showing up.  All his flakey friends who couldn't make it to the IMAX screening were interested but were once again flakes.  As we drove to the theater, MH told me he had no idea who was going to show up.  The tickets had sold out quickly.

Once we arrived at sat down to watch the movie, MH told me, "I don't know any of these people!"  (I think technically there was the two of us, and two of his friends that had confirmed ahead of time.)

Definitely the most cold crowd we have watched the movie with.  Because it's always been cast, crew, friends, family.  

From the first minute, people were laughing at every.single.joke.  I looked at MH and told him, "Well, this is a good crowd!"  He definitely found his people.  I think it was just a group of people that likes indie horror films.  They LOVED it!  Which bodes well for the real plan which is to gather a cult following and eventually make a sequel.  Maybe we can do this thing.

I told MH that other than the first screening with the cast and crew, I think this audience was the second most excited.  MH told me he thought this audience appreciated it more than the cast and crew.  Fair.  I think MH felt very seen as they laughed at pretty much all of his stupid jokes.  When it comes to the movies MH has made, I feel like it usually takes a minute for people to get that this is supposed to be dumb and silly.  & this crowd *got it* from the first beat.

It's a horror comedy.  If nothing else, we might always do a screening at this theater in September or October.  I don't know if we will ever get our initial investment back.  But all that money was worth it just to experience that once.  & we can do it again!  We also chatted with the owners, who said they are trying really hard to find a bigger space.  I think we found the right venue.  Being able to double or triple how many tickets we can sell...  That would be amazing.

The movie theater split the proceeds with us 50/50.  The sold out show netted us $135!  That's the first money we have ever made from the infinite hours MH has put into making movies.  

MH had rush ordered some test Blu Ray disks, hoping to sell at the movie theater.  I believe they do a 60/40 cosignment split.  It turns out the movie had a small glitch.  MH doesn't want them in circulation.  It's just a sound glitch in the menu.  But selling the blu rays will have to wait for another time.

It's a bummer because this is further delaying the main benefit to all of the financial backers.  Who are waiting for their early blu ray copies.  So close...

When we woke up Wednesday morning, this was the status of further distribution and streaming:  Expected release date end of October.  

Really cutting it close as to wanting to have it available for Halloween.  & who knows how much that will be pushed back.  

All we knew was that it was still under QC review.  There was a very high expectation that there would be some rework that needs to be done re: sound or whatever else.

To be continued...

Crazy crazy week.  But thankfully, it was all good crazy.  I will break this out into three posts.

DL(20) was able to meet with an advisor in the college education deparment.  Because of his work experience, he will be able to do a 1-year track for his teaching credential.  The credential program is treated the same as Undergrad, with minimal fees added.  DL will have to pass two tests and add a few classes to his degree.  He might choose to take some summer classes so that he can keep working, but it sounds very doable.

As far as a Masters, it looks like it will be just one part-time year at his current college.  While I am sure there are many other options, I don't think he will see the point.  Being able to go to school close to home and his job, will be important.  & the cost will also be hard to beat.  I just happened to meet up with another teacher (MH's friend's wife, I only met her once before and she wasn't on my radar at all.  Until MH told me we were meeting up with her the other night.)  So of course I asked her about teaching and all that. She thought that his Stats major was very complimentary for teaching.  & as Rob in the blogs told me, made a point how important data collection was for teachers.  She felt this would look very favorable to employers.  

This officially puts DL(20) on a 5-year college track.  He will fit right in with the rest of the household.  If he can pull it off in 5 years, he will have the distinction of earning a credential, in addition to his degree.  But because of that, he is probably a little extra motivated to finish his degree in 4 years.  It will likely require summer classes because he also wants to work a lot during the school year.  Mostly because he likes his job, but also he has a lot to save up for.  Will see how it all works out.

Note:  Some topics of conversation that have come up in recent weeks:  Buying a condo, marriage, supporting his future spouse, getting a Masters degree, etc.  <----  These are all the things he is thinking about financially.  Though I don't think he has any plans to spend much on a wedding or an engagement.  He asked me the other day how much it really cost to elope.  Then he saw the look on my face and said, "Not now!  In a couple of years probably." 

If you told me 2-3 years ago that DL(20) would be the first in our household to pursue a higher degree.  What!?  I lumped him in with a lot of my family who were not college people.  Now in his third year of college...  I think the truth was that he just wasn't a K-12 person.  It was easy to presume that he would have been more well served by a community college/AA degree, like several people in my family. 

This is also a kid who never wanted to take an advanced class or do a single extra-curricular activity.  He was always so precious about his time and I was so grateful he was admitted into the art school.  It was the only way he ever would have gotten any exposure to the arts.  Because asking him to take a class after school would have been a bridge too far.  Even for something he was extremely passionate about art.  So...  Who is this kid who wants to work and go to school and take summer classes?  Clearly it has to do a lot with finding his true passion.  Being older and more mature.  But I also think a lot of it is just having more control over things.  Having control about what he can study and how he can spend his time.  I might have said already, but adulthood really suits DL.

I wanted to jot some of the college info down before I forget the new info.  This means DL will probably also have a more expensive 5th college year (like his brother).  I wouldn't expect any financial aid once the state grants dry up (after 4 years).  But there's frequently been generous government offers for individuals to pursue teaching credentials.  (MH has considered this route a few times, when they literally would have paid him a 'salary' while also paying for a credential program.)  Will keep an eye out on what opportunities are available when we cross that bridge. 

