Season Change

It's much cooler than it was three weeks ago. The winds are stronger and brisk. Leaves are showing change. Fields are yielding to harvest. And today is the first day of the last quarter of 2010.

I just spent 15 minutes gathering most of the account balances for my quarterly report. I compile these numbers using Excel. Each account has a column for the end of each quarter showing balances - negative and positive of our cash accounts. A quick glance across shows the account at 1/1/10, at 3/31, at 6/30, at 9/30 and 12/31.

I say negative because often I write several checks toward the end of the month and mail them so they will arrive no sooner than our paychecks hit our checking account the first of the month.

I call this report Our Balance Sheet but it's not a complete picture of assets because I do not list values of houses, cars, jewelry, credit card balances, and any unpaid bills sitting on my desk. It's really not a true balance sheet but it's a great communication tool.

Bob will review it some time in the next week or so. We will discuss the ups and downs. Then we will decide regarding funding our HSA (health savings account) and our Roth IRAs for 2010. I think we'll fully fund the HSA as Obama's new law will soon remove the option of deferring income beginning either in 2011 or 2012.

Enjoy the first day of the last quarter.

'til later

Shaky Ground

Have you noticed that the stock market has been making large steps? There have been some days where the up or down total move is less than $30. However, I worry about the $100+ up or down moves in one day. Volatile.

Shaky ground. Uncertainty.

The recession is over per the definition but fear and unemployment remain. A recession is only recognized in the rear view mirror. It is a statement of past performances and not the reality we all see.

Up, down, up down, big moves.

Some say it's the time to get into the market. I'm not fully convinced.

'til later

Team Family

I have known a few married couples who have maintained separate $. In all cases, both spouses worked earning their own incomes. They handle household expenses from $ contributed to by both.

I have known a few married couples who have failed at keeping $ separately. In those cases, the control of their own $ was more important than meeting mutual goals. Separate goals had precedence.

Bob and I have been married 35 years. In the beginning, he maintained a small checking account to control the flow of his travel expenses and reimbursements. I admit the fact that he did not reconcile this account bothered me. In the end, it became apparent we could handle the in and out flows of business reimbursements without going into debt.

As you can imagine, I maintain the bank accounts and reconcile each monthly. Beyond that, Bob and I have set financial goals together and worked together toward them.

I have not worked full time since 1978. My small W2s help with cash flow but do not contribute in a big way. I am not the quarterback but I am a fullback. We are a team.

'til later

Numbers Don't Lie

According to the latest statistics released by the Government, 15% (1 in 7) or 45,000,000 of us live in poverty.

In 20 months, Obama has raised that number by over 15%.

Let us look at the communities that have been under Dem rule for years. Have they won the war against poverty? Detroit? New Orleans? Miami? Los Angeles?

In fact, since the war on poverty was declared in the 1960s, the number of people on the "dole" has increased. The number living in poverty has risen.

Is it working?

'til later

Invoice

We receiving two regular invoices in postcard form. One is garbage removal which is issued quarterly. The other is our monthly water/sewage from a small municipality.

Because we receive roughly 80% of these postcards, I have given the disposal company our credit card. We had fallen behind over 6 months when I realized I hadn't seen a bill from them.

The water company has the power to cut us off if we get in arrears. We now pay them several months at a time and watch our credit dwindle close to zero when we send them several more month's. That bill is a flat amount.

I realize postage is saved by these companies but our mail delivery is not reliable.

'til later

General Electric

No longer will incandescent light bulbs be made by GE.

It's time to start hording the light bulbs. Soon the only available ones will be those fluorescent ones. You'll need a large one if you do any needlework like I do.

'til later

Valuables

Once again I am convinced the most valuable things in my life are my health, my family, and my friends. All else seems to fade away.

Today is Labor Day. Many have plans that include picnics, parades, and travel. We have had our rest and tomorrow will be a normal, back-to-work day. A rest from our labors and a renewal. Mental health and physical restoration will make us strong enough to face the future.

'til later

Earn What?

Stocks have rallied for now. The government has been purchasing its own bonds which is very scary territory. Savings are earning near ZERO. Real estate, although rates are tempting and prices have been dropped, is still quite shaky.

Where to put a little money that's safe but earns something?

I started this blog thing to help others with money problems, money concerns, and to share my life in regards to $. I feel like I've run dry. Have only been sharing my concerns politically and my exasperation in regards to the unknown future with the healthcare bill and the changes in taxes and regulations.

At a time when nearly 11.5% are unemployed in my state, I find myself counting my blessings and wanting to help others. We all want to help and yet many of us are tightening down the hatches as far as spending.

'til later

Can We Learn?

Can we learn by watching?

Over 90% of Cubans work for the government.

Recently the leaders have been lamenting how the workers are lazy and unmotivated.

