Thank Goodness They Haven't Outlawed Fun!!!

We made it safely back to Illinois last night. All of us had a fabulous time. Well except for the 2 daughters that didn't attend. One received a permanent position at her first after college job, and could not leave yet. The other being an active Senior stayed for Home Coming Events. Advising me on our return, that she made the wrong choice - should have been with family.

That is exactly what I wanted to hear from my "growing up" daughter. Family First!

The weather was cool in North Carolina, but beautiful. The wedding was amazing. The reception......all I can say is besides eating, we never sat down. Any of us on our side of the family. We danced so much that we all (the girls) had blisters on our feet. Who cares - it was a blast.

Don't take that wrong, all our men and my boys danced too.

My size "0" daughter is claiming she will need to buy clothes made by Winnie Pooh after that night. I think we danced 5 hours straight. So much fun!

Afterwards, the groom (family) came over to thank us all for getting everyone up and partying. My s.i.l. and I made everyone dance. After all, this is what a wedding is about - fun and love and enjoying this crazy thing called life.

The best part is, we didn't just have fun at the wedding festivities, we had fun with all the family all weekend long. Something my hubby's family needed too. My hubby claims I brought the fun. He is convinced his family wouldn't have had fun like they did, if I wasn't pushing. I think he is wrong. We laughed and had so much fun, every moment.

It's sad, but our weekend is over and now it is time to work. :-(

I have absolutely no idea what we spent - but I know it was a lot.

Rental Car: Debit or Credit?

I often hear folks calling in to Dave Ramsey and saying they need to keep a credit card for travel. Credit cards are a tool for renting cars and hotel rooms.

Over and over again, I hear Dave tell his listeners "that's bologna". Steering them towards the use of a Debit Card.

Don't get me wrong, I like the idea of a credit card free life. Doesn't work for me, because I love Cash BACK. But I understand how the majority can financially be helped with this small change in their lifes. Self-control is not something we all have mastered. Frankly, I think it comes with age.

Anyway, last month when we went to Enterprise Rent-A-Car, I was told while booking the vehicle that when we came to pick it up I would need:

• A drivers license
• A Credit Card, not attached to a bank account - i.e. CREDIT NOT DEBIT

I didn't pay heed to this statement when reserving. After all, too me it means nothing. I am a credit card user.

Then when I went to pick the vehicle up again they asked for the same 2 things. This time emphasizing how it had to be a CREDIT CARD. I kind of shrugged and handed over my cash back Discover.

This time when I reserved the vehicle, the guy on the phone completed what I assume to be a documented script, quoting the same thing. Of course, he was a bit rude. Almost, giving you an impression that Debit Card holders were evil. Not by what he said, but how he said it. I HATE FOLKS LIKE THAT.

Since, this sort of thing bothers me, I decided to waste Mr. Judgmentals day. I starting question why a Debit Card couldn't be used and what do folks do who don't use credit cards. Well, Mr. Judgmental, explained that it needed to be credit, in case anything happened to the vehicle. Evidently, they just charge you for costs. :-) Isn't that sweet, no billing. NOT!

Mr. Judgmental also tried to tell me that Debit Cards did NOT allow a FREEZE. Which is a LIE. Because I have heard many folks complain about their cash being frozen due to Hotels and such.

After wasting 20 minutes of his time, basically telling him he was wrong and this was purely an Enterprise thing, I ended the call with "Oh, Okay, no biggie. I was just curious. I always use credit."

Was he sighing before the good-bye?

If other rental agency's follow suit with Enterprise, beware Debit Card folks, it may be difficult for you to rent that car to see the sites on vacation.

What about purchasing a PRE-PAID Credit Card? With say, a $800 or $1,000 debating on your rental term. Wouldn't that be a way to stop their open access to your credit and protect you interest?

Just spinning the wheels here.

My wallet is beginning to smoke

And everyone knows where there is smoke, there is fire.

This 4 day weekend is going to cost me damn near what our week in Jersey cost. Without all that entertainment! I'm going to miss my brother's humor. After sharing with my in-laws how much fun we had, they have high expectations for this families get-a-way. I hope my m.i.l. gets what she hopes for. I already told my DH to pay attention to his mom and spend some time. Time is our most valuable asset!