MM(22) July 2025 'College Rent Fund': $2,400

MM(22) August 2025 'College Rent Fund': $112  $0

Rent is paid through September 30th.

I reimbursed MM(22) for 6 months of utilities, so this account is pretty much exhausted.  I think I will call it.  There is still technically $15,112 in this account, earmarked for DL(20).  Er, was earmarking $15,000 in my mind.  But I have been giving interest on the entire combined account to MM(22).  Because MM(22) is the only one using the money.  I think it’s fair to cut MM(22) off at this point.  In the name of simplicity.

Note:  I am not committing to give DL this $15,000.  It’s just there if he wants to transition out of the house before he graduates.  Which I personally think he should.  But DL and MH more lean towards saving money.  

Second note:  Started with $20K in this account (for MM’s college years) and currently have $19,500 in our ‘taxable investment’ account.   I think it’s safe to say that we will have entirely replaced the original $20K (this fund) by the end of this calendar year.   Or about 4 years after MM(22) started college. 

MM(22) July 2025 'Gifted College Fund': $16,015 (+$5K ROTH)

MM(22) Aug 2025 'Gifted College Fund': $16,075 (+$5K ROTH)

+$60 interest in August

With the ‘college rent fund’ exhausted, will be tapping this fund for rent and all the college expenses going forward.

MM(22) doesn't start his 5th college year for a couple of more weeks.  

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

DL(20) July 2025 'Gifted College Fund': $21,607 (+$5K ROTH )

DL(20) Aug 2025 'Gifted College Fund': $21,488 (+$5K ROTH)

I ended up paying for parking fees out of this fund.  This was the first year we started paying for tuition out of this fund.  Figured might as well also not sweat the parking fees. 

I received DL’s state grant amount/estimate and it is more than I will owe for spring tuition.  We should be putting in more than we take out, for the rest of the year.  But I won’t get Fall financial aid money back for a few more months.

DL(20)'s Fall semester started a couple of weeks ago.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We are starting a new chapter where all the college expenses are being paid by the 'saved ahead' funds.  I don't anticipate cash flowing any college expenses (from income) in the future.  I'd still consider these our most expensive 'kid' years re: private healthcare (x4) and feeding growing boys ($$$$$).  There is some major cost savings to be had (~$30,000 per year) once our kids fly the nest (healthcare, food, mortgage paid off or downsize).  I feel like most my peers with college-aged kids are sweating 'college'.  I am more sweating everything else.  Or maybe more to the point, looking forward to the massive decrease in other young 20-something expenses.  In just a few more years. 

This was an earlier post I did estimating DL's college costs:

DL's expected net college costs:

$32,000 Tuition/fees

-10,000  tax credits

-16,000  CA middle class grants

---------

$6,000 Net cost

Probably minus some increased middle class grants in the future, which could easily net out this cost to $0.  

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

DL's actual net college costs (Years 1-3):

$24,686 Tuition/Fees

+  1,100 Parking Fees

+       0  College Laptop (paid with credit card reward)

+    314   Orientation, books, supplies

-  7,500  Tax Credits

-11,590  CA middle class grants

---------

$7,010 Net cost

In the end, grants decreased a little bit re: political budgets and games.  I believe the grants were set to drastically reduce last school year, but then were saved at the last minute.  In the end, I think the grant is basically the same all 3 years for DL (probably about where MM maxed out).  But his college is a lot less expensive (no outside room/board to pay) and so the amount is ~$4,000 per year.   (MM received more because it's a % of total college costs).  $4,000 (per year) is what I originally estimated re: DL first year grant.  I would personally not count on anything next year but will see where things land.

We technically should be eligible for lower income grant this year (full $6,000 to cover tuition; this does not cover fees).  But even this middle class grant number is just a first pass/estimate at this point.  Nothing is set in stone.  It's all clear as mud, at this point.  It will be clear when the money hits my bank account.

In the end, DL(20) is probably on track to spend closer to $10,000 on his degree.  What is notable is that $10K was the cost of my own college degree.  Which I considered to be extremely affordable, 30 years ago.  Factoring inflation, he's paying about 1/4 as much for a similar (State) degree.  The full sticker price has scaled with inflation.  The very low (net) cost is due to college tax credits and state middle class grants that did not exist 30 years ago.

Note:  While looking up actual dollar amounts paid, I figured I would share *all* of the costs.   I consider my first estimate to be a really rough estimate.  'Actual costs' include every college related expense that we paid to-date.

DL(20) is just living at home, and so these are *all* of his college costs.  Commute becomes a bigger college expense in this situation, but he is paying for all of the car/commuting expenses.  He was.  MIL just gave me the annual $1K for the kids' gifted college funds (she forgot last year).  So this was the first time I just passed on the money to DL(20).  It's just enough money to cover the fuel for his college commute.  The money might stretch a little farther this school year, now that he has a more fuel efficient vehicle.

After a couple of really terrible jobs (many broken employment laws, measly pay, etc.)...  DL(20) landed a real job at the end of last summer.  It was a teacher's aide type job (I think his job title is 'recreational aide') and the interview sounded far more difficult than any job interview I have ever had.  What!?  But he's a smart and articulate kid.  That won't get you a job at McDonalds (fast food was literally only hiring 1 out of every 6 that came in for in-person interviews).  But it was enough to get this job.