As the US grows our government and more and more of us work for or are completely dependent upon big G Government, we will see lazy and unmotivated people.

I would go a step further and suggest, as my friend Star Parker does, that the cradle to grave entitlement, the government feeding, educating, healing, and entertaining generation after generation is actually enslaving people.

A land of free people with opportunities should not be enslaving people by providing everything.

It's been said the government has two jobs:

One. Teach a man to fish.

Two. Guard the pond.

Can we please learn from Cuba?

'til later

Not Political

I enjoyed watching 3 hours of the Restoring Honor rally yesterday morning. I don't care if there were 10,000 or 350,000 people crowding the mall area and beyond. I don't care what the talking heads are saying about how Dr. King's Dream Speech anniversary being stolen by this rally. I don't care if people don't want to know more but it was not political.

Sarah Palin attended and spoke. She was there as a mother of a current U.S. military member serving this great nation. She is a political figure but she's not running for office now.

A charity that helps the families of fallen Special Op brave men and women received $5 million.

I sat and watched, clapped, sang, and prayed. It was a faith rally, a call to return to God and the principles upon which our nation was founded.

I listened to Dr. King's message (Alveda King) and I was moved. I was not alone as I watched the crowd via C-SPAN and saw grown men wiping away tears, children waving flags, and so many enduring the hot summer sun.

It was not political. I wish I could have been there.

'til later

Dictators

Have you read The Jungle by Upton Sinclair? It's been years since I have. It convinced me that unions were necessary to provide unskilled workers with a voice. Businesses can abuse labor but now there are workplace laws and hiring laws.

Today I believe the powerful unions are breaking our backs. It's not the worker who has to join the union to have the job. It's the union bosses who have abused the pensions they have controlled for years.

Did we really bail out teacher jobs? Not really. We are bailing out the generous union pensions that have eaten up and abused by the unions.

Power corrupts. Unions are too powerful. There are schools where children can not erase the boards after class to help the teacher because that's a union job. There are workplaces where an employee can not rearrange her office because that's a union job. There are cities where no building can be erected without union workers.

And yet there are still states called "Right To Work" where union membership can not be a condition of employment. There are auto makers that are not unionized. There are small businesses that treat their valued employees quite well but are often targets of the mighty unions.

Are you in a union? Do you answer to the union or to the employer? Are you a team player but your team is the union?

'til later

Mosque

After our church had acquired 3.25 acres of land, some of the leadership met with the Planning Commission of the city. We asked for and received re-zoning of the property from residential/non-commercial to not-for-profit.

In Manhattan, the decision was reached to re-zone the empty retail/office buildings 2.5 blocks from Ground Zero to allow for a new mosque.

I agree with the President, this is a land of freedom of worship. I also believe it's very insensitive to the City and most Americans.

That's what I think. I also think the President is once again speaking out of both sides of his mouth. His words from Friday night's dinner were played over the radio. He sounded so convinced that this mosque was OK. Since then he's back-peddled.

'til later

Vacations

It's called a stay-cation. Staying home while on vacation. Possibly visiting a local museum or zoo. Spending time at the community pool or painting some rooms.

Just one more way Americans are saving $. It has been reported that we have paid down our personal debt more than any time in the last three decades.

Businesses are nervous and so are individuals. No big purchases. No unnecessary expenditures.

Meanwhile, Obama is blaming us for not spending. He's blaming business for not spending.

In turn, many of us are blaming him for all the spending.

'til later

Believer?

Raise your hand if you are a believer!

The $26 Billion to bail out teachers will be partially paid for by a reduction in the food stamp program.

Are you a believer?

Less Americans are believing what this administration says.

Reduce food stamps? Really?

Candid camera moment?

'til later

Oh. And if a state accepts this teacher help, their education budget for subsequent years can NEVER be less than it is this year. Strings.

Politico.com

Primary night yields good news for President Obama and Democrats

That's the headline.

Huh?

Primaries are usually won by each and all parties. One winner per party. The good news is a Dem won in each primary election held yesterday?

What a spin organization. News? I don't think so.

'til later

Increased Chatter

There's been increased "talk" around the net about the President's next "gift" to help the masses and boost the economy. We should call him Santa.

About 20% or 15 million of all mortgages today are "under water". That means the borrowers owe more than the home is worth. Although the numbers are alarmingly high in Florida and Nevada, we could all have a neighbor in this situation.

Santa's new gift will cost We The People about $800 Billion. Maybe since the housing bubble bursting caused this recession, we could have better directed the first stimulus plan?

'til later

Maybe, Just Maybe

After phone calls and a visit to my local personal banker, PNC has cleared up the mystery of the errant check that wandered into the line of credit, OD protection account.

It's cleared up and the LOC is officially closed. Whew.

