Monkey Mama*s Monkey Money Blog

I don't remember November ever being like this. It's like the stars aligned at crazy. It's usually my slowest, most relaxing time of the year. Will have to pass that up for this year!

Just a lot going on - work, home and everywhere.

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

I am pleasantly surprised by our HOA. If nothing else, they do seem to have their finances in order.

Our first HOA (condo) was fine. No complaints. However, the fees were $250/month when we lived there (included cable, some utilities, and some nice facilities like clubhouse, pool, racquet ball courts, and stuff like that). The fact that it was an uber high cost of living area probably didn't help. Last I saw, the fees had risen to $400/month. Ouch! Glad we sold the place 8 years ago.

Our current HOA? Maybe a little more particular, but not much bite. (I'm to the point where I would complain more about them letting homeowners off easy - which I never thought I would complain about. But the economy has left little in the way of *pride of ownership*).

We just got notice that our dues would go down this year, by $5/month. (They are lower than they started at 9 years ago).

We bought in the community new, and they sent us a note this week that though they had completely paid off the clubhouse this year, they were not going to reduce our dues in light of foreclosures and lack of payment from many owners.

Honestly, I think it's a miracle they had the foresight to stay solvent. They also have an almost 7-figure repair reserves (which means I see more due decreases in our future. They are playing it WAY safe, but I have no complaints about that in the interim). In the end, our dues have stayed rather steady, even decreasing slightly, even while the economy has all gone to hell.

& I never thought I'd see the day I'd praise a HOA.

So hey - good financial news!

The dues are around $72/month, but not apples to apples with our condo, by ANY means. For one, our HOA doesn't own our walls and roof!

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

The kids finished their first trimester. Had conferences yesterday.

BM? He has the same awesome teacher as last year and is in academic heaven. I didn't expect to gleam much from the meeting.

LM? I was curious because though he seems to be doing great, and is mostly pretty "go with the flow" he has his difficult/stubborn side.

So, I was relieved that they both had glowing reports from their teachers. WE always get lots of compliments from the teachers, but I can't help but feel it's the school and the teachers who should get the compliments. (I know we raise our kids to be respectful, and that we emphasize doing well in school, but they can be a bit of handful if not properly challenged, etc. I can't take all the credit for them being VERY happy in their school environment). This is PUBLIC school, so I know it is a huge blessing.

I am also completely amazed by the technology factor and how they utilize technology to keep our kids challenged. I am still reeling from this whole lexile reading thing (which I wish they had when I was a child!), but now they are doing similar things in math. BM will have a completely custom/computer generated math curriculum come January. (Is that cool or what?)

Anyway, pleased with the kids' reviews, we treated them out to dinner. Their choice was Sizzler. Yum! We have a really nice one with a pretty big buffet. So, we ate well. (I think the kids chose it for the dessert factor - make your own sundaes).

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

Got my dishes:



I think they are just beautiful! (The red is more of a deep maroon - love love love).

Out of 48 pieces, we had one broken bowl. So, maybe best I couldn't cancel my online order. Out of 3 boxes due to arrive, I think I can fish out one intact bowl.

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

I've been flying blind on my finances. (My Quicken data in limbo!)

It doesn't help that with the Target card, transitioning out the Chase, and that not everyone takes AmEx - we have been regularly using 3 cards, plus some straggling expenses on the Chase. Make it 5, since dh insisted on using his own Chase. I finally talked him out of that - because moving from one cards to 4+ is driving me a LITTLE crazy - but will be a couple of charges there. (He is concerned if we need a backup Visa since the AmEx is so limited. I told him I would carry his card in my wallet - in case we ever needed it. He couldn't possibly carry 3 cards. )

So anyway, yesterday I had a few moments to sit down with dh and assess the Quicken situation.

I didn't lose ANY data! (Happy Dance). Over the weekend I need to search for any remnants of my excel sheets. Those, I probably won't be so lucky with (since he didn't back those up!)

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

The Fidelity AmEx is interesting because they show transactions before they authorize. They have all sorts of disclaimers how not to call about those transactions because they have not posted.

Anyway, a weird charge for $2-ish had posted, which I have to ask dh about. It could possibly be for the online backup site.

But, in the "not cleared" area was charges to BMW, a cell phone company, and other companies I never heard of. I Was googling them all to clarify.

Um, seriously? We have had the card 5 minutes.

The thing is I don't think I can call to make a fraud claim because they haven't posted. I will read all the fine print on that later and maybe call them anyway (after I check with dh).

I am less happy with AmEx by the minute. Maybe time to shop some Visa reward cards. (Not that this has to be an AmEx thing, but who on earth could have our credit card info? we just got the cards)!

To be continued...

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

Turkey Day - we provide the turkey and the place, but not much else. Maybe a few sides, etc. Dh is going to do some shopping today.

Xmas - Not much to do. I got LM that art stuff, and my parents are giving BM a hugely expensive gift (something nerdy - robotics thing). Dh will fill in the rest with his Scholastic vouchers - he is volunteering 24 hours or something (so means about $500 in books - though will donate most to the school). BM's teacher told us last time we donated 8 hours, he got 300 books from that. IT's a non-cash way to make a HUGE difference. His goal is to add 500 to his class library the next Scholastic sale. !!

Anyway, Dh's family is big into Xmas and he may buy some things, but I am not sure I will bother buying anything else for anyone. Maybe a work gift exchange and stuff like that. I prefer simplicity and a non-material Christmas, myself.

We don't necessarily buy big gifts for the kids every year. I didn't buy the art stuff for Christmas, but since we found something big for BM to open on Xmas Day, (even thought not from us), it seemed appropriate to hold the art stuff to Christmas, too.

The kids will get a zillion gifts from the in-laws, which is why we don't bother much with it. They don't seem to notice or care. As far as they are concerned, "Grandma" is in charge of Christmas gifts. My parents don't even usually buy them anything, and they are too small to think that is weird. Books and games from Scholastic are perfect for stockings and a couple of gifts under the tree.

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

I've been writing down all our misc. purchases, and after adding everything from the credit cards today, that dh didn't tell me about. I think we have about $11 left for the rest of the month. In fact, may need it today for co-pays.

It's a work in process!

Money spent?

Medical $10
Gifts $20
Parking $10
Eating Out $70
Babysitting $15
Clothing $50
Music Downloads $5
Misc. $9
-----------
$189

Today, I am going to sit down with dh and tell him how we have no more money for the rest of the month. (I can pull co-pays from medical savings, but rather not. The savings is for more substantial expenses!)

So, if we cut our gas and grocery spending through the end of the month - will buy us wiggle room. I need to immerse him in my own world so I don't have to do this every month. (& I have to take our spending limits more seriously, myself). We both have room for improvement.

Got my CU's online deposit to work.

No more trips to the deposit paychecks! Will be real nice...

It took a little trial and error to get it to work, but not too bad.

Dh had some cash from his focus group, so will have to run to the bCU to deposit that.

Dh didn't see what the big deal is, (since I usually go on the way home, or he goes while he is at the grocery store or gas station right there), but he often forgets to make deposits for me, which makes me anxious. I think this will make life much easier. & considering we don't use our scanner much, might as well utilize it more.

We scanned it last night, and it showed up in my account around 11am today.

Get your Fico score for free:

http://www.mymoneyblog.com/easy-cancellations-free-fico-scor...

I wasn't able to get mine (Easily) due to fraud alert on my credit bureau accounts. I didn't care enough to call and all that jazz. But I did check dh's score. I think it was 796 (as opposed to usual 800s) but we have made a mess with 0% credit card balance transfers and all sorts of activity the last few years. I'll take it (& assume my score is very similar). I don't remember the last time I saw his score, outside of our last refi.

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

Adoption for cheapskates

http://gracefulretirement.blogspot.com/

Here was a good post. I knew state of California was very generous with foster-to-adopt program (will pay you quite well to adopt a baby. Yes, they pay YOU!)

A relative of ours has adopted two siblings, and had them both since the day they were born, through this program. (There may be more siblings in her future - the biological mother has 10+ kids in the system already. Very sad, but has been a blessing for our family).

What was eye opening about this post is that other states have similar programs.

It's a good reminder for those facing the high cost of adoption - that the state will pay you to take babies that no one else wants. I think people focus so much on private adoption, that they lose sight on all the unwanted babies in this country.