They were not honest at all about the job.  DL(20) is in charge of 20 kids for 4 hours a day.  No one prepared him for that.  (It's an after school daycare basically.  One classroom per grade).  And...  He absolutely loved the job.  He was there a full year (did a 4-week summer program) and made about $12,000.  Roughly $1,000 per month.  There's lots of holidays and breaks.  

He had already changed his major (very early on) from accounting to Stats.  I think he's about 99% sure at this point he wants to be a teacher.  He's locked into his fall class schedule and isn't sure what route he wants to take yet.  He could always get a credential later.  Teachers are paid *very well* in our region, but I suspect the high paying jobs require Masters degrees.  Things to figure out.  He's got homework to do and options to consider.

The serendipity is crazy though.  That he just happened to get this one random job.

DL(20) ended the summer with $10,000 cash, as expected.  Setting that aside for a 'newer car' fund. 

Not sure if his job will mesh with his college class schedule all year, but I think it's probably safe to say that DL will make $5,000 this semester.  Could be $0 next semester.

It looks like DL(20) spent about $4,500 the last 12 months.  If he wants to take a couple of years off work (like his brother did), he certainly has the luxury.  Living at home and going to college, he has even more luxury to do this.  He's less likely to use his college funds for college, so has more money to access.  Could use his college funds to replace his car (that he needs to get to college).  He has options.  

DL(20) is overall more interested in working during his college years.  He's ready to tackle long-term investing and ready to start some financial planning.  He may want to just play it conservative and make sure he has money to get a Masters and a teaching credential.  He is interested enough in investing that I think he will also want to make sure he is investing some percentage of his paycheck.  We've just been going from 0 to 100 because we needed to do all the things.  Got his a savings account (he didn't have enough money to bother before), got him his own credit card (now that he has income.)  Longer term financial plans and investing will be topics to go over in the next few weeks.

Side note: DL has been contributing to a work retirement plan (mandatory).  It's something like they take 8% and pay 3% interest.  Ugh.  It's really unclear if he is getting a match.  Haven't seen any paperwork since he signed up a year ago.  I am just adding this to the list of financial things to figure out.  I expect we will ignore this when deciding what % of his income to invest in the future.  Because it's not very helpful and he has so little in expenses.  Heck, his savings account pays 5% interest.

It has felt like a huge load off of my shoulders that DL(20) has found some financial footing.  It's just icing on the cake that both my kids *love* their jobs right now.  They are finding their true passions.

Edited to add:  I think both my kids are interested in working and making money (now) but the truth is that MM(22) is distracted by his many extra-curriculars.  He has a lot more conflicts.  & motivation is a factor.  I think MM(22) has been a lot more *Shrugs* about his pile of money from earlier jobs.  DL(20) was getting increasingly desperate, applying for anything and everything.  I think the reason he wants to work and make another $12,000 this year is mostly because he can't imagine not doing this job at this point.  It's more about the passion for the job than the money.

MM(22) will end the summer with about $15,000, as I expected.

I am advising him to keep $10,000 set aside for a car replacement.

I presume that $5,000 will cover his expenses this next school year.  I just looked it up and he spent $3,500 the past 12 months. Considering that he has a car now (for the last 8 months or so), I will just round up to $4,000.  Realistically he will spend $4,000 this last school year.  But for planning purposes we can round up and add some buffer.  $5K is a nice and safe round number for planning.

I am unclear on the details, but he told me his job is extended through the fall quarter.  This is surprising because his schedule is so jam packed in the Fall.  He told me, "It's only 6 hours per week".  Still, I wouldn't hold my breath that he keeps this job.  But a few thousand extra dollars is probably good re: the 'running out of money' factor.  If we are short $1,000 re: his last month of rent (July 2026), MH and I may just agree to gift that money to him.  But for the most part we have closed our pocket book and are done using our own money to pay for MM(22)'s college expenses.  It's possible he will have a month or two of rent to cover at the end. 

There is no long-term financial planning in MM(22)'s world.  He chose to take a full 3 years off of working, so this is what he is left with.  Long-term financial planning will be a post-college discussion.

Edited to add:  Oh yeah, and all my kids' CUs keep sending MM(22) 'pre-approvals' for $60,000 car loans.  🙄  I got another offer in my email the other day.

Second edit:  MM just told me that he will be a paid research assistant for the entire school year and there was something like $17,000 in the budget to pay him.  It will be interesting to see what he ends up with.  Maybe I can do a 2-for-1 investing lesson when he is back in town in a couple of weeks.  If he's got a year-round job (for the first time) it would be wise to start contributing some percentage to retirement.  That changes the equation considerably.

I confirmed rent numbers with MM(22).  Did some rough math and I think rent will just zero out earmarked college funds.  Crazy how that works out.  I am probably getting way too much credit for 'planning ahead'.  We obviously have a tendency to plan ahead and erred on the side of not touching 'money saved for college' for as long as possible.  But...  that we will have just enough 'college' funds to cover Year 5.  That is very random. 

I also would have felt completely *shrugs* if MM(22) had to cover 100% of his college costs this school year (or any other year).  To try to get across how this is not a, 'I planned everything down to the penny' situation.  Far too many unknowns, and very little financial commitment on our part.  