Picking up the Soccer Mom Rental today. It ended up being cheaper taking it for a week, then what 4 days would cost. Crazy math! So, we are grabbing it early and dropping it late to not feel so stressed. Plus, saving some cash along the way. Out the door, I suspect about $500 in cost with the insurance.

The hotel has been booked for a while and will be waiting for us. I negotiated an extra night not in the wedding package, to save a couple bucks. When the Groom heard about the cost for the extra night, he went all crazy on the hotel and explained how we are all coming so far away and need to rest before the wedding. ETC.ETC. He ended up getting them to extend the wedding price for extra days for everyone.

Food, Gas, Tolls, and miscellaneous - I'm lost. I have no idea. I'm still too new to this and Hurricane Ike has raised our gas prices through the roof. I can only hope that every where we go has credit card processing, because this will be the payment of choice. Our savings is ZERO and this is a mandatory family obligation.

I refuse to allow these expenses that will be gone within 30 days from our debt, to stifle my fun. I love weddings! There is just something so wonderful in the air when 2 people give of themselves completely for another. Creating what I call the MAN-Made Unconditional Love. As opposed to the kind one receives at the birth of a child or looking at their parents, this is free will.

Wedding and Trip Spending

Family is expensive! Yesterday, we hit Penney's to get some additions needed for the wedding and rehearsal apparel. This trip was all about my boys.

Boys are odd creatures. They don't care enough about the condition of their clothes, hair or stuff - too understand the importance of appearances. At least mine don't.

They looked at me, like I was crazy, when I asked to see what they were bringing and wearing to these events. I've learned in the past, to NOT trust their judgment! Things are always 'good enough' for them. This is a formal occasion and 'good enough' ain't good enough for me.

The girls on the other hand are ready, willing and able to get all new for this event. Yep, including me.

Spending wasn't too bad, considering I took 3 guys shopping. Although, I was yanking my hair out and getting sick from hunger before the task was completed.

My dear sweet hubby, is a particular creature. Oh sure, he says 'whatever' and 'I'm okay with anything', but folks - he is not. He could have been a female in a prior life, if you believe that kind of thing. Thankfully, I know most of his quirks and am able to follow them. We have his black shoes, 2 pairs of dress pants and ties. We were only looking for 2 shirts - one dress and one casual dress for the two occasions.

Let me say, I picked out his casual and left him options for his dress. Told him to select which one he liked best and then went on to help the boys. Easy for him, right?

I helped DS1 get casual dress shoes, tennis shoes for bumming, casual bottoms and a casual top. Then I helped DS2 grab tennis shoes and casual bottoms by the time DH made it back to me at shoes. I have no idea what took so long. Mind you, both boys had to try on clothes.

In the end we brought $526.64 (w/tax) of items up to the register. Or at least that was their 'regular' price. I call it the rip-you-off-list price. Every single item we grabbed was either on sale or on clearance. I then had a 15% off coupon and a $10 rewards from my last trip. All of which, brought my total to $223.51 out the door.

Thank goodness the boys still had the suits from Confirmation this past spring!

FEAR:Check In + Bills Out = Money Left

Talk about creating an internal panic. When you receive your monthly paychecks and not your rental or investment income yet. Then you pay all your bills, initiate a transfer to retirement, pay off your equity line and credit cards (less the 0%) and see a substantial balance in your checking account.

Fear is automatic at that point.

I completed the month end for our business last night and as always paid all the business bills and the employees (us), then completed billing. There was a lot of invoicing to do, since we were on vacation last month and did not bill anyone. It's okay, this time - generally folks want regular monthly bills when we are on a job. The particular home we are building has a very wealthy farmer as an owner. It will not phase him very much, when he received a bill over $100k.

I would be having a stroke.

Anyway, I stopped working in time to watch McCain. Let's not go there. I did not complete our bill paying till this morning. I have most items automatic, but there is still some recording and initiating that I must do.

I am in shock!

I have paid everyone. I currently owe nothing in the monthly category. Including paying off all current month charges. Even though they are not due to the end of September. But I had money in the account and I like ZERO's. And I still had money left.

So, I initiated a payoff of our home equity line. It is now zero, until the 0% card expires. And I still had money left.

I paid all the business bills, that I usually wait for the rent checks to cover. I'm still missing 2 rent checks. This made me very happy - with over $2k coming in still this month personally.