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

Made an "impulsive purchase" of sorts.

We actually just asked for cheap dishes/silverware when we got married. We may have bought some of it. I don't remember spending much of anything.

The funny thing is that we get endless compliments on our cheap/plain dishes. Okay then!

They are getting worn, tired, chipped, and some broken/trashed (10 years later).

So, I know dh has talked about replacing them, or buying some supplemental dishes at least.

& then I saw them. I saw the most beautiful set of dishes in the Kohls ads. I looked them up online, and it was even better. Free shipping and glowing reviews about how sturdy the plates were and how much everyone's guests always loved them.

So, I asked dh when he got home, and braced himself. I thought he would hate them. He said, "Fine by me."

I felt bad purchasing them, because it's been a rough year, and it's really not a need. BUT, we decided to just get 12 sets (cheaper to buy sets) and keep the old plates as a backup (for large family gatherings and stuff).

Truthfully, I just bought the cheapest thing I could find to start, and have never loved them. As I went back and forth over this set, I just looked at them and thought, "I have never seen such pretty plates before. Those are mine!" & I finalized the purchase.

I spent about $180 - the sets were 50% off between coupons and sales.

Though the shipping was free, there was a surcharge, and I couldn't use my $10-off coupon. So, dh may be able to get the total down to $160 if he can find them in the store. He said he would double check today, for me.

IF we can't cancel the order, we may be stuck with the shipping surcharge, but still worth a try to save $10. I know returns are easy with Kohls - we can just return to the store.

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

I hit target the other day and tried my new RedCard. BM had absolutely no non-school pants that fit him any more. I ended up spending about $50 (new pants, a couple of shirts, socks, underwear). Plus, saved 5% off that. Not bad, for a new wardrobe.

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

The weather here has been pretty warm. I am out of the heat contest as of Sat or Sun. Probably Saturday. I was upstairs putting away laundry and stuff like that and it was just FREEZING. I told dh that I knew I would survive, but that it was probably a good idea to test out the heater and make sure it was still working. Before winter really hit. (I was justifying, but I think it was a good excuse!)

I heated the upstairs to 68 and took a luxurious shower. The sad thing is that it got hot after that and the house has been mostly 68 - 72, in the days since. (I think warmer than otherwise, since I did warm it up about 8 degrees!)

This time of the year, there is really no point to go cold turkey. Turning on the heat 15 minutes for some extra comfort can't mean much to our gas bill. BUT, the longer we draw it out, the better I think we do in the winter.

I'd still like to make it to Thanksgiving, before turning the heat on again, but not holding my breath. We got a cold spell this week and it's already in the 30s outside. Hasn't gotten inside yet (still 68) but I think I will be cold in a couple of days! There is a big/cold storm coming through this weekend. Feels like spring to winter, overnight.

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

Anyway, I am pleased with my plate purchase. I justified it as a birthday gift (b-day in a couple weeks) - I may get the cash to pay for it. If not, will get Christmas money.

Next year I feel we will really be tightening the screws, so hopefully that is my last hoorah for a while.

When we first had kids, our budget was so tight that it was hard to justify much of anything. I have been spending the last couple of years replacing things around the house and making LONG put-off purchases. I Was looking at the stockpiles around the house of stuff I have been buying on sale. Or, if I find something I really like (shoes, bras, whatever), I just buy extras for later. (That's a function of being picky more than frugality).

I think we are well equipped to have a spending freeze of sorts for a while. Phew!

Today, I was just listening to a random radio station that was doing it's little trivia (to make you listen to the commercials - asks a question and then answers at the end of the commercials, I believe).

I was just about to get out of my car when the Trivia question asked was, "How much money is Jeffrey Strain trying to prepare an entire Thanksgiving meal with?" Something along those lines.

I know the answer to that one. $1

It was 92.1 in Sacramento.

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

In other news:

Um, I got an E-mail from Chase reminding me all about how they are changing my cash rewards to way less favorable terms.

Really???

You would think they would sneak that into the fine print, rather than shout it from the rooftop! I already got the clear as day letter about this.

I just think it's funny. Am I supposed to be excited and happy about this? ???

Did they notice I haven't used the card since I received the first notice?

Dh decided to pay for an online backup service to save our data.

For the most part, we have most of our computer files on external drives, and dh even backs those up once in a while.

My dad gave us a new drive about 2 months ago. We used it to replace our net disk.

I was telling dh about some free online storage I was thinking of trying. (Apparently, I should have, for my very few important documents!)

He had his eye on something that could back up the whole computer. But, it wouldn't back up the external drives. SO, he found another place - that was cheaper anyway.

For whatever reason, he didn't backup everything. Just what he thought was important - and I don't think he captured any of my spreadsheets or Quicken data.

The problem is that the process killed the hard drive. He now thinks it *burned out* being ran so constantly through the backup. (Maybe the other place had a good reason not to back those up!)

How frustrating is it to do something right, and then lose a lot of your data? Ugh!

The kicker is that the old net disk had everything from about "2 months ago." But that seems to not be working at all either. ??? So the only other backup he has is from September 2009. Thanks, Murphy!

In the grand scheme of things we are well backed up. & whatever didn't get backed up was not important. But it's pretty annoying to be so pro-active in protecting your data, and losing some of it in the process!

The only thing that saves my butt is that I downloaded a copy of our Quicken data just a couple of weeks ago, on another computer. It is unclear at the moment if dh made a newer backup. But 2 weeks ago, I can certainly live with.

My spreadsheets don't matter so much, since I had already figured out most of it through the end of the year. I think those will be easy to re-create (or to just start over 1/1). Most the rest I only really update once a year - so those should be fine.

Pictures, we always back up often, so those are fine. Dh puts them on CD and gives them to our parents, all the time. (It's a good backuo method!)

I am going to sign up for free online storage for my very own few important documents. Because I know dh meant well, but he didn't realize where some of my important documents were. & I don't want to have to re-invent the wheel again. I feel blessed that it's not too bad, this time, but I better cover my own butt for next time.

I will try out the free site and let you know what I think.

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

In other computer news, dh finished fixing the upstairs computer. It is about 8 years old. He spent $250 (+ some hand-me-down parts) to fix it up. He tells me he thinks it should last another 8 years, easy.

The kids now have 2 computers at their disposal. (The other is just a hand-me-down - well, so is this one obviously - but had to put more $$ into it).

Ugh!

I probably love Quicken because any credit card or bank account (MANY) I have had with them, have been easy to download, etc.

Not so for the Fidelity reward card. I can download all my transactions, but only at the end of the month, after the statement is closed.

Um, NOT helpful.

I had just sat down and had a financial meeting with dh, laying out how tight our budget is as we shoulder our own retirement contributions now. Retirement back to 10% is a must, January 1, and our budget is fine, but just not a lot of room for error.

I told dh we had $200/month Misc. spending and that at the beginning of every month we were going to have to keep a running total. Back to PAPER for that.

For the most part, this is fine. I can still look online and make sure I am capturing every misc. item (which shouldn't be that many). BUT, the other side is monitoring our gas usage and grocery purchases. 1 - to make sure we aren't going over budget. & 2 - to know which months we have more wiggle room due to lower grocery bills and stuff like that.

The only thing I can think of is to manually enter every gas and grocery purchase, into Quicken. (Then download the rest at the end of the month!) Manually write down every "Misc." purchase on paper. & the rest is rather fixed and can wait until the end of the month to download it.

It will be worth it, for the rewards. But will take some getting used to. I will also write them a letter about how I feel about their Quicken compatability - boo hiss. My little credit union let me download every day if I like. ???

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

Dh landed a $65 focus group next week. IT's funny, because I will come home and literally have 4 messages from focus group companies, but we haven't qualified for any lately. (Actually, BM did one a toy one for a new company, but it turns out it was identical to one he did for our regular focus group company).

They have also been a little more "looking for moms" lately, whereas usually dh is the only one who qualifies for these since he does most the shopping. So he has been rather frustrated. Usually he will just say, "can I do it?" and he may qualify. These days, "women only!"

So, he is happy he got one.

I actually have to pay about $65 to renew my tax preparer PIN this year (it's a new thing, and my boss is being cheap, with the economy). SO, I figure that will pay for that!