Of course my personal banker, Christopher, had suggested that I could just get new checks with the new PNC account number on them and there'd be no worry. I remained calm. I refused to buy new checks with the supply we had on hand and if I was to buy new checks them would likely be for a new account at Chase. Chase has a branch at the other end of the shopping plaza complex.

It seemed he thought since we had the OD protection, we wanted it and needed it. I said no. We had never used it and was told that since our accounts at MidAmerica were connected so that any over draft situation would be satisfied automatically by a transfer to cover from one account to the other, the line of credit was National City's solutions since they did not honor the "connection" between accounts.

I did not bother to ask Christopher if PNC could link the accounts like MidAmerica did. I will just be very careful with my math.

'til later

Back to Basics

Basics still count now.

Even though unemployment is available for 99 weeks (nearly 2 years), it is still recommended that we have 6 to 9 months of expenses worth of $ held in something liquid like a money market account or savings account.

Instruments that are not liquid are stocks, stock mutual funds, bonds, CDs (unless very short maturities), bond funds, gold, real estate, etc. Anything that would take time to get at.

I believe we are not in a recovery but a long long term recession. What has been tried is not working. We need a new approach.

Today I heard that the government (big G government) is considering lowering the balances due on mortgages across the country. How generous with our $. We will be paying for our neighbor's mortgage and increasing his equity. Let's call Obama Santa, ok?

'til later

Missouri & Virginia

Yesterday Missouri voters overwhelmingly voted again the federal government demand that individuals have to purchase health care. By 71% they voiced their opposition.

Virginia has brought suit against the federal government demanding the it is illegal for a government force individuals purchase something from a third party. The suit challenge is brought under the commerce clause but now the feds say it will actually be a tax.

However, if my memory is clear, the Democrats said it was not a tax when they were pushing, pushing, pushing this terrible bill down the throats of Congress.

I think November may be very interesting.

'til later

Economy

How are you doing? Do you know people who have lost their jobs recently? Some that have been unemployed for better than a year?

Are you fastening your belt still? Holding off large purchases and carefully watching ads for specials?

In the last few days our president has declared that the rich are not spending $. He needs to the rich to spend, spend now and spend big.

So, if the economy does not come back, it will be the fault of the rich. Hang that one of them.

Also, if the deficit and spending are not covered, it will be the fault of the rich not paying their "fair" share.

Let's face it. There is no fair share. The top 1% of incomes covers over 95% of the income taxes collected now. Fair?

'til later

Buyer Beware

It's PNC again. We were assured we could use our old checks. They'll be routed to the new account number. All for our convenience.

Today I discovered one of the 6 checks I mailed July 14 strayed into our OD Protection account. The rate of interest for OD Protection is 24.79% APR!

It took 38 minutes on the phone and two different departments to convince them that the check was not drawn on the OD account which carries our old National City account number but rather a regular check that was to come out of our checking account.

Serious problems. We will visit our personal banker when we're back in town. The OD account is crap. We really need the money market account and the checking account tied together to avoid bouncing a check or two.

Let's face it. I am enough of a control freak that I watch our accounts. Now I have to watch daily.

Buyer beware. Don't assume. You are the only one who really cares about your $.

'til later

ATM Card

Monday Bob and I decided to try out our ATM cards and take some cash out of our checking account. We needed help working the machine and then found out the cards were tied to our money market account and not our checking.

We spent 15 minutes with "Joe" our personal banker but he could only tie my card in with our checking account. Bob's would not work even after a phone call to the main office in Pennsylvania and several minutes at a computer.

A new card would be ordered and it would automatically be tied to both accounts. Can we wait 10 days or so for delivery. No problem.

I got to the computer last night and found a $10 fee for a replacement card. After 20 minutes on the phone with "Victoria" the charge was reversed.

Maybe the whole idea of an ATM card is crazy for us. Are there benefits other than our bank is no longer open on Sundays?

'til later

Cell Phone

Bob has cell service through Verizon for his business and we just add a second phone for me. It costs us about $13.60 a month. We have had our phones for 6 years. Unlike many people, we are content and do not fall for the ads. I have a niece who changes her phone every time she gets the notice from her server. I think she thought once her contract was satisfied she needed to replace the equipment.

Last month's Verizon bill was over $14 for the second line. Ouch. I called the company. Evidently it costs 20 cents to receive a text message and someone sent me 3. I could see that the box had messages but just deleted them as I don't text and can't on this antique phone.

Verizon has now blocked all texts from reaching either of our cell phones. They erased the extra changes as well.

It pays to watch the details of invoices.

'til later

As Shared

A young engineer lost his job when the local factory closed. His severance package expired this spring. He has interviewed several places but remains unemployed.

My friend works at a factory not far from this Raleigh suburb. The engineer was interviewed and offered $75,000/year.