I still had cash and did what I thought was best - I paid an extra payment on the 2nd Mortgage to make an even thousand balance on the loan. Then I made the retirement contribution for my DH. And I still have money left.

This isn't right!

I had no choice, I had to print a transaction report for this month and last month. I'm looking for a missed bill due. I must have forgotten something - right?

No, I didn't. Here is what I found:

• After vacation, I transferred out our savings dollars to pay the big annual bills.
• There was enough money there to pay those annuals and the credit card balances from vacation - plus that new a/c unit.
• This left me with some unusually low credit card balances for September.

Credit cards are my cash. So, with balances so small - my regular card had a balance above $400, where it usually is above $2.2k. I'm feeling rich.

This is a great way to head into the last quarter of the year. Now that I am positive I will not take any current bills and add them to our debt load, I have some goals for the last quarter.

1. Keep paying minimums on 0%
2. Transfer 0% to Line prior to the maturity dates
3. Max out DH's retirement before year end
4. Max out my retirement before year end
5. Get through Christmas Debt Free
6. Pay for N.C. Trip with current month income
7. Pay for KY Trip with current month income

If all that takes place, we will be in a sweet spot come January 09'. Even after 4 vacation/get-a-ways this year. Michigan weekend, Jersey Week, North Carolina long weekend & Kentucky weekend.

This past year was a huge jump to freedom for us. Funny how the jump is so much easier now.

Vacation Planning

Like most of you probably do, we checked out online info before vacation. For our trip, I was looking for information on online travel guides helped me prepare for our trip, before we ever left home.

Of course, the best laid plans mean nothing, with you end up having more fun for free. We had so many characters on our trip; Captain Yoo-hoo, Barnacle [insert name] Jellyfish Hunter and even Aunt Moochie.

With the imagination and no Barney Bag, it is amazing that us older folks could blast our entertainment into the stratospheres. With rates that were better then any Kennedy space center discount.

When the jellyfish invaded the beach our own, Jellyfish Hunter was on the job. Thank goodness for his bravery and the boogie board. I never knew a boogie board was more then just a tool to ride a wave. Many jellyfish were back into the wild, instead of dried up on the shore. When his energy ran low, Captain Yoo-hoo was there to refresh him with his delicious, chocolately blend.

It did get precariously close to darkside of death of the jellyfish, when Aunt Moochie kept manipulating Captain Yoo-hoo to take the Yoo-hoo's before they nourished the Jellyfish Hunter. I have no idea what would have happened to the Atlantic Coast if Aunt Moochie kept depriving the Jellyfish Hunter!

Win a $150 Gift Card for Magellan's, by signing up for a travel newsletter. If your planning an escape, might as well do this to prepare. What is Magellan's by the way?

IPass Check

All is good! After the discussion on talk radio yesterday about the I-Pass and rental cars, I was a bit worried.

After we loaded the rental van for vacation - I just grabbed my I-Pass for traveling. I never thought to register the rental.

And why do they do this? I mean, I pay for the tolls either way - so give me a break.

Anyway, I see all tolls, even on the Turnpike, are accounted for.

So, I may have slid by this time.

Go Kart Racing!

I'm still amazed how a vacation stays with you! Or is it just because it is all new for me? Maybe regular vacationers leave it behind when they return home. I'm still talking to family daily and reminiscing about our days together. Like I told my parents, they gave us a week that created a lifetime of memories.

We've already been discussing our next trip. Yea! Things are just so fun together. We all bring up different fun things to do. Ideas we are currently mixing up; helicopter ride, rafting, canoe or kayaking, and even possibly go-karting and other options of Wildwood attractions.

Morey's Piers are more geared to a younger crowd, which thankfully, we are not anymore. Although, all of us have a lead foot that would enjoy go karting. The beaches and water park are also a huge draw for this crew. Something about water, just makes everything good. Much like ice cream. :-) Making Morey's an option for a family beach vacation idea.

I can't help but wonder, if we (my immediate crew), would have had nearly as much fun if we were alone. I doubt it.

Ouch that hurts the mommy ego!

True, though.

$1600 for a 1 Bedroom

While in Jersey I scoped rentals with my sister. She relocated there last year and is still living with family.

I wished I was wearing Depends, when I saw the prices of apartments.