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

Dh is still working with the computer. He tried to convince me that spending $200 to upgrade our current computer was better than spending $250-ish for some crappy computer off Overstock.

I have been skeptical, and probably rightly so. So far, he has had to buy 2-3 parts rather unexpectedly because the old computer didn't have this compatibility or this compatibility. He had a hand-me-down external hard-drive, but then he couldn't hook it up AND hook up a DVD drive. The workaround cost money. His dad gave him a box that he had laying around, but the printer cable isn't compatible with the new box. Stuff like that! (I guess that would be a new computer problem too - fair enough).

HE worked all day on it Sunday and spent about $200. Yesterday he met his dad for spare/free computer parts. Last night he probably spent another $50. If his dad didn't live 100+ miles away, he'd probably have those parts too. But, he is anxious to complete the project. Was on hold all week until he was able to meet his dad (aka free computer part store - he is a hoarder of sorts).

I am hoping today it is up and running.

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

I got my final Chase rebate. My Credit Union now offers remote scanning of deposits, so I am going to try that out this weekend. This check will be my test.

Ugh! I am drowning in fiscal chores, it feels like.

**Got my new Target card & ordered one for dh. I just put him as an authorized user, since it seemed easier. (We usually own all our cards jointly).

I couldn't add him until my card arrived, which I thought was kind of a pain. (I've always just applied for a joint card).

**My boss gave us the distribution forms for our profit sharing plan. He announced January that he was closing the plan - lord knows what took so long. I opened an IRA in Feb or March and have been waiting to roll it over.

I got to update my net worth by $1k (current year returns) - I presume it's been sitting in cash for quite a while, while getting the paperwork ready, etc.

The rollover into my IRA should be rather easy. But, now I have to figure out how to invest it. Doubling the retirement funds in our control will give me considerably more leeway to diversify (more funds, etc.). On the flip side, it is a lot more to manage. I haven't had control of this money before, so now I have to consider putting all the high return stuff in the ROTHs and the lower return stuff in the regular IRA. I will probably just stick it somewhere simple to begin with, and will think long and hard about our strategy. It's a lot of pressure, to suddenly double the retirement funds that I manage on my own, but without the fees in the profit sharing plan I think I can fare better for the long haul.

**Refinance? I think the odds are slim.

I have had mixed feelings on our mortgage broker, but don't want to go through the hassle for so little benefit, without knowing it is going to be an easy process with no B.S. So, I only want to refi with this guy.

Our broker was hard to reach. He was playing conservative (partly probably because he was just SWAMPED). He really didn't think it made sense for us to refi, and I tried to convince him otherwise.

Reverse psychology- genius, eh?

Sounds funny, but we quickly figured out our disconnect. I presume we will stay in this house forever. We've already been here a decade. (I also presume we will pay off the house in about 15 years' time, anyway. Maybe faster when dh returns to work).

For him, the presumption is everyone moves every 5 years, anyway. So he asked me point blank, "How long are you planning to stay in this house?" My reply? Forever!

He then conceded that it might make sense. IT would shave 3 years off the loan, afterall, if we stayed to the bitter end. Which is why I think it's a bit of a no brainer.

He then told me that he couldn't get the rate lock for long enough because it's so crazy. So, to just call him if rates drop slightly.

He was talking 4.25%/no points, but with the forever factor, I think I rather go 4% and pay a point. BUT, I since ran the numbers and the 4.25% was "keep the same payment and shave 3 years off our current payoff time." The numbers say it is worthwhile, though I hesitate to go through the whole process to save just over 0.5%. But, I suppose it makes sense if we can get the rate lock. (If no rate lock - forget about it!)

This will be a case of if rates drop at all, we will probably go for it. If not, oh well. It's hard to cry about 4.875%.

Now I have to keep an eye on rates. I just printed out rates on Bankrate yesterday and will check it daily to see if it drops.

Psychologically, without the 4%, not sure I want to bother! I admit that part is psychological. 4%!!!!!!!

I suppose you all took our warm weather! It's been darn cold, and very sudden at that.

I usually get in a fall cleaning mood, so hopefully this is what I need. Felt more like spring (or summer), until today.

A few more days of this and we may cave with the heat. For now, it's still 70-ish inside (warmth leftover from the hot weekend). Just depends if it heats up again, outside, before the house gets too cold.

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

The kids still refuse to wear pants (only shorts!), but I did go through their drawers. Had a few donations from LM's drawers (outgrown clothes).

BM is out of jeans that don't look like flood pants. As soon as my new Target card arrives, we will go pant shopping there. (I think that's all he really needs though. Phew!)

To fill up the donation bag (to the brim), I went through my closet and threw a few things in. I haven't been strict with the "1 in/1 out" rules, but made up for it with this purge!

Some charity came by to pick up our donations today. It is so easy to stay de-cluttered with the curb service. I am so spoiled with that. (I don't care who it is - if they will take my crap from the curb - they can have it).

A toy purge is probably in order, before Christmas...

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

I got my new Fidelity Retirement Awards American Express.

For the most part I am very happy with them - good first impressions. (The cards arrived within a week of applying - how about that?)

I have avoided Am Ex for a LONG time feeling they weren't quite as convenient as Visa.

Of course, our local utilities do not take American Express. Kind of a pain, but we will survive. (Extra pain, since the utilities are some of our bigger bills. All our small bills like netflix, gym, etc., will take it, but that's just $10/$20 per month versus the $160 in utilities I have to charge to my visa instead). Oh well!

I haven't found out for our cable/internet/phone provider, but that's another $150/month that will probably go to visa. Boo! (On the plus side, I haven't been charging it - I asked dh to get our online account set up so I could start charging it. It's a small/local company which is why I guess Visa will be our only option). For a bill like that, might as well get some cash back. Our Visa is 1% cash back.

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

Vacation plans are forming for next year. Sort of, I guess. It's so far away.

LM declared that he wanted to go to Legoland some time. I agreed we should probably go before the kids got too much older (it's for small kids, really). Dh said he had 2-for-1 coupons. Kids free with adults, or something like that. Expires end of next year. So, that is our loose plan. Maybe next October since the kids get a week off school.

MIL can get us a free place to stay. We will drive. We decided maybe we should skip Disney (been there the last 4 years in a row) and that maybe we should do Universal Studios or Magic Mountain instead. If it's just a few days, I don't expect it to be a very pricey vacation. (More like, dirt cheap!). Last time we did LegoLand, we did a week-long trip and 2 days at Disney - for $1000-ish. I can't help but feel this will be significantly cheaper. & really, $1k wasn't bad.

I've never been to the Grand Canyon, and we have talked about driving through Vegas quickly (showing the kids some of the sights on the strip - but not a place to hang around long with small kids - a drive by would probably do for now). So, we may think about camping and/or making a bit of a road trip of it.

10 Things 529 Providers Won't Tell You

http://www.smartmoney.com/spending/rip-offs/10-things-529-pr...

Hmmmm, and I can't help but feel this list is incomplete. I read recently that 529 plans were very restrictive in how much often you can buy/sell funds within the plan. (I do not know if this applies to ALL 529 plans, but the article I read seemed to hint that it did).

I recently said in the forums, that to point out the flaws of 529 plans used to be "blasphame," but lately, there is more media about the downsides.

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

Not to say 529 plans don't have their place. I just think they generally have their place with wealth planning and higher net worth individuals.

I don't think the average person understands all the pitfalls, that is for sure. So I like seeing more of these articles.

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

BTW, #4 is just plain stupid. Something like, "Save $100k and lose $5k of financial aid." Do you need $5k of financial aid if you saved up $100k for college?

But, I think #4 pointed out some other good things that most people don't understand about financial aid considerations.

We refinanced 2 years ago (to 4.875%), because we were not sure we would have enough equity to refi later. Plus, not a fan of ignoring rock bottom rates for the "possibility" they will drop further.

I talked to our mortgage broker recently and he said he was keeping an eye out for me. I was kind of rolling my eyes, thinking, "yeah right." Like it will really be worth it to refi. I thought he may turn into a pushy salesman.

But, now I am starting to appreciate it. Because, I haven't heard anything from him. (So he isn't being overly pushy, obviously).

Over the weekend we got an offer for 3.99% (that a 30 year loan!) from Quicken.