Everyone was shocked when this father of two toddlers declined.

"I was making $80,000 and have no need to take less than that. We are getting by on my unemployment which is good until 2012."

My friend offered a line operator from the closed factory a supervisor position. It was declined. In his mind $45,000/year wasn't good enough since it was not an hourly union position. His unemployment will run out a year from now.

So, some are finding job offers but the cushion of unemployment may seem like lost income if a position is accepted?

'til later

Take Care of Business

It was one year ago today that I received the first of three emails from the White House warning me of consequences of untruths and misguiding, straight from David Axelrod.

I took about 9 months off from my blog. I was afraid.

With much reflection I have decided to return to my simple regular postings about finances, tips of living below your means, life's blessings, and politics.

Taking care of business includes tracking our expenses, developing a budget, following our assets, and being charitable with our blessings.

This morning I spent time with my doctor. I was past due for regular check-up things like a Pap smear, blood work, blood pressure checking, and mammogram. I had put it off long enough.

What about you, my friends? Time for a check-up with your doctor? Time for a look at your finances?

'til later

Tony

Have I told you about Tony? He used to work for the company that services our heating and air conditioning needs at our lake house. Now he works for himself.

Over a year ago we arrived at the house to find the furnace was not working. It was early spring and we needed the heat while we were there for a few days. Tony came over within 30 minutes and determined a part was necessary but not to worry as it was still under warranty.

Tony has many talents. He has wired extra lights in the crawlspace and changed pump filters. We called him Monday. He's not fond of plumbing work but he's capable. He will replace the insides of our 2 toilets before we get back to the lake.

We are expecting many guests in August and needed both toilets in shape. The reason we called was that one toilet was running some after flushing. The flapper was not sealing correctly. One hassle we didn't want our guests to face.

Bob and I live in Chicago suburbs. We wish we had a Tony here. He's a treasure.

'til later

Factory Card & Party Outlet

One visit to this colorful retail shop was all that was needed.

Marney's daughter, my granddaughter, Elizabeth will turn 2 on Saturday. This store has theme decor from rodeo to Elmo, from Little Kitty to pirates. There are plates, napkins, crepe streamers, banners, balloons, center pieces and even party favors for dozens of themes.

We avoided Dora and Elmo and found a pretty pink and flowers collection. Marney said no to party favors as most of the guests will be adult. And no to the princess crown as Liz is too young. For table covers, she chose solid color complimentary to the collection. Also, nicer solid color plates and streamers to match.

She will pick up helium filled theme balloons on Saturday morning or Friday night. They should keep indoors overnight.

Now we all hope the weather cooperates.

'til later

American Express

Bob has been in Canada lately on business. His receipts are in Canadian dollars so I print out the American Express statement to get the US dollar conversion.

American Express has started adding 3% fees for this calculation which bring the cost to an equivalent US sum.

An example is a dinner that cost $38.46 with a US conversion to $37.39. Then the American Express fee of $1.01 bring the cost to our company to $38.40 US.

We are still seeking an explanation as this "fee" has not occurred before.

'til later

Hot Humid July

It's July and it's hot. The entire nation has been scorched lately.

Bob and I appreciate our air conditioning but we also know how large the electric bill gets so we keep the thermostat set at 77 or so.

We have decided fans are important for that cool-ish feeling. We have ceiling fans in several rooms and a large fan on a stand in the bedroom.

Bob empties the dehumidifier twice a day. Keeping things dry in the basement helps. Plus the attic fan working to take heat and humidity off the top of the second floor helps as well.

Stay cool.

Timing!

George M. Steinbrenner died this week. He was 80 years old. "The Boss" was the owner of the New York Yankees.

His timing was great for his heirs. This year there are no inheritance taxes. These will go back to full pre-Bush levels January 1, 2011.

Will there be a rush of suicides and assisted suicides before January?

'til later

Stimulus

Remember the stimulus in 2009 of over $700 Billion?

It has been stated by the White House, although unsubstantiated, that "they" have saved or created 3.5 million jobs.

That's a cost of $150,000 per job.

Now they are creating another stimulus bill. More large debt? To what end?

Common sense: you can not spend yourself into wealth.

How crazy is this? And destructive!

'til later

Curb Work

We received a doorknob hanger from the City telling us the city would be tearing up the curb at the bottom of our driveway and replacing it. That was June 28.

We have been parking on the street with a note on our cars [it is illegal to park on city streets from like midnight and 5am]. The City still has not come to tear out our curbing.

I have contacted the City and the work is still scheduled. The wheels turn slowly.

Even when the work is started, we will be parking on the street for up to 10 days.

Government works slowly. Private companies have much larger incentives....competition.

'til later

Counting

Counting, accounting, listing, cataloging, sorting, adding.....