How do young people get out on their own at these incredibly high prices? $1600 didn't even include utilities. WOW!

A comparable unit in my area, would cost between $600 and $800 a month. This is a huge difference, when considering that incomes are very similar. Something little sister did not take into account prior to moving. Most likely because of the family safety net.

Jersey does have the perk of no Sales Tax on Necessities.

From my calculations, the savings would not be enough to make a substantial difference though.

I went into a local Target to grab a few things and again shocked.

My Fiber One Bars were 11¢ more in Jersey. Which amounts to 9¢ more then what my Sales Tax would cost in Illinois. We are charged 1% on food. Everything but fuel is more expensive in Jersey. And based on our usage, month to month, we would not save enough to counter the other costs.

I guess this is the price of living with a piece of Paradise.

Just when I work through my going issues.....

As you may remember, I was teetering with the idea of missing the September wedding in North Carolina. It was all coming down to dollars and cents. And secretly, I was holding out because I really love family time and events.

Sometimes it is hard to differentiate between a rational and an irrational expense.

Just when I think I am getting into this vacation stuff. And feeling like the trips are a mandatory expense. My youngest daughter sends me on a ride. And once again I am questioning my position and choices.

You see, we just figured out that the weekend of the wedding is Home Coming. And DD3 is a senior. I completely understand why she does not wish to miss out. Frankly, I would feel the same way too. Both events are a once in a lifetime (hopefully) event.

I'm okay with her being home alone. She is 17. It's just usually, if we are not here, she will have a handful of other relatives to call in an emergency. All within 5 minutes of our house.

Not on this weekend. All the family will be in North Carolina.

So, again I am toying with the idea of not going. Staying with DD3. Not hiring a dog/house sitter. Not renting a van. etc.etc........

This is a terrible place for a procrastinator.

Vacation Budget

I estimated $2669 for this vacation to Jersey. And looking back, this would have been a low estimate if my parents didn't make a Costco run to keep us in food and drink all week. And even with their generosity, we came close to my calculations.

I was almost excited about the gas prices out East. The most expensive prices, outside of Illinois, were found in Pennsylvania. Which for this reason, we did not stop in the state for fuel. Even leaving us wondering on the return trip if we would make it on fumes to the 234 mile marker in Ohio for fuel. Normally we wouldn't have risked it, but my brother was caravan-ing with us and there came a safe feeling from having backup.

The most we paid for fuel was $3.79 a gallon. The least was $3.63. So, the prices were a comfortable distance below my $4.25 a gallon guesstimate. So, that is probably where our total cost difference derives from.

Let me stop and say - I hate Jersey's Full Service Gas Stations. Being my DH's first time in Jersey, it made him crazy. I had to fly out of my seat the first time and scurry around the vehicle to stop the attendant when he said "fill'er up". My DH had no idea what he was saying. This guy went for the most expensive nozzle. I nearly had to knock it out of his hand. I guess somethings stay with you.

In my younger traveling years, I remember asking for $5 in gas and they would let the fuel run. I'm much older and wiser now and know to get my arse out and stop the flow if they don't. Sad, but one bad experience makes you remember these things and not trust anyone at a fuel pump.

I love my Illinois Self-Serve, Pay at the Pump Stations. Yes, I am a control freak. Even now, when I always Fill'er Up!

Although the Full-Service would be fabulous if you could trust the pump men.

So what did we spend?

I'm not sure if any charges are missing, because there were a couple lost receipts, but my tally at the moment is $2,553.21. Not bad for 5 people. Especially when you think how much we did, like Para-Sailing, Deep Sea Fishing and Ellis Island. The parents wanted to pay, but we didn't let them. They had already spent $4800 for this vacation. We told them we had good parents that instilled values in us, so we had to contribute.

My numbers also include a package that I sent to Michigan to say thank-you. My parents love Portillo's Italian Beefs. So, I ordered a package on Sunday with enough to make 8 sandwiches and including the sweet and hot peppers. They were supposed to receive it today (Wednesday), but they called last night and UPS had to them already.

Got to love UPS! Them boys are always on the run!

Free vacation does not mean no spending

2 hours opening mail this morning and I finally got our week of vacation entered on Quicken. We were very blessed to have a place to stay for free. Not to mention my parents did a huge Costco run twice to keep us in food and drinks. So much free that we were beginning to feel like moochers. I blame those feelings on good parenting, without which we would just take.