I ran the numbers out of curiosity. Even if we borrowed the closing costs, we are looking at a monthly payment of $999. O.M.G. (I was freaking out during our last refi to $1100/month, because that was cheaper than renting a studio condo when I Was 18 - admittedly a more expensive area. But, you know, to me that just seems insanely cheap for a mortgage, considering what we looked at a decade ago as far as rent or condo ownership).

I told dh, "Rates will NEVER be lower." He said, "I've heard that before." (Yes - he has - twice already).

I will pass this one up. I know that we would have to pay a higher rate to opt out of escrow, and I don't want to deal with an online company like this. The reviews are mixed.

We went with a broker last round, and it was the most pleasant refi experience we have ever had (compared to some horrendous ones).

But, I will probably e-mail our broker guy and ask him if he can get us 3.99%. I presume no (not in a low cost way) since he hasn't called us. But, doesn't hurt to put the bug in his ear.

Selling point? Initially, we'd pay off the loan a little faster. ($300/month to principal versus current $285?). This time I would just keep paying the old payments, so we'd be paying down $400/month to start. The breakeven seems lightning fast. That's the final selling point for me. Guess that happens when you get so low in the interest rate.

I think it's almost impossible to pass up rates below 4%. It's insane.

I know I could more easily get a rate that low with a 15-year mortgage, but we just aren't there. In a couple of years? Maybe. But with just my income, now? Sticking with the 30 years. OF course, last time we had a 15-year loan, it was in the realm of 7%. !!! (2000 or 2001). You can see why a 30-year at 3.99% might be more appealing. Low rates AND a longer term, both? Sweet.

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

I think people's reactions to our constant refinancing are kind of funny. PArticularly in the area we live in. People equate "refi" with "cash out."

I personally equate "refi" with "making it easier to pay off our home SOONER!!!!!" We generally don't even borrow the closing costs. Only considering the last couple of times, and paying points, because the rates were so lucrative.

IF we had just waited, would have been even better, but I didn't have my crystal ball. I don't regret any refis we have ever done.

This refi would put us well on track to pay off in 25 years. Which may be 3 years behind original purchase pay off, but we would be paying $500/month less than original loan payments (for decades).

I won't hold my breath, but am looking into it.

**I was annoyed when dh seemed to write off my old laptop, and then the second I replaced it, he wiped the thing clean and set it up with some kid friendly installation. (Was trying Linux or whatever that free operating system is). HE set it up with passwords and child controls, so the kids could do some of their online stuff.

I was annoyed because he could have just fixed it for ME!

But, it has turned out useful since BM's teacher bought some software program - he can do all the math stuff online from home.

So, I was annoyed, but I suppose it works. I have come to much prefer the netbook for my own purposes.

Anyway, I attended a seminar that focused on free and inexpensive computer gadgets, internet resources, etc. Today, I was setting up the kids for their spanish class website, and both kids wanted to use the computer.

We do have the "oldest hand-me-down" in my *office* at the top of the stairs (since taken over by the kids). Our hand-me-down system is thrown off since one of our newer computers bit the dust 2-3 years ago. No plans to replace another any time soon. The old one isn't even functional at this point - though it sits there. I suppose its non-function is why dh got the laptop all set up for them.

At the seminar, speaker mentions good refurbished computers on Overstock.com - $250 price range. That perked up my ears. I'd buy one today to get that set up back up and running.

I was trying to convince dh, and finally said, "Anything is better than what we have up there!" He just wasn't very gung ho on going cheap.

So, he's up there wiping it clean and re-installing everything. Who knew I'd just have to threaten to spend some money, for him to fix what we already have?

The computer is 8 years old - darn it - we can get a few more years out of it.

I was reminded yesterday that with the Target card, Target will donate 1% to the school of our choice. (I don't expect it to add up to much - but every penny helps!)

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

It's been a weekend on the more relaxing side. Phew!

Dh had planned to do some location scouting for a film project he is working on. (Wanted to take pictures of the family cabin and a nearby lake and waterfall). He was going to run up there during the week, and I said, "Um, why don't we all go?" Hello? A hike would be nice. I have never seen this waterfall though I have heard about it.

Unfortunately, today is rain rain rain. So I suppose we will postpone.

We'd also been wanting to go to the Aerospace museum, but will get far more money's worth on a clear day (lots of outside exhibits and a cool playground).

So this weekend is full of cooking, working out, napping, board games, etc.

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

We had a soccer game yesterday and it was downright warm outside. It was nice to bask in the sun a bit and wear our flip flops. The house was getting on the warm side yesterday. Heat is NOT on the horizon. Usually the *challenge* begins, for us, around Halloween and if we are lucky (or tough) we can make it to Thanksgiving without running the heat. But, it's November 7 and the house has yet to drop below 70F degrees.

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

AS far as 2011?

With our tax refund (due to large medical expenses), it looks like we may hit $25k cash by year-end. (I've been spinning my wheels around $20k-ish for most of the last 2 years - building up cash being my primary goal = and putting LOTS of cash to this goal).

I hesitate to speak it, because the last 18 months or so have been rife with emergencies and surprises.

But, I can also be optimistic.

The $25k breaks down as follows:

$5k cash efund
$10k cash ROTH efund (for catastrophe)
$3k medical deductible (will be spent, unfortunately)
$7k mid-term cash savings (replacement vehicles and home maintenance, primarily)
----------------------
$25k Total

(My goal was $30k, but I officially give up! A loss in retirement benefits means I have to shift priorities away from cash and towards retirement. Which is primarily why I give up altogether. I'd prefer more emergency funds considering the economy, etc.).

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

I don't have enough info to finalize any plans, but am tweaking the numbers and thinking I can make it work for 2011:

**Assume no raise
**Assume + $100/month to health insurance
**$1100/month to short-term savings
**$400/month to mid-term savings (cash)
**$600/month to ROTHS (10% gross income)
**Overtime to fund medical deductible for 2012

That's the plan!

When LM was done with preschool, I Changed our short-term cash contributions from $1k to $1200 per month. However, our property taxes and insurances have been decreasing, so I think it is reasonable (though tight) to go with $1100/month. This is for every expense, all year, no matter how big or small, that is just one-time or random.

This way, I can squeeze 10% to retirement, out of the budget. We only went with about 5% this year, with all the events of this year (medical bills and 10% cut in compensation).

I am pleased that I Was still able to get cash to a comfortable level. It's really more cash than we've had since having 2 kids, and it was a hell of a year to make said goal.

I also have a backup plan for 2011. Dh will probably work a bit to help build up cash further, max out the ROTHs, and start paying the mortgage down faster. I really don't need that much to make these goals - a few thousand dollars a year would be a huge help as far as maxing out the ROTHs and having extra for the mortgage.

**Our home insurance premium went down 15%. It's back to where it was in 2006.

I didn't notice at first. When I got it I thought, "Hmmm, it didn't go up!" But then I looked in Quicken and saw it was significantly lower than last year. So I looked at the last few years to see the last time it was this low.

Between that and getting a surprise of being grandfathered into some old flood insurance premium, I saved about $1200 in insurance this year that I certainly was not expecting! Woohoo.

**I just have to get through this month with no giant surprise bills. Since everything we charge in December is paid in January, I can push off any December surprises to next year!

**All in all, the numbers look pretty good for 2010. Especially considering the expensive year we have had. I felt like my financial luck had turned a corner, about a month ago. With all this medical hoo ha, not sure I still feel that way. But the home insurance bill is a step in the right direction (surprise good news versus surprise big bills).

**A few people have told me I should have surgery this year because of the deductible. Honestly, not sure it really matters. (& it doesn't seem to be moving along quite that speedily. In fact, I may have a heart attack if I have to have surgery end of December - busiest time at work. They will give the time if I need it, but I think my stress level will be better come January. Early December is fine, but probably not in the cards).

For now, depends on what they do to our plan. If it stays put with the $3k deductible, I already have a good idea that we are using the deductible for dh's MRIs next year. Plus, it gives us another year to seriously consider radiation for dh, without freaking out about the cost. For this year, we still have out-of-pockets to run through, and I get the feeling surgery won't be as cheap as the services we have been using this year post-deductible. They can still bill us another $3k for 2010.