MM(21) gets a lot of credit for being frugal with his housing choices.  His rent will increase 50% this year re: solo room.  His housing choice is still frugal considering that he lives walking distance from campus (and comparing average rents).  

I forgot that currently they are splitting a house 3 ways.  & there was some talk of adding another roommate.  Will see how it all ends up.  MM has also lost roommates 6 months in, two years in a row.  Things can always go either way.  

MM(22) July 2025 'College Rent Fund': $2,400

Rent is paid through August 31.

MM(22) July 2025 'Gifted College Fund': $16,015 (+$5K ROTH IRA ~ unknown current value)

I pulled $3,400 out in July, to pay for Fall quarter tuition.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It took me so long to post this...

MM(22) got me utility numbers for the first 6 months of the year.  Was about $1,100.  Between that and rent, his 'college rent fund' will be exhausted in August.  Will be hitting the 'gifted college fund' pretty hard after that.  

July always seems a little extra crazy with kids' birthdays.  & it's MH's full summer month off work, so he's catching up on appointments.  Things like car maintenance and taking the cat to the vet.  Which is a little rough during this one-paycheck month.  But it's how the timing works out.

MM(22) is staying at the college this summer, I think I mentioned.  My Dad took him to a music camp the week of his birthday (a couple of weeks ago).  MM absolutely loved it.  Both kids were going to go at one point or another.  But were also wishy about their "maybe jobs" this summer.  In the end, MM(22) was able to manage a half week.

MM(22) told me at some point that he was thinking of going to a concert in a Bay Area city.  I said, "At the ampitheater?"  He was picturing more of a hole in the wall venue.  It turns out a couple of smaller artists/bands were opening up for AJR.  Quinn XCII also performed at this particular show.  We both were kind of, "That would be fun".  I was more interested in the bigger pop acts.  But we were also both a little "meh" about it.  A little too much out of the way for the both of us.  But I called him up on his birthday and asked, "Are we going to the concert?"  & he said yes! 

Oh yeah, he was interested in the $30 lawn seats.  I think the price and the acts were what intrigued him.  I ended up spending too much on nice seats (I refused to sit in the lawn after age 23 or 24; it was great when we were broke college students).  Between that and camp, his birthday was extravagant (again).  

If anyone ever invites you to an AJR concert, or you have kids/grandkids interested, definitely go.  I have been to a lot of concerts but this one stood out as the most fun.  The crowd was very happy and friendly.  It may have also been the most sober concert I have ever been to.  Lots of kids and families.  We happened to be sitting in a section where a lot of younger adults came with their parents.  But they put on a really good show, in addition to the amazingly positive/fun atmosphere.  Worth every penny.  Unfortunately, we didn't stay for the whole concert (it was a Sunday night).  We cut out pretty early because it was more of a, "Sure, it would be fun to hear a few AJR songs before we leave" thing.  We could have changed our minds but...  Sleep.  & jury duty.  & the 2-hour drive home, and all that.  There's always next time.  

To complicate things, MM(22) had jury duty the next day (2 hours away from the concert).  He did end up on a jury.  He had the week off work anyway, and his job is pretty flexible.  They expect to be done early next week.

DL(20) is off on an adventure, meeting some online friends.  Traveling solo.  He told me he had a $1,000 budget for this trip (at some point).  He's still using my credit card until he has a high enough limit to make his own credit card more useful.  Plus he booked the travels with my credit card.  Because it's my credit card, I get notified of every purchase.  I just looked it up and he spent $680 on hotel/airfare (before the trip).  & I only saw one $30 charge come through on the card (a meal out).  He did get a fair amount of birthday cash.  So I don't know if he is burning through that or just being uber frugal. 

$350 of the $680 was for a hotel that he abandoned.  He ended up just staying with his friend.  Long story, and he is learning a lot.  I just remembered his other friends were going to help him pitch in for airfare (he was already reimbursed by the friend he is staying with right now).  They all wanted to get together and wanted to help chip in if he had to do all the work and spend all the money to meet up.  Will see if that comes through, but I don't think he will be unhappy if he is out the $680.

Writing this down because I know I will forget otherwise.  A neighbor backed into DL(20)'s car the other night.  It is a microscopic scratch.  It was a chaotic/crazy week and this is just one of those things that I think will otherwise be forgotten (re: endless line of much bigger fish to fry). 

Other random things I will never remember...  I also bought MM(22) a bike for his birthday.  DL(20) bought a $250? bike some months ago.  From a guy who had inherited 50+ bikes and was going through them.  I checked in with that seller but he didn't have anything lower quality.  But MM(22) is super lucky.  I don't know that I've ever found a used bike in 5 minutes (before).  Found a neighbor who likes to tinker and was fixing up bikes he had laying around. 

I should back up first.  MM(22) was using a free bike that was unlikely to get stolen on his college campus.  We tested this theory out for about 1.75 years.  😁  But then his bike was broken and he insisted on fixing it but never took the time to fix it.  (He just happened to get a car on his college campus, around the time he probably would have fixed the bike).  I think he should have paid for the bike but he was balking.  In 5 minutes I found a bike that was a significant upgrade.  It's a mountain bike with new brakes.  He lives in a hilly town and I don't like how he hasn't fixed the brakes yet on the old bike.  Not only was he thrown off by the new brakes (almost literally) but he preferred the mountain bike.  That was $80 well spent.  Our best guess is that it was a 1990s era bike, so probably 10 years newer than the free bike. 