My little sister didn't seem to mind. I thought she would at a quarter of a century old, but she didn't. My brother and I did. We both took steps to pay for some things along the way. Nothing could compare to what the parents dished out, but we tried. We shared the costs of Para sailing, Deep Sea Fishing and Ellis Island for all that wanted to join in.

The other days, we were beach bums and spent evenings with family.

One night we enjoyed 24 fresh caught, home cooked lobsters. My uncle was a fisherman and still has connections. He invited us over and treated us like royalty. Our meal, 100% prepared and served by my aunt and uncle, started with bbq wings. Yummy!

After the wings, there was an overflowing tray of fresh shrimp. When the shrimp arrived, my uncle yanked up the bbq wings and said "no left-overs in this house". Then, he tossed the tray in the garbage. I thought DH was going to kill himself, flying out of his chair and racing to the garbage. Yes, I have pictures of my DH eating out of the garbage can. He is still in shock that someone would throw food away. I've tried to explain that they are the Italian side and not the Polish side. He doesn't care.

Honestly, that move bothered me too. Waste not, want not.

The whole meal was delicious though. And we all enjoyed ourselves. I hate to think what this would have cost at a restaurant. Way more then we could afford. DH & my brother ate 3 lobsters each. Then, complained the rest of the week that they didn't eat 4 each. :-)

We had one Pizza Night. And one other night with relatives for a get together. Otherwise, all meals were made at the beach house on the grill. We ate so good.

Para sailing wasn't the hit I thought it would be. My entire family came and had a blast, along with my brother and nephew. My cost was $250 which we all believe was well worth it. Our boat guys were fabulous. And my DD3 got a free tee-shirt after being the first ever to do a somersault in the air.

There were only 2 other people on our boat. They were from New York and in between my age and the kids.

This couple was very "new" to each other. In fact, we first met them when we pulled up in our mini-van and saw them making out. I told them we were tourists and were prone to photographing everything. They laughed and we included them in the "family" photo on board. I liked them a lot until the girl said "girl, you need to get some color." I don't need a reminder of my blinding whiteness. Just kidding - I laughed, she is right. I told her if my family had fooled around a bit more with her ancestors, I may have been blessed with pigment too.

Thankfully, we did not need the boys catch from Deep Sea Fishing. We would have starved if that was the case. That little 1/2 of a day jaunt cost about $100, thanks to my uncle the ex-fisherman.

Ellis Island cost a couple pennies. My brother and I split the cost and it was about $80 each. Still cheap for all of us.

Let me just stop here and say - WOW! I've never been to Ellis Island. When my grandmother was on her death bed, she made me promise I would go. She had paid the money to have our ancestors (her parents and my grandfathers parents) names on the wall of honor and never got a chance to go see it. She wanted me to see it. So, since her passing in 2004, I have waited to see it.

We walked the exhibits first and just knowing what my great-grandparents did to get here was an emotional thing. We followed their steps. We read the words of the many who lived through it. How they were led to America for a better life. How they had to struggle to get through the systems on Ellis Island, where if the workers had a bad day, they could send you back. How they worked so hard to become American. To speak the language.

I think this was the quietest my family was the whole week. Even the kids. Even my dad. When we made it to the wall we all had tears in our eyes. There is something about seeing your families names and coming to the realization of the gift that they gave to you. It rocks your world. I don't know if I could have risked it all, the way they did. Yet, as far as my Polish great grandparents, I know they were left with no choice. They would have been killed, if they didn't leave. Polish people were not liked anymore then the Jewish.

One guy wrote a bit for the tour and spoke about how he had heard the Roads in America were paved with gold and how that wasn't true. In fact, he found the roads to be dirt. He said he didn't know he'd be paving them. :-)

I still feel the biggest difference from those immigrants and today's issues are the integration. Folks that came to Ellis wanted to be Americans. These today, don't care about America, they want to just take. Not all, but a great deal too many.

I also learned something that made sense this vacation. That the only way to fight this is to go after businesses. Like what is happening in ,..... I believe Arizona??? When a business is found employing an illegal immigrant they are fined and shut down for 7 days. If they are found doing it again, they are closed. If we did this, in every state across this nation, we would change the field. We would take back control and stop this wasteful spending. These folks would be encouraged to join our country as Americans and help cut out a lot of fat from the budget.