So, really, the surgery will make no difference - will just get billed earlier in the year if I have surgery early 2011. (Dh's first MRI wasn't until May which bought us more time to save up for it). Then again, sometimes it takes the hospital years to bill us. But dh's surgery? The bill was in the mail when we got home from the hospital! Not crossing my fingers for slow billing.

What I am worried about is what they will do to our health plan, for 2011. I will find out in a couple of weeks, and will beg for a 2010 surgery date if it will save us a significant amount of money. But, if no changes? Not really a big difference. Any way you slice it, we will have a few medical bills and will run through our deductible in 2011, either way. IT may make sense to use our deductible for surgery next year, and then pay for all the low cost things like MRIs, post deductible. I'll have to find out the co pay for surgery, this year, to make an informed decision.

**I got my new Fidelity card set up. 2% of all purchases to my ROTH IRA account. Pretty sweet.

**Target also called me today to verify that I am me.

Both cards will arrive in about a week. Then it's on to dumping the old. (Target - will save 5% on all Target purchases).

**I logged onto Credit Karma today. IT says my oldest OPEN credit account is almost 8 years old. Probably my State Farm.

There is a credit score simulator on there. I simulated if I closed my oldest account. (I actually plan to close that one and a 3 or 4yo card). It said, "WARNING WARNING DANGER DANGER - THIS IS BAD FOR YOUR CREDIT SCORE." (Something along those lines, anyway). Then it simulated my score and told me it would be 805 instead of 810.



I wasn't worried about it before, and am even less worried about it now.

{NOTE: I have always made it a habit to close an old credit card every time I opened a new one - which I do often to chase rewards. Anyway, it's kind of my pet peeve when lenders and the media scare people with great credit scores from ever closing an old card - it's kind of ludicrous if you ask me. Since recent identity theft, I feel more strongly about not keeping a pile of unused cards out there - just more to track and worry about.}

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

In surgery news, my biopsy is in 2 weeks. (Sounds less fun by the minute!) Took forever to get it scheduled. I finally just called and asked for my appointment - tired of waiting. My ultrasounds for "nothing" was done within 48 hours. Biopsy is more complex I guess, but can't help but wonder when they would ever call me, otherwise. Was getting rather frustrated.

It's in 2 weeks. I need to do lab work exactly one week before. & a pile of instructions. Plus, I can't drive myself home, which makes me wonder what I have gotten into. (I thought I was just getting a fine needle biopsy which is suppose to be very simple). I kind of figure ignorance is bliss, so I don't think I will ask much. Just show up and get 'er done. I really don't need to know all the gory details.

IT's my turn!

What a flipping year!

My Doctor just got back to me and told me that he got my ultrasound results. I do have a thyroid nodule and they want to send me for biopsy. I said, "So, if it's benign, we'll leave it be?" Oh no, of course not! IT's so large that they have to remove it. Biopsy and blood tests are just a starting point to gather info. (Glad I asked?)

The bright side is that if it is cancer, that it is 96% cureable with my age, etc.

The practical side of me quickly googled recovery time for thyroid surgery. 2 weeks.

IT's a mixed bag. We have an emergency fund, and if I can have the surgery this year (no idea) it shouldn't cost too much. But, I do recall from pregnancy that there was a 1-week-waiting period of no pay for disability (which pays about $900 per week. IT's not bad at all).

That said, I don't believe I can be paid during the waiting period. I'll have to check, but it may be easier to ask my boss to advance me vacation time. He has done it before. Disability may be better to apply for in case it becomes prolonged, though. But I may only get paid $900 for 2 weeks. *sigh*

LOTS to figure out.

I kind of had a feeling all along. I felt like the bump on my arm (which was absolutely nothing) was serendipitous in that it was the only reason I noticed the bump on my neck. So I really had a strong feeling it would come back as something. What, I wasn't sure.

Just like dh's ordeal, it probably sounds much worse than it is. Kind of a headache, but nothing earth shattering. I am not sure if I should consider that lucky or not! I Feel lucky since I know so many people dealing with much worse medical problems right now (Cancer cancer cancer).

ETA: Oh - I could probably use sick time. I last had surgery when I was 18. I've had a few so no real biggie, but I suppose it has been a while!

November is typically a slow month.

Will see!

Work is unusual and we have so much planned because it is a "slow month," that I am not so sure. OF course, it will fly by just like the rest of the year has. Hard to believe it is November!

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

Halloween was a mixed bag. VERY quiet. But, that was nice because the amount of candy we got last year was just insane. It was nice to tone it down a bit. But, it wasn't very exciting. Very quiet. Though I think the kids enjoyed themselves.

LM finished very quickly (just a handful of houses) and wanted to go home. Worked out well since they were able to hand out most the candy then.

Operation Candy was mostly a success. The kids were bringing home insane amounts of candy from school last year, so I started storing it for Halloween. Probably made up about 1/3 of what we handed out, so did save a few bucks for us. (Dh just bought 2 small bags of candy - we didn't need much since it was quiet).

The irony is that since I started saving the candy for Halloween, the volume has turned way down. In fact, I don't think the kids brought home any candy since last school year. They brought some home Friday, don't get me wrong, but it was a reasonable amount. I just get the feeling I won't get so much free candy this year.

Likewise, no parties this year. It's been odd. No begging for money for parties (which always seem to be for the adults more than the kids). Instead, 2 kids in the school and not a word about any parties this Halloween. Phew! They way they do parties always bugs me. Sounds like they had some non-parent celebrations or something - sounds good to me. (Not that I think they should never have a party - I just don't know why they have to be so often and so over-the-top).

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

I have another out of town seminar this week, so a little crazy I suppose.

After my recent credit card breach, my new Chase Freedom cards arrived in the mail. A day or 2 later, a lovely note arrived from them about the discontinuation of my rewards. (I knew that was coming - most people with the program have already been cut off).

I couldn't help but feel that them changing every thing over made them do a second look at my card, and spurred this decision. BOO!

All that said, I will consider myself incredibly lucky. I am due for a $250 rebate, come Thursday. I can't complain about the timing! (On the flip side, if they cut me off a month sooner, I'd be pretty peeved).

We will meet the $250, even though the card was inactive for a few days. Phew!

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

OF course, if I had known, I wouldn't have changed all our payments over to the replacement card. True to my word, I am dropping the card, now that I no longer have the lucrative rewards. No more big banks in my life.

Considering that I just applied for a Target card, and my State farm card was just closed, it's not a great time to open and close a second set of cards. But I only expect short term negative FICO consequences. I really don't care!

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

I might have been a little rash, but I had my eye on the Fidelity American Express (2% cash back deposited into my IRA). So, I already applied for it.

It just now occurs to me that I should have looked around a bit - see what else is out there. BUT, this has been my plan for a good year - just sitting and waiting. It's hard to beat contributions to my IRA.

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

I went to a seminar yesterday (For my CPA license) on Asset Protection Planning. IT was actually VERY interesting. (Usually no matter how interesting I think a topic will be, it can either be over my head or a bit of a snooze).

All I Can say is, NEVER take free legal advice. I'll probably be real annoying in the forums, correcting everyone's bad asset protection legal advice, for a while.

(I always say good legal advice is worth paying for, but boy, did I have my eyes opened on a lot of stuff that is taken as gospel and just not true).

For one, IRAs really offer no asset protection from creditors/lawsuits, unless you are of traditional retirement age. That was the scariest part that I learned. (Not sure what to think about that - better to keep as much as possible in ERISA plans, like 401ks and profit sharing plans. Now I am not so thrilled to rollover my profit sharing plan into my IRA). Of course, depends on the state you live in. California does not care if you work hard and work up huge IRA balances.

The attorney who led the seminar was excellent and/or a good salesman. Needless to say, I know who to call if I am ever sued. Though much of what we talked about applied to much more high net worth individuals. But I have ideas rolling in my head to protect our own assets in the future, as they grow.

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

I spent the evening in San Francisco last night, after my seminar. Had a really nice time. Spent too much money, ate too much food, stayed up too late, but had a nice time. I have another seminar in the Bay Area next week, so made plans with my parents. I think they were upset I had so little time with them (I crashed with them the night before - my commute was a quick half hour to SF in the a.m., that way).

I still have the San Francisco GPS jinx. We turned on the feature to "Avoid toll roads" in Colorado, and never turned it back off. My astute friend noticed it was sending me in the wrong directions, and I finally realized it wanted me to avoid all toll bridges, which would maybe add an hour to my drive home? UGH! I felt relieved not to get stuck on a huge detour again!