Time consuming and tedious but worth the effort. It's only in the counting that we know what we have. It's only in focusing on the details that we get the complete picture.

It's only in the effort that we truly see the blessings in our life and can fully acknowledge our gratitude to our God.

'til later

British Petroleum

Are we witnessing the demise of BP? The news last night said they were trying to sell some property in Alaska they held as a possible oil source. They have dished out billions already for clean up and trying to cap the leak.

The President's friend who will be deciding on allocation of the $20B stash said he should be up and ready for claims by Labor Day. He went on to say so many people just get paid in cash and were wondering about tax implications, etc.

I am sure there are many small fishermen and contractors who deal mostly in cash to avoid paper trails but this man made it sound like they were all tax avoiders and ignorant laborers. How condensating he sounded.

But the question remains. Are we watching the end of BP Oil? Will there be those who celebrate its death?

'til later

Mail

We've been away from home since early July 1. I had the mail held and it's to be delivered tomorrow. I sure hope they are waiting there for us. There will bills that need to be paid immediately.

I'm glad I invested in those stamps that are good no matter how expensive the current rate is. I paid $.42 each. The cost now is $.44 and going to $.46 near the first of the year.

A penny saved is a penny earned. Saving a penny? Pennies become dimes quickly and then dollars. We do not consider ourselves penny pinchers but rather careful.

These days we are all careful with our $.

'til later

Master Card

Visiting a smelly farm of wildlife animals in Topeka IN, eating leftover pizza heated in the microwave, waiting for a 2 year old to nap, time with family.....priceless.

Marney and her family are visiting us at the lake house. What a joy. We're waiting for the heat of the day to cool. Then we may venture to the small park on Dallas lake that has a playground and a beach.

Better get the battery to the camera all charged up.

'til later

Disgraceful

Have you heard anything about the Medicare director Obama appointed as soon as Congress went on recess? It seems so many were voicing strong opposition at the mention of his name, Berwick, that the only way this coward dictator could get what he wanted was to sneak him in. An open socialist, a strong voice for rationing healthcare, a lover of the process in England where 6,000% more prostrate cases are terminal, and a redistributionist.

Sure, it's been done before. This is not a first. It's just cowardly, secretive, and disgraceful. With the media looking the other way ALL THE TIME, our ruler can do what he likes unchallenged.

I think the executive branch has eaten the others. Of what importance is Congress? A bump in the road. Judges? No problem. Obama's first judge talked about gun rights when drilled before confirmation and turned right around and voted against our 2nd amendment rights.

Dear God, help America.

'til later

Worries

Worry, pray.

I am quite concerned about the direction this once great nation (we now apologize for that) is headed under this administration. I know I'm not alone but the rhetoric has been ratcheted up against capitalism.

I listened to part of yesterday's Obama speech (we receive at least one a day, not unlike a dictatorship). He talks like he knows how to get the economy going but the truth is he's never worked for a profit organization in his entire life. Well, maybe a few months right out of law school.

The economy is a big topic. I understand a little about how things work. Businesses hire people, sell a service or product, pay taxes and other expenses. The leftover part is profit and it's taxed in a number of way.

This president has no intention of helping business. He's a big government guy. Government, Big Brother, has all the answers and will be our nanny from birth to grave. Relax. Big Brother will care for us. No need to work and worry.

Is this how it will end. Democracy, capitalism, our greatness?

'til later

Continued Saga

Bob and I were both on the phone yesterday. First with corporate PNC, then the credit card division. Followed by 45 minutes with our local branch.

The credit card payment was lost. No one had it. It was likely not to arrive at all.

The local branch assistant manager transferred a lump from our money market account to the credit card. He could only assure us along with the bank manager that the transaction had gone through. He is mailing us a receipt.

We decided that besides the late fee we were racking up interest charges every day. That was the reason behind sending a chunk that covered the lost payment plus some to make it an even payment.

The lost was found. My online access this morning shows the credit card payment was posted July 2! Plus the payment "Joe" transferred for us came out of our account but is not yet posted toward our credit card balance. I suspect a day delay as these two divisions are not as connected as they were under National City.

Now, the question remains. Continue with PNC?

'til later

Late Fees

It cost us $39 late fee to find out this morning that our credit card payment is lost. Lost?

I set up a transfer of funds out of checking into credit card. It seems since it wasn't set up right -- thank you Mr. Banker we sat with 8 days ago -- the "paper check" that the bank cut and mailed 6/29 has not been received.

Oh! Why bank on line if a paper check gets handed to the excellent postal system? I can do that. I thought the whole idea was to save time and trees?

I am angry. The lady over the phone has posted a dispute to the late fee. Meanwhile, the balance is chinking up interest daily while the lost is found.

Hating PNC. Slamming PNC to everyone we know.

'til later

Time?