NO BENEFITS FOR ILLEGALS - Period. Same as prisoners, you break the law you have no rights. That's it. Black & White. This isn't rocket science, it's common sense. All are welcome - do it the right way - LEGALLY

I am only 3rd generation born American. I am grateful for my ancestors sacrafices. I am so very proud of what they did to move us forward in life. I believe every person looking for this should have the opportunity to do it too.

Vacation - The Stress Destroyer

Well we made it back late Saturday and for the first time in my life, I understand how vacations should be a mandatory item in ones life.

I was still a bit on the edge, the day we drove out to Jersey. We received a call from my new tenants about a sewage back-up that has never happened before. Talk about feeling helpless as you are driving through the very scenic and beautiful mountains of Pennsylvania. The Eastern USA is the most beautiful site.

Anyway, thanks to my F.I.L., the issue was dealt with and fixed immediately. I owe him big time. I'm thinking of sending him some steaks or a certificate for some special place.

The beach house my parents rented was awesome. 6 Bedrooms, 2 Sofa Beds, 3 full baths and a front porch - where the majority of memories were made. Every house needs a front porch!

We ended up being 1 block and about 5 houses away from the boardwalk and beach in Ocean Grove, NJ. Beautiful is an understatement. We never did go to Ocean Grove beach though, we preferred Bradley Beach. The people were nicer and the price - when we didn't get there early, was right at free!

The quaint town of Ocean Grove was a nice leisurely stroll away. Frankly, vehicles weren't a necessity for most of our plans. And yet, we never had a dull moment. The T.V.'s never turned on and the laughter never turned off. Even my DH, who has shared how loud my family is (we are not introverts) said that it wouldn't be the same with his family - evidently, my father, brother and I are entertainers. :-) Runs in the blood.

I also, noticed DS1 & DS2 beginning to bust out of the introvert side and crack some jokes and fun. You could see the pride in my fathers eyes. It must feel awesome to watch a piece of yourself flow through the generations. I can't tell you how many times he said "that's my grandson."

Ocean Grove is a quiet community. At times (like 2 am) we worried that we may be disturbing the peace and upset the neighbors - but they were awesome. I know, because we talked to everyone.

We were all sad to leave. I don't think DH and I have ever been able to leave work behind like this. And we needed it so badly. I'm thanking my parents, family and God for this beautiful week.

What are the odds that you bring this many family members together and each one has the best time. So much, that all have tears in their eyes when leaving. I don't know about you folks, but I have never seen all my kids this happy at the same time. There is always someone who didn't want to do something. Not this trip though.

Only one was what my daughter calls a "Debbie Downer" - but she isn't blood.

70 Degrees

Water Temperature in the Atlantic @ the Jersey Shore.

I love it here!

2 Hours of Sleep - Just under 14 hours of driving, but we made it yesterday for dinner.

Slept last night -

Ran this morning on Boardwalk!

Let the real vacation begin. SWEET!

Just thought I'd let you know we are alive.

New Tenants

I worked way up North yesterday. It made for an extremely long and late day. Especially, when considering I started at my desk at 5 am.

With football camp underway, I couldn't head up to the job until after picking up all the boys and dropping them off at home. Which meant I worked a half a day in my office before driving the hour and 1/2 to the site. Then working another 6 hours, before making the trip back.

Of course, I was unable to just go home. I had to meet my new tenants to deliver keys and receive their first months rent. Which I will be depositing prior to our vacation.

A long day away only means that I have a back log of stuff to do today prior to leaving.

• More laundry - surprise! I bet you didn't figure this with 5 of us here going.
• Change key pad on side door lock - with new code for dog sitter
• Clean house, for dog sitter
• Go to bank for deposits and cash for trip
• Pedi & Mani - because I need them!
• Pick boys up at football and deliver
• Post office run
• Hallmark run (b-day cards needed -OOPs forgot)
• Write notes for dog sitter
• Pack suit case
• Pick up van
• Prepare easy grab snack bags from bulk bags
• Make cooler of goodies for ride to save money
• Finish closing up my office
• Get some rest - we are leaving at 3 am.