One of the only reasons I feel more comfortable traversing SF is because of the GPS, but I keep running into these type snafus! Third time will be a charm. (Even with the snafus, I find it infinitely easier to traverse the big city with the GPS. Phew!!).

**I went to the bread store yesterday, and the empty building next to it was filled with produce. Signs advertised $1 for 2 pounds, though. It was dark and closed at the time - will be interesting to see what that is. (The store still had all the signs from when it was a paint store - so I couldn't gleam much else).

I suppose I should go by on a Saturday and see what is going on. (I am in the area generally week nights or Saturday mornings for my aerobics class).

**For the life of me, I can't find our little mini broom and dustpan. Lords knows where it went. IT's kind of maddening because I don't generally lose things. (Maybe I should have searched the kids rooms!)

So, dh spent a few dollars on a new one yesterday. Ugh! I hate stupid purchases like that!

**At some point we just switched to the "fully cooked" bacon that you pop in the microwave. Lord knows why. we don't consume a lot of processed foods. As I am increasing my culinary talents, I asked dh to buy me some real bacon.

Um, DIVINE! It's probably been a long time since I had REAL bacon, at home.

I got the inspiration from Alton Brown. Layer foil on a cookie sheet and place a cooling rack on top. That way the bacon grease drips down and you just toss the foil when you are done.

Easy peasy. No more crappy bacon for this family! (Though dh may still use the other stuff for recipes since it is easier to crumble).

I'm heating up some bacon for breakfast. Yummy!

Though we generally make a concerted effort to reuse/reduce/recycle, I have no idea how to tackle that when it comes to GREASE! I suppose limiting greasy foods is all we can do. But we certainly like our grease, in moderation of course!

I finally got in to a Doctor for the lump on my throat/thyroid.

He really thinks it is nothing. I have an ultrasound Wednesday to look closer, and he is considering if I should get a MRI or a Cat Scan, too. (I guess Cat Scans are better for the thyroid, but do expose you to radiation. No wonder MRIs are the "go to " scan in this day and age).

It's funny because there are a lot of HDHP horror stories out there. For example, my dad's friend called an ambulance once (for a fall? turned out to be nothing?) and they got some huge bill.

I have tried to explain that our deductible is only $3k, and we save more than $3k in premiums, so it we come out ahead, regardless. Until dh's brain tumor, we never hit our deductible, anyway. So we are WAY ahead.

Our out-of-pocket increased this year and I figured that was how they would stick us - this has all been "too good to be true" on some level. Don't get me wrong - we still pay a fortune for insurance, but so much less than we would be if we had no HDHP options.

In the end, once we hit our deductible, they REALLY racheted down what they have been charging us. I could still get a surprise bill down the road (timeliness is not their strong suit). But reading all the fine print, it did seem we wouldn't get charged much beyond the deductible, and that seems to be standing true.

Under the insurance that cost a small fortune, we were charged much more heavily for things like emergency and overnight stays (maybe $500 vs. the $50 we are paying now. That's pretty substantial).

So, overall, I am still happy with our HDHP, all things considered. I feel like we are still ahead, even with a very heavy hospital/doctor usage year.

Doctor visits have been $0 (& I have had a pile), $10 for blood draws, $10 for ultrasounds, and $50 for MRIs. We maxed our deductible in January with dh's surgery, so this is all we have had to pay for, since.

Before the deductible, MRIs cost $1500. So, $50 sounds like a steal, to me. Since we will have 3-4 MRIs between the 2 of us this year. Phew!!

I was surprised how well I did with packing for our recent trip to Hawaii.

Packing light is not my thing. Just ask my dh or any other friend I have traveled with.

Granted, I might have packed one long sleeve shirt in with the shorts, swim suits and t-shirts. There really wasn't anything bulky in my suitcase, so I know this challenge was easier with the tropical destination. But, I have never met the challenge to survive one week with an itty bitty suitcase before, either.

In the end, it is amazing how much the simplicity improved our trip.

You might laugh at me to know we had our netbook, cell phones, MP3 players, a DS for some games, and a GPS to navigate. & a camera, of course! I can't help but feel that this was a reason I Was so content to travel with less (other stuff). I couldn't help but think a Kindle or e-reader would have reduced our bulk significantly (We traveled with about 4 large books).

Electronics aside, I couldn't help but feel I was really feeling the effects of our de-cluttering effort. IT's been many years in the making. I started seriously de-cluttering when the nesting instinct hit me late in pregnancy. Moreso with second baby since I had to clear out my whole extra room (office/spare bedroom with my old furniture) to make way for the baby. From then on, we just make a more conscious effort not to keep stuff we don't really need or use.

On top of this, our vow to live on one income with small children means certainly much less means to go around. I think dh and I have always been good with our financial priorities. But lately, we have had to be ultra efficient in our material purchases.

I think for the most part, I felt it when we traveled. I was able to quite easily carry everything material that really mattered to me. Being very much a homebody, it was profound for me not to get more homesick.

On the flip side of this, I also think resistance to electronics is often misguided. Being able to carry all of my favorite songs (& then some) in the palm of my hand, is kind of amazing. & the fact is it greatly reduces the clutter. As with most of the electronic items I mentioned. Instead of boxes of photo albums, we store most pictures electronically, etc. I just have a lot of very similarly minded friends, and we tend to diverge greatly in our life philosophies when it comes to electronics. We find, in moderation, the electronics greatly simplify our lives.

& i am sure one smart phone will take the place of most of this stuff, in the near future, anyway. Talk about simplicity!

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

The reason I was thinking about all this was because I was watching a Real Housewives episode (my guilty pleasure). One of the ladies was traveling just for the weekend, and had about 10 suitcases. (All the make up, clothes, shoes, etc., etc.).

I had to giggle myself.

I know that so many people think more stuff will make them happy. But I can't help but feel I'd rather just have my teeny tiny suitcase with everything I really *need*, any day. Rather than be a slave to all that stuff? Ugh!

We haven't made it to our new Farmers Market in ages.

Vacation, sick, soccer games, you name it. I have been looking forward to some FRESH corn again! (We have only made it to the market once!)

So, we made it today. The morning was cool and wet, and the place was pretty empty. I suppose they may close up shop for winter, which would be a bummer.

We just got some corn, grapes, and apples. But next to the corn was some "popcorn on the cob." I am not clear exactly how they prepped the corn for popcorn (I read you can get the same result by freezing corn, but it looks more than just frozen).

So, we decided to give it a try.

These were the kids as they scarfed it down: "I don't like it - it's not salty!" Though it lasted all of 5 seconds. Yes, clearly it was terrible! (I did add a little of salt and gladly would have added some butter if they let me! )

I think we are "popcorn on the cob" converts. We should have asked how long it should last - we bought 3 cobs. Will ask next time.

Beats pre-packaged popcorn by a mile. Yum!

**The mall is on fire!!! Well, it was. Interestingly, in a region that has suffered so much in the economy, apparently we had a mall that was doing QUITE well. (I didn't know). I was surprised to read that the vacancy rate was only 5%. (Come drive through Sacramento and most of its suburbs, and you will see miles and miles of empty retail and business space. Over 1 million square feet in our own suburb - what I heard a while ago - it's only gotten worse). Needless to say, that 5% vacancy rate is mind boggling to me. 200 stores, ruined and/or out of business at the moment. Some crazy person set the mall on fire yesterday morning.

I initially thought of all the ruined merchandise, but they say who knows when they will reopen, how bad the timing is right before Christmas, how much city sales tax revenue will be hurt, and how many people will be unemployed because of this. Ouch! (Plus, huge loss of seasonal jobs).

I've never been to said mall because I live very close to two other malls (which haven't been doing so well!).

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

**The weekend is upon us. Aside from a soccer game, no plans. Phew!! The house is a disaster, and so I suppose it will be a weekend of house cleaning.

Between all the illness, and being gone last weekend, I haven't done much around the house since we got home Oct. 1.

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

**Reminds me, I must be crazy! MIL wants to try QUICKEN! I didn't really sell her on it. She uses excel and dh helps here with the formulas/set up all the time. Probably something he set up for her. When the subject has come up, I will just say, "We use Quicken - it's so much easier."