What time is it? Have you got the time?

Bob lost his new cheap watch in the water Saturday. Efforts were made to find it in the 4 feet of murky water but in the end it was lost. It was not waterproof.

Kmart was open July 4th and like other stores, they had loads of seasonal specials. Watches were not in their ad but the watch Bob found did not have a box so the jewelry counter clerk took 10% off.

Alas, another cheap watch. But maybe that's just fine. He seems rougher on them than I thought. Maybe he should not wear it boating or get a cheap waterproof one.

'til later

Money

I figure people around us must have loads of $. It seemed like every other house was blowing something off, either in their yard or right in the middle of the street.

After 11pm they were still making booms and lighting up the street. Scattering debris all over the 'hood. Since it doesn't get dark until about 10pm, many of the torchers had consumed their BBQ and a few adult beverages.

I wonder what they have left over for tonight since today is July 4.

And, where did they get all that $ to blow? Literally. Especially since all the communities around here had big displays Friday night and last night, I would ask why. Maybe there's a pyro in each of us. Just add $ and beer?

'til later

Gasoline

Bob and I have been on the road the past few weeks. Gas prices vary so much. Between Chicago area and northeast Indiana the price difference is nearly $.40/gallon. We can assume part of the difference is state and local taxes.

Yesterday at the pump, Bob could not get the credit card to work. He went in to charge it after filling but the attendant said all credit card access was "down".

Bob, who carries little cash, was able to scrape together enough for his purchase. He keeps his "fold'n" money in a money clip and accumulates singles until he doesn't see a $20 bill hiding. Then he either goes to the bank or asks if I have any cash.

When he travels alone, he does not rely upon his ATM card (his new PNC card is on his desk at home) but rather a wad of 20s stuffed in his wallet.

So, he sits crooked on his lumpy wallet when he travels. Otherwise, the wad in his pocket is likely more singles than anything.

'til later

Credit Card

Confession time. With National City I could set a payment on line via "transfer of funds" in advance to pay our credit card timely without worries.

PNC does not permit advance scheduled transfers. After meeting with our personal banker on Monday I thought I set up a transfer from checking to credit card but it never appeared the next day as a transaction.

Yesterday I spoke with 2 people on the phone at PNC. Evidently I set up a "payment" which triggered a physical check being printed and MAILED to the credit card company. So now I'm praying the postal workers don't go postal, the check arrives today, and the payment is posted before July 4 which is the due date.

Bob said, "you've done your best". Somedays I wish I wasn't a control freak. I did remember to pull balances of some accounts off the web yesterday which was the first day of the 3rd quarter of the year. I can plug those balances into our balance sheet without waiting for physical statements.

'til later

Repairs

We've lived here 25 years. Yesterday an orange tag was left on our door knob. The city will be replacing the curb across the bottom of our drive. No question it needs to be done.

The tag said the driveway would not be usable starting today at 7am! Later in the afternoon Bob flagged down a worker and ended up calling the city department.

The work may or may not happen this week. It's more likely it will happen next week.

I feel it was rude to tell us June 30 and then admit it might be 10 days before they tear out the existing curb, frame up and pour the new one. Then there's the cure days before the driveway will be available. At least we were notified.

We leave tomorrow and return July 12. July 13 one of our cars will need to be available for Bob's next business trip.

In the end, we are parking the old red van out on the street with the orange tag visible in the windshield. If the drive is not available July 12, Bob will take the gold van and leave me with the lovely red van. I'm more comfortable leaving the old beater out there without a garage door opener. I doubt anyone will bother a 1996 scarred minivan.

'til later

Another Chance

Bob and I met with a banker at PNC yesterday. He took about 25 minutes with us and answered our questions.

My biggest frustration was that no longer could we transfer from our passbook savings account into our checking account either on line or over the phone. Plus, paying our Visa card issued by and listed on line with PNC easily or schedule a payment in advance.

The passbook has been replaced with a money market account. This morning I transferred some of those funds and paid the Visa bill. I still can not schedule a payment ahead but maybe this will serve us just fine.

We were anxious about our business pre-printed deposit slips but the bank will route the transaction to the correct account.

Plus, Bob's pension is a direct deposit. We have a form coming to establish the correct routing number and account number but will not complete this important task in time for his next expected pension deposit. The banker said it will also be redirected to the correct account.

The controlling person within me will be checking online daily to assure funds are where they need to be, when they need to be.

'til later

Hit Me!

It's been said that picking stock is like playing roulette and investing in general is like playing craps.

Gamblers struggle to leave the tables whether they're winning or not.

They are like the government spending our way out of this recession, teetering on depression. Uncle Sam has tunnel vision. Spend and explode the debt. It's almost as if he doesn't care about the future. The next bet will be the big winner.