2025 TALLY:

$1,000 Capital One Venture (MH double dip)

------------

$1,000 TOTAL *ONE-TIME REWARDS*

I just happened to come across this article, which had good information re: recent tax law changes:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/2025/07/08/answers-to-your-individual-tax-questions-about-the-one-big-beautiful-bill-act/

I do have a couple of coworkers (one salaried) who have been giddy about the 'tax-free tips and overtime' since mid January.  I think they asked me January 20th if that had been executed yet (they seemed to think it was already a new law).  

I don't know, maybe the salaried guy is moonlighting somewhere else?  The hourly guy has a more up/down work flow and so we kept him hourly to pay him accordingly re: spurts of overtime.  But even that does not amount to much.  

Anyway, I can tell they think that they will be exempt from payroll taxes re: overtime, and probably haven't figured out that it's only the "extra 0.5 pay per hour" that will be tax-free.  I have the feeling I will bursting this employee's bubble very soon.

I've been sorting through a few financial chores with DL(19) and have a few more financial chores to get through.  

Done:

**Opened a high yield savings account

**Opened a ROTH IRA

**Opened his own credit card

For the ROTH IRA, we moved $5K over from his gifted college fund, same as his brother did during his first big income year.  

For the credit card, we skipped the intermediate step of getting a student card.  Our CU refused to ever increase MM(21)'s $500 limit, so it seemed to be more hassle than it is worth.   The only thing DL(19) needs to be concerned about is utilization, re: high credit score and paying balance off monthly.  So he will still be using my credit card for a while.  I told him to just use the new card as a gas card.  Until he gets a bump to his ($1,000) credit limit. 

Random side note:  Both kids have 780 credit scores.  I noticed a few months ago that MM(21) had been 'pre-approved' for a $60,000 car loan.  I showed DL(19) and he got a kick out of that (both the idea of spending that much on a vehicle at any age, much less at 21, and the 25% or whatever interest rate).  It's moot because MM(21) has *no income*.  Not like he could actually get any car loan.  

We went into this year deciding to utilize DL(19)'s college fund (that we had not touched yet).  I was over it.  Paying up front the tuition due in June but not getting financial aid refunds until November.  With all the political nonsense, who knows where the state grants will land.  But I was already over it, before the political uncertainty.

DL(19) Year 3 'Gifted College Fund': $21,500 (+$5K ROTH IRA)

The question is:  Will DL(19) get a $3,000 (financial aid) refund to put back into his college fund?  This $21,500 balance is what he has left after paying his Fall 2025 tuition.  He is expecting a $3,000 lower-income grant this year.  Which is really more of a lower-asset grant.  Our income was always below the threshold.  But after spending down assets to pay for college for 4 years...  Now our assets are under the threshold too.  

My best estimate is that this will be a $0 net tuition year for DL(19): $8,000 tuition/fees, minus $6,000 grant, minus $2,000 tax credit.

This year has been a real slog.  MH's movie premiers have been the exception.  Ohio trip was amazing.  MM(21) had spring break and was able to join us for a few days.  I don't remember the last time our flights went so smooth, etc.  It was a very nice and peaceful 5 days during an otherwise not peaceful year.  Then we had the west coast premier at the IMAX a few weeks after the Ohio premier.  It went really well.  

I took a staycation a few weeks ago.  I did pretty much nothing for 7 days, which was a well needed rest.  We did do one day trip to Sausalito, 90 miles from our home.  I'd call it an elevated San Francisco.  The store fronts were closed by 7pm and most the restaurants were closed by 8pm.  But the view across the Bay was amazing (San Francisco & Angel Island).  Before that, we had driven 3 miles west to the ocean side.

We hiked for two hours and enjoyed having the bluff to ourselves for an hour. 

The kids are busy with travel plans and they both have summer jobs lined up.  DL(19) is half way done with college!  & MM(21) is just wrapping up year 4.  Which is hard to believe, but he has one more year.

Edited to add:  MM(21) did a long car camping road trip Memorial Day weekend.  🙄  You know, we gave him the older car (when the kids got a second car and no longer had to share) because it was mostly going to sit in his garage.  & then he drove it 3,000 miles in one weekend.  I don't know why this car is always the road trip car (with his friends).  But probably because it is a little roomier. 

I am dealing with a shoulder problem that is apparently a menopause thing?  O.M.G.  Just adding this to the crazy list of 'weird and annoying' health things in my 40s.  The physical therapist told me that I had the most mild case she had ever seen.  What!?  She made it sound like this was an 80yo thing, because most people just completely give up moving their arm (too painful).   But then she tells me it's a 'common 50yo woman' thing.   It's been 9 months.  I mostly ignored the first 7 months (sounds like there is nothing I could have done, specifically given my high tolerance for pain & low tolerance for meds).  But then I started losing range of motion, and finally went in to the doctor.  I have corrected pretty much everything that had been bothering me, with just one week of PT.  The last 5%-10% range of motion will come back when my shoulder is good and ready.  It could be another year or two.  At this point, it's more just mildly annoying, and am definitely over the hump. 

In other news, a distribution deal has been signed for MH's movie.  It's plausible that some money will come in from this.  Wouldn't hold my breath, but it is possible.  No idea when it will actually hit the streaming platforms, but I will share when it does.  