This vacation stuff is hard. I hope you all have a wonderful & safe week. Thanks to all who shared their knowledge on my dog sitting fees and cash in my pocket. Hopefully, I'll catch on to this vacation stuff!

"Did you think I don't have a job?"

Yesterday, while visiting my Gramps he handed me an envelope. He is a huge giver. He gives to everyone and always has. Length of time he has known you doesn't play a part. It is just who he is.



So, I assumed he was giving me some cash.



You got to love his comment - "Here is a little something to help with the gas on vacation."



Proving that an amount is relative. He spoke as though the money was minimal. To me, any amount that comes free of strings in work is huge. And his gift was beyond this.



Honestly, I figured he was slipping me a $50 or $100.



When I got home and finished opening the mail, which by the way was full of checks, I opened his envelope. I figured I had to go to the bank and would put it all in at once.



My Gramps has a sarcastic humor, which I love. For example, he will tell me to do something for him, like clean the yard or brush his dog. Then later in the evening he will call me and ask me if I am mad at him. Of course, I will have no idea what he is talking about. Then he will chuckle and say "for working you too hard."



He likes to pose questions, without all the details. Yes, it is the humor that you yourself only get - went sending it out. My kids say I do the same thing. I think I am hilarious!



So, after opening the envelope and seeing that check for $500, I called him.



After he answered I asked "Did you think I don't have a job?"



He was very serious and said "No, I know you have a job." Responding almost apologetic, like he had offended me.



I had to chuckle then and say "Then why did you give me so much money?"



Looks like we will need to finance less of this vacation. Man am I lucky. My Gramps is the best!

Carry Cash?

Here is a question for all you guys & gals, enjoying vacations.

Do you carry cash?

&

How much?

I'm guessing cash is going to be needed. Whether it be on the Turnpike or at the Sub Shop we all love. Nothing like a Jersey Sub (except for Augies in Carol Stream & West Chicago).

I'm unsure about how much to bring. First of all, because I have no idea what our need will be and second I don't like carrying cash. Heck, I could be robbed!

I need to get to the bank and withdraw some cash, I'm just unsure on how much - outside of my dog sitter.

How much do I pay the Dog/House Sitter?

My dog is crazy. Crazy in love with me, I guess you could say. I don't care if I am gone for 10 minutes or 10 hours, she will sit at my front window, looking out and waiting for me.

It's a sad sight, but also one that gives me a warm and fuzzy. :-)

We've left for a day or so before and have always had someone come and check on her and care for her. She would not make it in a kennel. She starts salivating and breathing hard and just goes nuts in a cage.

Add that to the fact that she does not eat when I am away and I am worried.

It took me a while to formulate a plan for my baby. It wouldn't be a great vacation if I spent a lot of time worrying about her. She is a great dog, outside of the fact that she believes she is human and can't live without me.

I was so happy when I figured out who we like and trust the most to stay here with her, instead of locking her away. The first couple days will probably be bad, but since she likes this young man - I'm sure she will get better over time.

My dilemma is - how much do I pay my dog and house sitter?

Of course, he will have full access to food and living items, but what dollar amount should I pay? I was thinking $20 a day? Or $180 for a base pay - with a healthy tip on top when we return.

Any suggestions would be appreciated. I want to pay him well for this service. You should note, he has 2 jobs and will be working those too. So, he won't be just sitting here all day and night.

Negotiating my way into vacation

After the comments on my spending for vacation, I decided to dig in. As you can tell, I truly have no idea where to expect the costs to be. I have absolutely no experience vacationing. As I have shared before.

As far as the Jersey trip - I've been checking online and found out the Ferry Hopping is dirt cheap. Which I had no idea - Hopefully the websites aren't wrong. Instead of $50 each, I think I $20 each is more reasonable - if they charge each time you hop. $30 each would be the max. They do have deals that include the hopping and the tours of the statue and ellis. Although, I thought the statue was still closed. So, this could be an improvised version. It's a wait and see.

We will hopefully, go to the Empire. That and the skyride would be about $45 a person. Finally, I want the kids and hubby to see first hand Time Square. In my eyes, it is a must too. New York has so much to offer, much like Chicago - I don't want them to miss the big land marks.

Anyway, I think my $1k guestimate is high - so whew! Wipe that sweat off my brow.