I don't like living with this gambler. I see no common sense way that anyone can buy their way out of economic problems. Will we be led into inflation problems or deflation problems?

So many are against profits. How can they be for these huge debts?

'til later

Banking Disappointments

Bob and I are going to the bank tomorrow and meet with a personal banker. There are several issues that we need clarification on.

We can not pay our Visa credit card bill with a future date through online transfer.

We can not transfer $ from our little passbook into our checking account on line.

We may not be allowed to use the pads of deposit slips for our little company since the account number has changed.

We were mailed a debit card with reference to "this replaces number xxxxx". We've never had a debit card.

You get the idea. So far PNC has not been a good replacement for National City.

'til later

Rates Lowest

In 2003 Bob's brother and his wife relocated and purchased a town home about 25 miles from here. They were thrilled the mortgage rates were so low. They qualified for a 6.25% loan.

When Bob and I relocated here back in 1985 interest rates were some of the worse in history. We bought down (paid a chunk of $ for every portion of a % reduction) from 12% to 9.75%.

It was announced yesterday that 15 year mortgages are available for 3.94% APR! And yet there remains little activity in house sales. You can imagine the lack of activity back in 1985 but now house prices have fallen and mortgage costs have too.

Maybe it's those little things like confidence and jobs.

'til later

Marital Bliss

I am awaiting delivery of something I purchased on line after seeing an infomerical on TV early one morning. I am hoping it will help our marriage.

Bob prefers to vacuum the floors and does not dust well. Our machine has great bristles but poor suction. It kicks up dirt but more often than not the particles are blown out the back as the machine is moved forward.

Bob seems oblivious to these as he works his way forward into a room. I suggest (strongly) that he start in the room and work back out of the room. I know if he does, he'll see all the debris accumulated.

He doesn't take my suggestions easily. I am not an effective leader. So small dirt is caught and particles are raised up and scattered.

A new vacuum is on its way. Light weight, swiveling head, on board attachments.

I'll let you know if the Shark Navigator is a "Bob" worthy machine. I hope it is. He has no idea I have ordered this marital aide.

'til later

War Genius

General McChrystal is a smart and disciplined soldier. There's nothing in his record that would indicate he would grant an interview and be sloppy about what he disclosed.

Mark my word. This is a genius move, a war move. A fake out.

Today we will find out if Obama leaves him in place with strong restrictions or relieve him of duty. We should know by tonight the fate of this hero.

In a world where things are not protocol at all, this could be a great ruse.

'til later

ps-In this world, the president can fire executives in car companies, ignore an oil spill without a scar, and demand government spend twice what most of us ever imagined on entitlements.

Fremont NE

There's a town in Nebraska that has decided they needed a new law even stronger than Arizona's in regards to illegal people.

It is against the law in Fremont to hire or even rent to an illegal alien.

Strong intent. I just wonder what issues they have experienced that led them to create this new legislation.

'til later

New Bank

This week is our first week as customers of PNC Bank. We started banking with MidAmerica Savings in 1985. It changed to MidAmerica Bank back in the 80s. A few years ago it was purchased by National City bank. I told you about our experiences with that transition.

PNC acquired National City about 18 months ago. A week ago yesterday all branches were closed and reopened on Monday as PNC.

Unlike before, all of our accounts have new numbers. We've been told we can use up our supply of old checks. This will take us better than 2 years. It's cheaper to order 3 boxes of checks at one time than one box per year.

I have one problem with PNC so far. We have our Visa credit card through the bank and usually pay on line via a transfer of funds. I believe we can still do that but we can not do that using a date in the future. I have to wait until the day I want to pay the bill and then go on line and transfer funds.

PNC offers a bill pay feature and they say it's free but trying to set up the Visa bill didn't make me feel confident. I think I'll go visit my local banker this week. I have other questions about bank cards we received.

'til later

Foreclosure Sale

It's very difficult to purchase a house in foreclosure. Someone near to me has made an offer on a house before finding out it was in foreclosure. It gets more difficult. The realtor went on to discover that there are 2 banks holding liens.

Without an accepted offer, my friend has been asked to pay for an appraisal. He's already given his earnest money and set a date of resolve. He has asked for a firm contract, accepted by all parties, within 6 weeks.

There are 2 weeks left on his time schedule and little hope. He and his wife have accepted an offer on their current home and will close in 6 weeks. They may be in crunch time by the middle of July.

It would seem to me that if a house is listed, doesn't sell, a much lower price is established....and then a counter offer to the one offer made....it should already be settled that a contract would be entered into.

I'll let you know how that works out for Ryan.

Til later.

Too Much

There's so much going on and I need my outlet! And I'd enjoy some feedback.

Yesterday I was witness and so were you to the end of our republic. Our dictator has taken assets from an entity owned by thousands of shareholders. The funds will be put under the watchful eye of our dictator's friend for the purpose of helping the small people along the gulf coast.