I saw a meme that said something like, "I've tried the 10 day trial and I'd like to cancel my subscription" re: the year 2025.  That pretty much sums it up.  

January was a whirlwind of out of town trips.  One big last minute emergency trip, a weekend caring for my parents (my Dad had a medical procedure) and then we did 4 trips to San Francisco (annual Sketchfest).  I was more assertive about number of shows and picky about venues this year, but of course I didn't know the month would be completely insane when we bought the tickets in November.  & then I went to a 4th show when MH's friend canceled last minute due to illness.  

The theme of this year has kind of settled into "Big money drains everywhere.  Nevermind."  Which is maybe just an extension of recent years of roller coaster.  One minute it's drama and the next minute it's nothing.  Medical stuff, dental stuff, vet stuff, etc.  (Nothing has come of any of this, but for a time I thought all of these things might cost thousands of dollars.  Vet and dental stuff was the same week.)  Oh yeah, and MM(21) is losing a roommate mid-year.  Again!  So far the roommate is still paying the lease.  Will we or won't we be on the hook for an extra few thousand dollars?  Who knows... 

The year started out really rough, but we have since had some good news.

January started out with some film festival rejections (MH's full length movie, filmed one year ago).  But then we got the great news that the film was accepted into a local film festival.  The film festival is excellent (lots of press, big audience, large IMAX screen.  & the people who run the festival are amazing.)  This is also great news because we expected we would have a local screening or premier.  We will happily buy up a large amount of tickets, in lieu of having to plan and pay for our own screening.  

The movie is not completed yet but it sounds like it's 99% of the way there.  They just need to lock it in.  I think it will be good to have a hard deadline.  

Oh yeah, and we celebrated GMIL's 100th birthday.  

Edited later to add:

The theme this year is going to be chaos. 

MH just found out that the Ohio film festival that rejected him, they un-rejected the movie.  ???  I don't why, I don't know anything.  It's causing much drama (re: planned world premier in our city).  Now we are scrambling to plan a last minute trip.  The airfare was reasonable but the hotels are sold out. 

I suppose this puts even more pressure for them to lock in the final movie cut ASAP.  Ohio (where movie was filmed) will be the world premier, this month.  Then we will have the west coast premier in April.

I am happy to report that today was very relaxing.  I can't quite put my finger on it, but maybe no last minute emergencies or dramas.  & didn't have to drive for 4-5 hours.  (I just looked it up and it was 8 out of town trips during the last 8 weeks.) We went to a local college arboretum.  It was a little early.  Didn't see so many baby turtles and baby ducks, like we usually do.  & didn't see the poppy explosion that we usually see in April.  Will have to go back next month.

Recipe for Tabs...

https://www.familyfreshmeals.com/crockpot-corned-beef-and-cabbage/

We personally don't cook cabbage in the crockpot, with the corned beef.   We roast the cabbage seperately.  

Beer is the secret ingredient.  I saw apple juice or non alcoholic beer mentioned as a beer substitute in the reviews.

MOVIES:

--------

$100 Fandango

$  20 Regal

RESTAURANTS:

------------

$50 Cracker Barrel (small balance left)

$ 15 x 1 Jamba Juice

$ 10 x 1 Jamba Juice

RETAIL:

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$50 Target

REGIFT:

---------

$10 Starbucks

Note: Edited over time to remove used gift cards. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I had a couple of big gift card years at work, which was nice.  But this year they went in more of a gift direction.   My only haul was the Target gift card.  

I am not 100% sure if we got through these movie gift cards, so I will leave them in my post.  But I think we should be getting through them at this point.  

I was just thinking about it because MH did a Target order and didn't use the gift card.  I decided I better write it down so that I don't forget that we have this gift card sitting in our online account.  If it's not going to be obvious when I make a purchase, then I will likely forget about it.

Life has not gotten any better since my last life update.  This past week was particularly exhausting.  

I am not going to bore you with the details, but I am compiling a list of 2024 'crazy' that I will share at the end of the year.  The one thing that I do appreciate is at least there was some (big) good things thrown into the mix.  

Which I guess is what this post is about.  The good and the bad all rolled into one.  I am just seperating this out so that I don't have one long monster post.

FIL stopped driving, which is long overdue.  It's obviously a difficult thing.  But my in-laws wanted to make lemonade out of those lemons, and so they gave their older car to my kids. They wanted the car gone ASAP.  MH and I told them to give it a minute and that we could sort it out Thanksgiving week.  The car is a 2014 with 135K miles.

MM(21) picked up the car Thanksgiving week, on his way home from college.  I got all the paperwork signed Thanksgiving day and submitted the title transfer to the DMV this past Wednesday.  On Thursday the car died.  It's DEAD.

For a while Friday, I didn't know what in the heck.  We will take a gamble on repairing the car.  But one of the first things they threw out was helping us sell the car.  I am just, "But I don't even have the title!"  Even if we just decide to donate it, what a big hassle this whole thing is.  It's not why we are repairing the car, but I do think it works out nicely that we have a couple of weeks for the DMV red tape to sort out.  It's a no brainer to repair the car that was free to us.  But it is a gamble because the engine might not be salvageable.

Silver lining:  This would have been a much more expensive repair in our parents' high cost locale.  It could just work out for the best.  Fingers crossed.