I guess she was listening because the topic came up and I told her she could borrow a copy of mine and try it out. (We'd buy it for her for Christmas or something, if she liked it).

So, next weekend we have a Quicken date.

I should be excited, that I found someone to convert (muahahaha). But, realistically, I am just hoping she doesn't drive me crazy with it. Will see!

Plus side? The plus side is that I feel a little uncomfortable getting all in her financial business, and dh has far more time. SO, I told him that he was going to have to help. I can show them how to use it together. & then I will have more confidence that dh can figure it all out if something happens to me. & if she needs a LOT of hand holding, he can take over (because that is when I will go nuts!)

A little hand holding will be fun. An excuse to call me every single day? What was I thinking?

The good is that the Doctor does not think dh's tumor has grown at all.

The bad is he wants to do another MRI in 6 months (because he is not sure). Which just means more $$$$$$$

Overall, it's good!

There is no doubt that identity theft and credit card breaches are on the rise.

I don't remember ever having my credit card info stolen, in the farther past, but lately, it just comes with the territory.

I am also concerned because every time I mention any breach, older people always think, "It's the internet!!" No doubt, some of it is the internet, but I know of far many more cases of mail fraud. I can trace my BIG identity theft breach to a lost IRA application (lost in the mail).

IT could be a coincidence, but my HMO bills me and lets me put things on my credit card if I write out the number and mail it back. I always feel uncomfortable doing so, and both times my current info was breached, was within a week of doing so. In the past there was a check washing ring traced to our local post office, so I avoid snail mail as much as possible. I can't help but feel maybe there is still some shady stuff going on. I really just need to pick up the phone and ask if I can pay over the phone, next time. I am getting more and more leery of sending anything in the mail. (A check would be worse, I think. Knowing the check washing history. At least the credit card theft does not affect my cash balance while it gets straightened out).

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

So, what is it about OCtober? I am looking and my card was last breached exactly 2 years ago - October. Kind of ironic.

I just logged in, and saw a few odd charges in NYC. Nope - haven't been to NYC lately. The charges were a quarter for parking, $50 at Rite Aid, and $150 at some east coast super market.

Unfortunately, random traveling and trips to the super market aren't unusual at all. (The first place we went in Hawaii was to the grocery store!) This is the first time that I have caught a breach like that before the credit card company did.

Should be easy enough to straighten out. I only automatically pay about 1 bill, so will have to fix that and memorize a new number. Eh.

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

In other news, I have had a State Farm credit card for a LONG time. It was my backup card, though I more recently got a credit union credit card, to fit the bill.

So, I got a note in the mail that they were going to close the SF card if I didn't use it in the next 30 days.

I figure it's for the best. I don't really need 3 cards. I was keeping it for my "backup card" when I closed the Chase card (when they reduce my rewards or up my fees). Backup cards are a must for time like these. I hate cash, and I don't want to be credit card-less while they issue me new cards.

BUT, it is taking way longer for Chase to scare me off than I imagined, and now I am eyeing another card with 2% cash back to my retirement account. Basically, when Chase pisses me off I will shop for a new 2nd card. I am fine with letting go of the State Farm card.

I have never found that closing old cards amounts to a hill of beans to my almost perfect credit score. Though I closed my first credit card a few years ago, I learned since that good credit stays on your credit report for a whole decade. I can't help but feel this may be why I have never noticed much impact from closing old cards (& keeping my list of credit cards very small, manageable, and most useful - best rewards). Because absolutely none of my credit history has fallen off my report, I can only assume FICO is using it too. & by the time it falls off, I will have 10 years of new history.

**I scored some *free* toothbrushes. They were on sale for 99 cents, and I got $1 0ff coupons for Walgreens, for buying them. I bought one, and went back and snatched up 3 more (I hadn't realized they were on sale, and I didn't realize the coupon was for the toothbrush, so I got another one). If I had realized I would have bought one at lunch and one after work (the Walgreens is on my way home), to make them all essentially FREE. But what I did was run back first thing in the morning to snatch up more before the sale ended. I hadn't realized they were on sale until I got home and looked at the receipt. Doh.

Was nice, since I like a particular kind of toothbrush that usually cost more like $4 or $5.

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

I got our new property tax bill. No surprises since I had looked up our property assessment earlier in the year.

In our state, property taxes can not go up more than 2% per year, but they can go down as low as property values go, any given year. (These rules were put in place when absurd price appreciation meant a lot of seniors could no longer afford the property taxes to keep their homes).

I have no complaints about our property taxes, as they have steadily gone up 2% per year (even while the price of our property more than doubled in a very short time). But with the economy, I welcome the chance to pay even less.

Last year our bill went down $400 for the year. This year, it went down about $300. That's some pretty substantial savings. We are still in this sweet spot where we have over 20% equity, etc. (Last year, our assessment fell to the price we paid for the house. This year, down another $15k or so).

For net worth purposes, I long ago decided just to track the assessment to value our home, since it was only a steady 2% increase. (Fair market value has been crazy and volatile, on the other hand). On the flip side, a large loss of value would be more important to track and is accurately reflected with this method. It just works for my purposes.

SO, I have to lower my assets by $15k for the year. But I won't complain too much, since I have no plans to move anytime soon, and welcome the lower tax bill. Phew!

He is going in for an MRI tomorrow. (He did finally set that up!)

IT would be a miracle, but I am hoping his tumor shrunk/died/disappeared.

It looks like the odds are that either it is growing again, or it stopped growing. So, realistically, I can only hope for no growth.

We probably won't know any results until the following week.

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

I am so glad we waited 6 months to bring this whole thing up again. It is still very likely that his doctor will recommend radiation. (cyber knife - small amounts of radiation directed only at the tumor - much safer than other radiation. A VERY simple procedure).

We just couldn't handle all this immediately after his surgery recovery. But, I think we feel ready to open that discussion and tackle it, if need be. So, I am kind of bracing myself for round 2 - which may be brought up even if there is no growth.

**Dh's air conditioning is fixed, which has signaled the arrival of fall.

We visited family over the weekend, and were wary to drive home in the first rain. (You always hear the stories about slick roads, but last year dh spun out on the first rain, so we were a little extra wary). It doesn't rain here all summer - it could have been 6 months since it rained, easily, which is why the roads get so slick.

When we got home, we turned off the front sprinklers (I just flip them off and on as rain comes through - last year was unique in that we got so much rain I don't think we needed to irrigate all winter). Average rainfall is 20 inches per year - not a lot.

Knowing the temps would drop this week, I turned up the hot water a wee bit.

I suppose I should evaluate the pants and warm clothing situation (kids). I just haven't thought about it at all because it has been so HOT! It's been in the 90s, until yesterday.

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

**Fall is always my big kind of "spring clean" mode, so I welcome the cool weather and hope it motivates me soon. I've lost most of October, so hopefully November will be a good "get things done" kind of month!

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

I offered to make some pumpkin pie play dough for the Kinder class. I had no idea what "pumpkin pie spice" was, but found it for about $5.50 at the grocery store (after a long search). I was picking up just a couple of other things and looked while I was there. I didn't realize until I got to the parking lot that the tiny little container was missed - not on my receipt nor on my bag.

I figured it was for the best - maybe I could just borrow some.

MIL didn't have any but told me it was just cimmanom, nutmeg, allspice, etc. I felt "duh," when she told me because we tend to mix our own spices. But, I didn't know what it was. Mental note to look that up next time. I found a simple recipe on the internet - all with spices we did have on hand.

Then, my mom (non-cook) actually found some, and it still had a strong smell to it. (I wouldn't be surprised if it was 20 years old!) I think in this case, it is just for the fragrance (since the kids won't eat the play dough!) In the end, MIL found some too, and neither of them wanted it so now I have tons of pumpkin spice for next time. Way to save $5!

I can't help but think this is one of those things where people don't understand if you "have money," why you would be so "cheap." Whereas, why would I have money, if I didn't try to cut costs like these down. All I Could think is, "What have I gotten myself into," when I Saw that like an ounce of pumpkin spice was almost $6. Ouch!

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

**The weekend was nice. We took the kids to a zoo/park that we have membership at (in San Jose). We spent some time with their cousins (who we never seem to see. It seems we have been spending a lot more time with their second cousins, but first cousins are always so busy). & they had a blast. We need to make more of that time.