Now with his taste of power heightened, King O is on to increasing all of our power costs. Cap and rape, cap and tax, or any other fancy title O decides will be passed by the end of the summer.

Will our dictator allow our fair elections in November? Quite likely; however, after that his lame duck group will pass legislation that will leave us completely under O's control.

Long live the king.

'til later

Tax Now

Obamacare will start collecting taxes immediately to cover the "plan" that will take effect in 2014. That's right. Pay ahead to cover everyone.

Even with that and taking double credit for savings on Medicare, this "deemed" bill will force the United States of America into too much red ink. We will lose our excellent credit rating. We will enslave our children and grandchildren to debt created by this one legislation.

I am praying hard. God is the only salvation I can see. Nancy and Obama are twisting arms and promising deals that are shameful. God help us.

Obama Gift

When you do your taxes, you will discover Schedule M. Making Work Pay Credit.

You will love this extravagant gift from our president. It is a tax credit, not a deduction.

I think it's tied to earnings and is worth $400 per taxpayer as a tax credit. A reduction in your tax liability and payable to you along with any tax refund you are due.

There are limits based on higher income levels. Obama does not reward those making $200,000 or better.

However, don't count on it in the future. If his health care destruction bill passes, we will start being taxed now even though not one benefit will occur for three years. A gift before the slaughter.

'til later

Sunsets at Year End

At the end of 2010 Bush's tax cuts will sunset. Capital gain rates which are now 15% on long term gains will return to 20%.

This will only affect the rich. What's the big deal? I contend that regular people hold things that gain in value over time and are subject to taxation.

Stocks, antiques, artwork, acreage, rental properties. These can all gain in value and tax is due upon realization of the gain.

I am wondering how the anticipation may affect the stock market as we approach November and December. Will there be a sell off?

The internet is full of opinions (such as mine). Many call for extension of these tax cuts. Is this the environment in which taxes should be raised on anything? It's like kicking them while they're down.

We shall see.

'til later

E-file

Electronic filing of your income taxes has been around for probably 15 years. When I worked for the private practice CPA, we charged $30 to e-file over our dial up connection. I think the first year we did about 15 returns.

Next year if a tax preparer does more than 10 returns, he must e-file them all. So this year at the big CPA firm across town where I work 2 months a year, we are e-filing as many as we can.

It's a matter of educating people. The CPA completes the paper return and we mail a copy to the client along with a federal form and a state form which needs to be signed and dated and returned to us before we can transmit their data to the government.

We are having to follow-up on about 10% of those forms. Plus, if the client owes, we provide a "coupon" with an envelope so they can mail their check easily on or before April 15. One client decided we wanted that back as well. Fortunately, she included her check for the balance due.

This year we are considering e-filing using our software. I'll let you know if we decide to and how it goes.

'til later

Banks Change

If you follow my ramblings, you will remember when our bank of 20+ years was bought by National City and the anxiety associated with the change.

National City is now part of PNC. The banks get larger and larger. Little banks are failing a dozen or better each month.

PNC will eliminate all traces of National City by mid-June. We received a letter telling us that it is quite likely our account numbers will change.

Can you guess what I ordered 3 days before the letter arrived? That's right. I ordered 2 boxes of checks, enough for 2+ years.

Then there's our business checking account with very expensive checks. I have a good 2 year supply plus a fairly new endorsement stamp reflecting National City.

Beyond those costs, I am concerned about bank fees, minimum balances, and the like. National City grandfathered our personal checking account which meant we have no monthly fees, no minimum balance, and a morsel of interest. I doubt if the giant PNC will honor our faithful past.

I will keep you posted about all the changes in our future.

'til later

Joy Gone?

I was asked the other day why I have not been posting to my blog. I used to enjoy finding and sharing a financial thought. A savings I saw here or there. A secure investment or a secret to saving.

Then I found myself bad at the government and the financial status of the U.S. and the world. I'm still quite angry at the mortgage mess which has no end. Fannie and Freddie are in big doo-doo still and will be getting more $ from you and me soon.

I have a friend who is a realtor in a middle-sized city in Indiana. He tells of houses starting to move again. Some of his market has hit the bottom and people (either investors or possibly first time owners) are ready to purchase but the banks are holding up things. He told me of one couple who waited out the process, waited for 5 months to get financing.

Of course I have no idea if the problems are credit ratings or income questions. It's almost as if the banks have swung the other way. Where before you could get a $100,000 mortgage on your signature alone, now the banks are extremely cautious.

So my head has been full of government spending, the fear of tax increases, the fear of increased health care insurance costs, and the depression of $ not earning interest. As we hunker down and control our spending as much as possible, our savings sits safely not earning.

'til later