Also, a couple talks with family and some relaxed plans are made to save some big bucks. I'm pumped about that. Although, step-mom is still talking about rafting, horseback riding, and other costly fun things to do.

I'll worry about it when it happens.

I called the hotel in N.C. and 2 nights are on special with the wedding block. I was able to negotiate the 3rd night for $11 off too. SWEET!

I spoke with DD3 who has her sights set on a UNC tour while there and pushed our visits one day later - to save a night of hotel costs and a day of eating. SWEET!

I booked the flight for DS1 & DD2 who are finding it worrisome to ditch a 2 days of college, to ride with us. Total cost on Southwest Airlines $249. Yippee saved $1 over my projection.

Now, I need to stir up a discount on the second van rental. And do a good job of keeping the family in check while away. ESPECIALLY DH & I. ;-0 It is going to be hard not to live it up, spending, when we never do this type of vacationing.

With the money saved though - I have already matched my numbers calculated for me staying home. So.... I get to go!

Financial Bad Guy!

Not a peaceful morning in my neck of the woods. In all honesty, my internal battle has been stirring up for weeks. I just can't reconcile, internally, both of these trips. My logical side is at war with my emotional side. And I am afraid of the outcome, no matter which side wins the war.



Yesterday, I did some rough calculations on cost, for both trips.



Jersey- $2669 :

• Week long Van Rental (w/pickup and delivery 9 days) - $500


• Food cost estimate, because we have a kitchen - $700 for 5 people - 3 meals - 9 days (with travel)


• NYC day trip - I know the city is costly and there are fees everywhere so I estimate $1k for 5 of us.


• Fuel for van - ~900 miles both ways, estimate 24 mpg = 75 gallons of gas @$4.25 = $318.75


• Fuel for local travel - estimate another $150

North Carolina - $2819:

• 5 Day Van Rental - $350


• Hotel - 2 rooms - $900


• 2 Plane Tickets for 2 in college - $250


• Gift for wedding (6 guests X $50 ea) = $300


• Food (eat out all meals every day, but reception) = $600


• Fuel for Van - Ironically about the same distance as Jersey = $318.75


• Fuel for local travel - $100

Note that calculations do not include travel incidentals - wedding clothing, etc. There is always something with this huge group. :-) One time DD2 forgot underwear, funny now - not then.

Looking over the past year, I see we have only paid down our long term debt (the money that should be on our line, but is on 0% cards) by $4100.00.

At $5488 these trips are going to be a financial weight for at least a year and more likely 18 months - without a zero percent floater.

With this knowledge in my ever crying brain, I thought of what I can give up. And what I formulated in my head yesterday was - I don't need to go to my DH's nephews wedding in N.C. Neither does DS2.

What this exclusion would save is $1160 :

• No rental van - the others could fit in my car. - Save $350


• Meals for the 2 of us - Save $200.00


• Gift for Wedding - Save $100 (2 x $50)


• Hotel 1 room instead of 2 - $450


• Fuel Cost 24 mpg to 28 mpg (car got 30 mpg going to Michigan) = Save $45.54


• Local Drive Fuel - Save $14.32

That is a 21% savings on the total. And being a far away wedding, I'm sure they suspect and dare I say, even hope that some will not make the journey. Plus, that would put us in the area of paying this off in 1 year - excluding pay down time allocated to interest.

To me, logically this is the answer. I shared my thoughts with DH and there was an explosion in my kitchen this morning. One which he was totally irrational and left removing himself from the Jersey Trip to save money.

I feel his response was one only of emotions. He does not look at our finances ever! He consistently complains that I always say "we have no money." Yet, he would rather float through the days without knowing what the numbers are. And leaving me as the Financial Bad Guy.

Frankly, we just get buy. Month after month. This past year is the only time I have had extra cash to pay down debt and build up the funds to pay our annual bills without financing. And this comes from the removal of child support obligations last year. Thus, why we have savings currently.

Okay, basically, we are in a better position this year because of it. But I am not ready to slide backwards, because we take 2 trips we can't afford.

I don't think he heard a word I said, or have been saying over the last few weeks, regarding my concerns. Which leaves me, not only hurt - to be ignored, but ticked because I am reaching for a goal of freedom and he is not working on my team!

I just don't know what to do. My emotions tell me to just buck up and vacation. My logic tells me this is how people remain in the bonds of debt.