I think with our parents retiring, we have cut back significantly on the visits. For a time it seems many weekend were spent traveling to see family. IT can get exhausting (As this weekend was). BUT, I don't remember the last time we visited just to visit. It's been a long while. I think our schedule gets busier every year, and our parents' get less busy, and we are doing less of the driving to visit. Phew!

Dh's dad is officially retiring in about 3 months. (Holding on for some better benefits - he has almost been laid off 2 or 3 times, so crossing our fingers he can make the final stretch).

MIL is retired, but working a lot. Tutoring, subbing, babysitting, etc. I kind of dreaded the day (she is so in everyone's business), but I think she works more than before. Kind of funny, I think. But she is happier with all the control. & obviously teaching is a much tougher/time consuming job, overall.

My dad is just a few months in his new job, but the place is shutting down in a few months. Boo! So, come 2011, none of our parents will be working again. My dad wants to work, and will continue to look for more work. The jobs are far and few in between with his age, any more (he turns 60 next year. But it's been like this since he turned about 55. HE had never been laid off any length of time before the past 5 years or so).

Both dh's parents retired (will retire) at 62.

My mom *retired* in her 20s, and my dad would work forever if he could! But, it is looking like 62 may be a magical number for him, too. Maybe younger. I don't know if he will find much more work in his field.

**Dh's vehicle had more serious air conditioning problems, so it will be $450 to fix. We had already talked about taking it in this week, before I got the news of the $1k insurance reduction. So, I am glad we brought it in after that news. I am more open to the idea to spending $450 to fix it in October. (It is another scorcher today!)

In the grand scheme of things, I don't think our luck is turning back to the bad side. IT's a repair we have been putting off, and knock on wood, but we are nowhere near our car maintenance budget for the year. So, in the grand scheme of things, it's no biggie.

It is officially our first A/C repair, ever. It's a newer car thing - our ancient cars' A/Cs just always worked forever.

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

**Really GOOD news on the school front. (& good for long term financial planning!). The schools' test scores were through the roof for 2010. As such, I think the school has decided that now is a good as time as any, to expand. (They have wanted to expand since inception 5 years ago, but have been very busy getting the school set up and slowly adding grades 4 & 5, etc.). We also didn't even have a principal, last the subject was broached.

It really seems to me that the test scores have something to do with it. (Expecting more support from the district and community, etc.?)

The primary wish is to add Grades 6-8. Since the other middle school choices at current are completely abyssmal, I am very happy that there is such serious talk about moving forward with this. I have 3 or so more years to worry about all this. (My approach has just been very one year at a time. If I had panicked about elemtary school options, it would have worked against us probably. We now have the best school we could ever want. It just kind of happened. So, I haven't found it very worthwhile to panic about 4 years down the road, yet!).

We are exceptionally pleased with the school, so I hope it all works out. Will see...

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

I lucked into a really nice art set for LM, for just under $50. I mentioned before, that LM wanted to take an extra-curricular art class. Dh and I cringed at the price, and decided to use the money to set up his own art studio at home. (The plus is that he gets art instruction at school - they have a REALLY good art program). So, at home, he cam practice practice practice, and expand on the ideas he gets from school.

Since the original idea, I can tell you, I am even more glad I thought of it. I am running out of paper to keep him occupied - he just draws and draws and draws, all the time.

So, I have been keeping my eye out on Craigslist. I haven't seen much, but the other day I was perusing Amazon (again), and one brand of art products was on sale (many items were 75% - 90% off). I found a chalkboard/dry erase board/easel for $38. (The full price on all these items were ridiculous, but the sales prices were quite good, in comparison). I ended up getting a pile of chalk, markers, paper and other accessories for $10. So, a REALLY good start. The shipping was free.

I really just need to keep my eye out for some paint.

It wasn't my intent to make this a Christmas gift. BUT, will probably just hold it for Christmas. (We weren't really planning to buy the kids anything - between all the free stuff dh will get from Scholastic and his game buying/selling, and how much MIL Spoils them). It's the slippery slope of what to get BM, if we get something big for LM. Dh thinks my parents wanted to give BM a big gift though. If that works out, we will just go with that. They will both get a nice gift for Christmas Day, then. They don't seem to notice or care who their gifts are from, at this age.

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

For the final news, BM's class is the "richest" in the school. Was the same class last year, and they always raised the most money for any fundraiser.

At the beginning of the year, teacher asked for about $500 for some software for the kids. The money was raised in an instant. When I saw the request, I thought, "pfffft," since I just wrote out a pile of checks to the school for field trips, supplies, etc. I initially thought, "Maybe we can contribute around Christmas." But when it took him 5 mintues to raise $500, I thought, "nevermind." We focus much more on giving time than money, at this stage in our lives. Seems like a *time* giving year. & I appreciated not feeling the pressure to help, once the money was raised.

That said, I think the techer was so surprised/amazed, he decided to ask for even more. (Why not???). HE asked for money for a video camera for the classroom. BUT, he did it through some donation site, while we were on vacation. Where he was limited to only certain retailers. I Was just showing dh this week, and he said, "What? I can get that for 25% the price." I looked, and no one had contributed one cent. I told dh, "The other parents may have a lot of money, but they aren't stupid." No one wants to pay way more than they have to! (I have found a lot of our well off neighbors are actually pretty money wise and frugal, so I wasn't surprised at all to see the parents balk at this purchase).

So, dh contacted him and told him we would offer to just donate the equipment - we could get it for $100.

I am glad we waited for a more "fitting" opportunity to help. Dh is excited to help with their video projects. With a camera, they can get started!

**It's official that 2011 IRA Contribution Limits will remain unchanged for 2011. (Our tax research company calculates the changes every September - I just remembered to look). IRS will make an announcement in the next couple of weeks, probably.

For whatever reason, they didn't calculate 401k limits this year. I presume the $16,500 max will stay the same (my educated guess).

Knock on wood, but I think it is official that our financial luck is turning around.

I feel like ever since I smashed the side of my van last year (into a pole), it's just been one thing after another! $1k here, $2k there. Neverending big bills and suprises.

Turning point? We didn't end up spending much of anything for our Hawaii trip. BM suddenly doesn't need $1k+ of dental work, after all.

The latest? I got our flood insurance renewal. IT was supposed to cost an extra $1k, for this year only. (The amount of our flood insurance is 100% political. I've ranted before. It was a 500-year flood zone or something, when we bought our home. We were skeptical and have always had flood insurance - we live in a basin next to a river - it's kind of "duh" thing. Since Katrina and all that, we have received a lot of focus for being in a very similar situation. The plus is that there is ton of money being piled into improving levies here. The bad is that we are now considered a 10-year-flood zone. Seems about as ridiculous to me as the 500-year designation. The rates we pay for our flood insurance still depend on the whim of all the politics. We were supposed to pay higher rates for the year 2010 (though certainly not what we probably should pay for a 10 year flood zone!!). We were going back to $300/year annual rates for the next 2 years, ideally until levies improved enough to warrant 200+ year protection.

So, as I understood it, we would need to cough up $1300 for this year. I haven't really focused on the "hardship" of that. Was just relieved we were getting so many breaks in the interim, until this is all worked out. But, all the same, it was going to hurt our bottom line this year.

So, I got the renewal, and I Was pretty pissed off, to get a bill for $300. I told dh that everyone was an idiot who didn't know what they were doing.

But I called my insurance agent today, and since we have had "continous coverage" for "so long," we get to keep the old rate.

I am still a little skeptical, but I have it in writing.

I was feeling uncomfortable moving $3k from savings to our ROTHs, this year. Wanted to be a little better off with the savings. However, I will probably fund $2k from our tax refund. & wala, here is another $1k I Didn't expect. So I am feeling more confident about reaching our financial goals for the year.

I am so happy about this! IT's like I found about $2500 during the last 2 weeks alone. What a load off!

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

To celebrate, I am setting up an appointment with our auto mechanic. I really thought we could just live until next summer with the broken AC thing. Meanwhile, it's been HOT here. So, I give up.

It's supposed to cool off in a few days, and it might not matter at this point. But, I suppose I no longer have any reason to suffer through any more freak hot spells. I don't expect it to be much to fix - just a recharge. Will see.