It seemed obvious to give this car to DL(19), who has a college commute.  He was enjoying the smaller and more fuel efficient vehicle.  MM(21) will just drive his car home a handful of times per year; it will mostly sit in his garage.   So the other silver lining is that we didn't give this car to MM(21).  At least he's not stranded in the middle of nowhere, or we aren't dealing with this 300 miles away.  

Note:  The kids were sharing a car before.  

One more positive thing.  We have never had a catastrophic car repair.  It's eventually bound to happen, something like a transmission or engine rebuild or replacement.  We were lucky we made it this far. 

I knew the car was likely dead when DL(19) arrived home with an overheating car.  My first car (also a Toyota) suffered the same fate.  It was a 20yo car that I had gotten 7 years out of.  I don't count that as a 'catastrophic repair'.  I count that as the obvious end of its life.  Because of that past experience, I was able to prepare my household for this possibility.  It wasn't too shocking.

I guess we will be in car limbo for a couple of weeks and then will go from there.  Plan B is to just go back to the way it was.  We were doing just fine with 3 cars.

Edited to clarify:  They are attempting to repair the engine (thousands of dollars) but it's possible the car will need an engine replacement. 

I completed the kids' FASFAs on Friday.  I thought the beta version wasn't working because it didn't ask anything about our assets or the kids' assets.  What the heck!?  I quickly figured out that we don't have to report our assets because MM(19) was eligible for food stamps.  That's a completely random loophole that I wasn't expecting.  I had decided that this might eke out an extra $1K in grant money (for DL) next year but otherwise didn't expect much else to come from this development.  But I later thought about it and remembered that we are ineligible for one state grant because our assets are just a bit above the cutoff.  I now think that DL(19) might net an additional $3K - $4K re: lower-income grant.

Side note:  All of this is mostly moot.  I wasn't paying attention and we had been spending down some of these assets to pay for college.  Holy crap, our assets yesterday (when I completed the FASFA) were $425 over the limit to receive this other grant.  So basically this whole food stamp loophole thing is saving my bacon because I wasn't paying attention.  I could have paid down a credit card by $426 and been eligible for this grant anyway.  🙄  I feel very saved by the bell.  We've just not been that close to the limits before, so wasn't paying attention.  This whole thing just gets crazier.

I spent way too much time today looking up how this and that is calculated.  I just confirmed that they only count parent income and assets.  I think it's pretty much guaranteed that our assets will be even smaller next year.  (Barring some very unexpected windfall). But we will only be a 3-person household for DL(19)'s senior college year.  That's a lower income limit, for 3.  I will have to look at our income and spend some time pondering. 

If putting $10K to the 401K nets an extra $3K or $5K college grant for DL's senior year...  That is obviously a no brainer.  But feeling a little cash poor in the moment.  I probably would have to consider putting DL(19)'s college rent money into my 401K.   & I suppose I don't even know what the target is.  I will just have to guess what next year's numbers will be re: inflation.  For reference, our salary is pretty much right at the cutoff (for lower income grant).  With inflation in recent years, we are apparently on the cusp of being eligible for this lower income grant (re: both income and assets).  But I do usually get a bonus and we do have investment income (in addition to our salaries).  I probably need to just put my bonus to 401K and maybe my next paycheck.  That would bring us below the income ceiling for DL(19)'s senior year.  & then like I said, I expect we will also be below the asset ceiling.  After another 12 months of spending down assets on college expenses.  I mean, moving $10K from a taxable account to a 401K...  That will really take care of the asset side of things.  

Note:  Home equity and retirement funds are not counted as 'assets' on the FASFA. 

I thought this was just going to be a post about this food stamp loophole.  But I guess I also discovered I could secure a lower-income grant for DL(19)'s senior college year. 

Edited to add:  I went through the math today.  I forgot to deduct regular 401K contributions when thinking this through in my blog.  & MH took an unpaid month off of work this year.  So our income should easily come in below the income limit for this other grant.  Bonus excepted.  My bonus will likely all have to go into my 401K.  Between grant money earned and taxes saved, I will probably get 100% of that money back in some form or other.  Of course, I might lose other tax breaks and other grants, so it's just a lot of moving parts.  I can report back with the results in about 2 years.

MH was just trying out a new recipe app.  He liked it so much that he went ahead and ordered the windows version (more my speed).  All versions are half-off through the end of the month, FYI.

https://paprikaapp.com/

I was just testing out a few recipes I had saved on my computer.  It works by saving recipes from websites.  But I had an old family recipe saved and looked it up.  That was neat because I pretty quickly found a similar recipe (on google), but it was super easy to tweak it to the way we make it.  

In addition to that, there's menu planning, shopping lists, etc. 

MM(21) Year 4 'Gifted College Fund': $19,150 $19,000 (+$5K ROTH IRA ~ unknown current value)

Note:  I've added 1st quarter financial aid refund (expected any day now) back to this account balance.  I only pull tuition from this fund, which is expected to be $0 (net) this school year.

I expect that tuition will be $9,000 next year (no grants).  This means that MM(21) could probably leave college with $10,000 gift fund remaining.  In addition to that ROTH IRA (funded with gift money).  

The last piece is figuring out that 5th year of rent.  I've got rent covered (money just sitting in cash) through end of 2025.  I am probably about 6 months short.  

I like the idea of pulling $5,000 out of the college fund to cover those last 6 months of rent.  I also have 'college rent money' just sitting here for DL(19) that will probably go unused.  & we have other buckets of money.  But I think both MH and I are kind of over it after cash flowing rent expenses in earlier years when MM(21) was the only kid we had in college.  We are ready to cross off MM's college as 'done and paid for' and would like to move on to other things.  Even if the 'the other thing' is just paying for DL(19)'s college.  

If we pull $5K out of the 'gifted college fund' for those last 6 months of rent, MM(21) will still be able to graduate college with $5K gift funds left.  & he will still have that ROTH IRA. 

This was mostly what I was anticipating, but I thought it was possible that MM(21) would get $0 in grants this year (wiping out his college fund by the time he graduated).  So it's nice to have numbers in hand and figure out what the long term plan is.  

MM(21) can do whatever he wants with any remaining funds.  But I think the most obvious and practical use of that money is buying a car.  (Which he may end up doing before he is done with college.)

Edited to add:  The grant money has arrived in my bank account.  Yay!  It's really really real.

Second edit:  MM(21) registered for classes and it looks like there is an extra $120 lab fee this quarter.  This will bring his college fund balance down to $19K.  Technically, the difference between his net tuition and the college tax credit (that we will cash flow re: lower taxes), the difference is currently $188.  I will pull this $188 from his college fund, but he's earning interest and will end the month with $19K+.

DL(19) Year 2 'Gifted College Fund': $29,000

I suppose that I should also update where DL(19) is at.  Not touching any college funds while he is just living at home.

I am eyeing $5K of this money to fund a 2024 ROTH (same as his brother; during his first big income year).  & have been eyeing roughly $5K of this money as a car fund.  This helped me to sleep at night while he relied on a 20yo car to get to school (before he could find a decent job).  But also, it's sensible that a car is *the* big college expense in his situation.  His biggest college expense is his commute.  

It looks like I paid DL's spring tuition last November.  So I will probably have his sophomore year literally done and paid for, this month.  I will check it off (in my sidebar) when it is official.  Though it would probably be fair to just check off that I know this school year is well covered.  It's just a formality that I can't pay MM(21)'s spring tuition until March.

Two Fridays ago my mom ended up in the hospital (after going to the ER Thursday night).  I briefly considered carpooling with MH (who was taking the train to his SF lunch) but decided to try to get caught up at work.  & I got a really good night sleep on Thursday.  All of this was wise.

I ended up driving to the Bay Area and staying at the hospital Friday night.  I will probably never do this again.  My mom was put on valium by the time I arrived (had no idea I was there) and woke up out of her mind.  I told MH we will never speak about what happened at the hospital.  On some level, this easily could have been the most difficult day of my life.  But on another level, it's just normal any more.  After years of several terrible things happening at once and no time to process anything...  I am just used to it.  I snapped into 'one foot in front of the other' mode and was able to turn off my emotions and just get through it.  It's a mode I am sadly far too used to. 

Saturday was just insanity (including other dramas like a dead car fob battery.  It's the second time that has happened why out of town.  What are the odds?)  In the end, I felt more needed for this one night hospital stay than I did the last time my mom was in the hospital for weeks.  So I was glad this happened on a weekend and I was able to help.   

Of course, on top of all that...  My athlete Dad has (very suddenly) become crippled.  He can barely walk and he can barely stand up.  😞  

Even after all of that, my mom was released from the hospital Saturday and I was able to sleep in my own bed.  I was in disbelief that I would have time to process and share what was going on.  What magic is this?  But then multiple dramas happened on Sunday and I gave up.  

So this is my official 'I give up' post.  

I don't think we spent much since I last posted.  Most of the emergency spending was I did buy gas ($$$$) because MH had the EV when I left town.  That was unfortunate but I ended up driving so much (running several errands for my parents) I think it was for the best. 

My Dad broke my mom out of the hospital (the Saturday I was there) and she is doing very well.   As well as can be.

Yeah, I think this attempt at daily spending sharing was a good window into why I don't blog much any more.  This year has been insane, but it's sadly been one of the calmer years (of past 7 years).  It's been very 'one thing at a time' until both my parents were dealing with significant health struggles at once.  

My employee on her last attendance warning, she didn't show up for work this week.  She is the crux of the drama in my office this year.  (It's more complicated than that.  Not her specifically, but being the 8th or 9th employee in a row that is a personal disaster and constant no-show.  The rest of us are all exhausted after many years of this.)  We really and truly thought we were nipping this in the bud sooner (this time around) but it's been a very long and drawn out thing that created much drama and turnover this year.  *sigh*  I am in a complete 'I give up' mindset and I think the reset would be a good thing overall.  Just starting with a clean slate.  But if I have to seriously hire and train basically two new hires at once...  O.M.G.  I mean, if we end up letting her go today, I had a full month to at least hire and train my new assistant first?  But it is starting to feel a little too 'everything happening all at once.'  

October 24

NSD

$0 Movies

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Not much to report today.  I worked a normal work schedule.  Ended up staying a little later than planned (left closer to 4:00).  Just last minute stuff coming up.  But I can't complain.  Planned to go to bed early because felt exhausted and everyone around me is sick.  But....  multiple last minute dramas came up that I will post about on the next post.  Still, I was able to go to bed at 9:30.  I woke up at 6:30 and am happy with that. 

Oh yeah, and MH went out to the movies.